The serious subject of play: why play is essential for better communication at work.

‘Play’ is sometimes dismissed as a childish subject and of diminishing significance in adulthood. It is seen as the opposite of seriousness. Something optional. Even unprofessional.

This stance is unsurprising. Although most of us were encouraged to follow our instincts to play as younger children (developing vital social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills in the process), we may have suppressed these instincts after adolescence.

Society suggests that play is something to relinquish as we mature into adulthood, and we prepare ourselves for the serious world of work.

But in reality, play sits much closer to effective communication than we tend to think.

Whether it's humour, curiosity or a willingness to explore ideas without immediately judging them, play changes how we interact - and how well we connect with others.

There have been some influential voices in recent years on the subject of play: Ken Robinson’s rich legacy included the message that play should underpin our education institutions; the bestselling author Daniel H Pink also champions play and its direct link to creativity in business; the scientist Stuart Brown founded the nonprofit National Institute for Play; and further back, such a brain as Albert Einstein directly acknowledged play’s role in his success and encouraged others to follow his lead and embrace their childlike qualities.

When conversations become overly rigid, communication tends to narrow. We focus on being correct, efficient, or controlled.

Play does the opposite. It opens things up.

And that shift has a direct impact on how people experience a conversation. Play makes communication more human - and more effective.

This doesn't mean turning meetings into games. It can be more subtle:

Allowing space for ideas without immediate evaluation

Using humour to reduce tension

Being willing to explore a thought before reining it

Responding naturally rather than sticking rigidly to a script

Small shifts, but shifts that change the tone of a conversation significantly.

Play isn't the opposite of serious communication - it's often what makes it work.

I will often question my coachees around whether they make time for play and many neglect this aspect of their lives.. I find that most of us would benefit from deliberately upping the frequency and intensity of play and even scheduling it if necessary.

Play is not only natural to us; it is essential for us.

Play is an effective antidote to stress and promotes good health; it helps us learn, problem-solve and broaden our possibilities; and it is the foundation of effective learning and communication.

If you want to communicate in a way that's more engaging, natural and effective it may be worth engaging with a communication coach.

You can contact me here to arrange an informal chat.