Waiter Watchers: Social Observation
A guided activity focusing on observing the non-verbal communication, efficiency, and teamwork of the restaurant staff, promoting social awareness.
- Takes
- 30 min–1 hr
- Your setup
- 5 min prep
- Ages
- Ages 10 and up
- Mess
- No mess
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- Indoors
How to do it
- 1Before starting, quietly discuss specific things to look for (e.g., eye contact, body language indicating stress, efficient pathing).
- 2Assign observation tasks: Player A watches how staff clears plates; Player B watches interactions with guests.
- 3Quietly discuss observations and hypothesize about the 'rules' of the restaurant environment.
- 4Discuss the importance of teamwork in keeping the restaurant running smoothly.
What they're practising
- Social Skills
- Non-verbal Cue Recognition
- Empathy
- Workplace Awareness