Communication theory can be challenging to teach in an engaging manner. The following original teaching activity suggests a way to incorporate the phenomenon of escape rooms into your theory classroom. Courses: Communication Theory, Introduction to Communication. Objectives: In this activity, students will apply the basic tenets of several communication theories--emotional contagion, cultivation theory, exemplification theory, and politeness theory--in solving a puzzle. Students will also apply theory by examining their own group processes during the activity through the lens of the functional perspective on group decision making.