" 'Tis all a great show, the world that we're in--None can tell when 'twas finished--None saw it begin. "
-- Jones Very
Unit(s): Communication Process/Interpersonal Communication
Purpose:
The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the barriers in the communication process both in one way and two way communication.
Objective:
The objective is for students to realize that everyone does not clearly process what they say and to illustrate a communication breakdown.
Materials:
Geometric shapes cut out of different colors of construction paper.(You will need an identical set for each team. You may want to laminate them to be able to use them over and over.)
Procedure:
- This exercise is to follow a discussion of the communication model.
- You can use either the entire class or select two volunteers to come to the front of the room.
- Students will sit back to back and each will have a set of the geometric figures on the desk in front of them.
- Before they begin, determine who will be the sender and who will be the receiver. Also decide whether you will use one way or two way communication. If you use one way, the receiver may not speak at any time. At no time while communication is going on should either person turn around to see what the other person is doing.
- Have the sender arrange the geometric shapes into a design on his/her desk top. Once the design has been completed, the sender should explain to the receiver how to arrange the identical geometric shapes so that the senders's design is duplicated on the receiver's desk.
- Once the sender feels that the receiver has been given adequate instruction, he should turn around to examine the receiver's design. A matched designed indicates clear communication.
- If the designs do not match, a discussion should follow as to what would have helped communication, how we use non verbal cues to help determine clear understanding, how ambiguous our descriptions can be, etc.
