Purpose
This exercise highlights the importance of body language in communication.
Objective
Delegates should speak and listen while avoiding smiling and eye contact.
Setup
- Delegates work in pairs:
- Person A: To talk about his/her hobby for one minute and to avoid smiling
- Person B: To listen with interest and ask questions if want to.
- Delegates in each pair then swap places:
- Person B: To talk about his/her hobby naturally.
- Person A: To listen without any eye contact or asking any questions
Timing
Explaining the test: 5 minutes.
Activity: 7 minutes
Group feedback: 5 minutes.
Variations
If more time is available, both people in the pair can experience both situations.
Discussion
Discuss the exercise by asking delegates the following questions:
- How did they feel at the end of each conversation?
- Did they feel ignored, frustrated or insulted?
- How could the situation be improved?
- How body language affects communication and binding?
- What other methods can be used to provide an enjoyable and flawless conversation?
Comments
By Liz Herring @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 10:55 AM
I've done a very similar exercise before and may seem simple but it is quite effective. I think most people underestimate power of smiling and eye contact.
X Liz
By rohini @ Sunday, September 13, 2009 7:11 PM
very nice activities!!!!!!!!!!!1
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