Communication is a vital skill, but not everyone is aware of their communication strengths and needs. This activity will provide a playful way for you to get to know staff members and their communication strategies. Follow the directions below to lead a fun and informative team building exercise. Then reflect with staff using the questions at the end of the activity.

What you will need:

• Printed photos of objects made out of basic, multiple shapes.
• Blank sheets of paper and a writing utensil for each pair
• Optional clipboards or hard writing surfaces

Directions:

1. Have participants sit back-to-back on the floor or on chairs. Partners should not be able to see each other’s hands.
2. Give Partner 1 one of the photos of an object made out of simple shapes.
3. Give Partner 2 a blank sheet of paper and writing utensil.
4. Ask Partner 1 to describe the picutre to their partner without saying what the object is.
5. Based on this description, Partner 2 should try to draw an image that matches Partner 1’s object. No peeking! Partner 2 is allowed to ask questions.
6. When Partner 2 is satisfied, ask each partner to reveal their drawings. Compare the creations.

Reflection Questions:

1. What strategies did you use to communicate?
2. What did you get stuck on? What was difficult? What was easy?
3. What did you realize about each other’s communication styles or preferences?