The North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
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About the Manual
 
Establishing Rapport
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Self-Esteem
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Relationships
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Communication
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Life Skills
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Body Image
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Spiritual Connection
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Social Skills
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Academic Success
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Career and Money
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Pregnancy Prevention
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Sexual Abuse
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Substance Abuse
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Addressing Hate
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Group Work
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Activities For Families
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Community Involvement
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References (PDF)
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Quick Links
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Thank You
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Communications Game
Original Source Unknown

Objective:
This group activity is a fun effective tool to reinforce the need to actively listen as well as communicate effectively. The game is meant to be fun and allow the participants the opportunity to experience the emotions and frustrations felt when others do not effectively communicate or actively listen.

Directions:
The facilitator begins by explaining this activity as a tool to help the participants understand effective communication along with positive and negative communication. Participants are given a card with a statement written on it telling the group how to treat them during a conversation. The participants do not read their own card. Each person places the card in front of him or her so the others can see it. The facilitator then explains that they are to treat each other in a conversation as the card directs them. Remind the participants that this activity is a learning experience but also meant to be fun.

Some examples of the directives written on the cards:

  • Ignore me
  • Argue with me
  • Agree with everything I say
  • Disagree (politely) with everything I say
  • Interrupt me when I'm speaking
  • Do not make eye contact with me
  • Look at me and pay attention when speak

Now, start a conversation. Nothing too serious but definitely something the girls have interest in (examples might include how they feel about school uniforms, what is a reasonable curfew, where is the best place to go with your friends, what is their favorite movie and why). It is important for the facilitator to keep the conversation going. Watch closely as many of the participants will become frustrated. After all have participated, and a reasonable amount of time has passed, have the girls' guess that their directive was. Allow the participants to discuss how it made them feel to be treated this way. It is extremely important that each of the girls have time to speak to the group. Ask the group members if they recognize any of these traits in their own communication styles.

It is very important to practice effective ways to communicate. Discuss these positive ways (not interrupting, listening, making eye contact, stating their opinion politely). Now have the same conversation again - this time ensuring all participants are treated with respect.

 

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