Arkansas State Communication Association

Oral Communication Units and Activities

"IT'S BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE, OR IS IT?"

Unit(s): Communication Process

Purpose:

To illustrate the importance of clear, precise, language in successful communication

Objective:

The student will demonstrate an understanding of the communication process by clearly communicating with a partner.

Materials:

Predesigned "sender" sheets

blank "receiver" paper

Pencils

Procedure:

Students are separated into pairs and are instructed to sit back-to- back.

One becomes the "sender," and the other becomes the "receiver."

Each sender is given a predesigned sheet which displays a wide variety of shapes, figures, and forms in random sizes and locations. The sender's job is to direct the receiver to re-create the sender's sheet on his/her blank sheet. the receiver's final drawing should be exact as possible (size location, etc.).

This goal is achieved if 1) the sender uses precise, concrete descriptive words in the directions to the receiver, and 2) if the receiver listens closely to the instructions and asks concrete, precise questions of the sender.

This activity can cause both participants anxiety, confusion, and frustration until they refine and adapt the communication process successfully between themselves.

Students should share results and discuss their roles, frustrations, observations, successes and failures. The following questions should be asked:
A. Which was easier, sending or receiving?
B. Which was most important?
C. What elements are found in a good sender
     and/or receiver?
D. What do the results of this activity tell you about
     your ability to send/receive messages
     successfully?

HINTS:

Use a variety of sender sheet designs throughout the class. Otherwise, a receiver might see the design sheet and just copy it.

Reverse roles.

Make the sender's sheets progressively harder and more complex.

Use suitable time limits.

The receiver may/should ask questions of the sender, but should not show his/her sheets to the sender for comparison until time is called.

Display good renditions, and reward small prizes for good work and good effort.

Arkansas State Communication Association

Teaching Guidelines

Arkansas Guidelines

Oral Communication Units and Activities

"IT'S BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE, OR IS IT?"