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.