MODULE 8: DEMONSTRATION 2
COMMUNICATION SKILLS PRACTICE
PURPOSE

Identify the goals of and blocks to successful communication.
CONCEPT OF THE DEMONSTRATION
Effective teaching is done by people who know that facilitating learning is their main task.
Reaching adult learners is different than teaching children. Participants can gain
confidence through participation and exposure to certain truths. These truths have been
gained through actual experience in teaching and research made into the effects of
teaching methods and styles.
CONDUCTING THE DEMONSTRATION
Several slides and handouts center around this section. While working through the
module these two demonstrations will give participants an experiential learning lesson.
A:
The Secret. This simple exercise teaches a powerful lesson and is usually very
amusing. The lesson proves the difficulty of communicating orally because the
probability of distortion and reinterpretation of the message is great.
1.
B:
Simply decide on a short message (10 to 12 words written down) and have
participants whisper it to each other around the room. Expect to find the
message changed in an often humorous way.
Abstract Forms. This exercise teaches another lesson on the difficulties of
verbal communication.
1.
2.
3.
Reproduce one of the sets of abstract figures in the handout section or
draw one of your own. These should be made on thick paper or cards (5" X
8" is a good size) that cannot be seen through. Make enough copies for half
of the participants.
Form the participants into pairs. Distribute the cards to one person in each
pair and caution them not to let their partner see the design. Pass out blank
cards to the partners.
Persons holding design cards must verbally communicate ONLY
instructions on reproducing the design. No hand motions or other
communication methods may be used - strictly verbal instructions only.
4.
Give each pair 5-10 minutes for giving instructions and drawing. This is
quite difficult and some frustration may be expected, although it is also
humorous to most people.*
Let pairs examine the two cards and discuss the process for 3 or 4 minutes.
Then ask for volunteers to report on their experience and what they learned.
This process should reveal an increased respect for the challenges of
communicating verbally and the need to use more than one method of
teaching. Point out the distinct advantages of using all three teaching
methods, i.e., Show it, Tell it, Do it.
*Some consideration should be given to cultural appropriateness when planning this
exercise.