C. Communication Between Group Members

C.2. Don't Make Me Laugh

Divide participants into pairs. One partner becomes a serious character and decides he/she will never laugh or even smile again. The other partner has to change this state of affairs.
The leader will have to decide whether tickling etc., is allowed.
Partners exchange roles when the first partner does laugh.

Variation:
Make partner angry instead. No hurting, though, no blows or personal comments.

Review:
Discuss effects and methods afterwards.

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C.3. Gibberish

The point of the exercise is to develop intensity of expression, excluding real words.

The moderator splits the group into pairs and suggests the point of a forthcoming conversation.
It is then explained that no recognizable words will be used. The pair are to talk as if in a foreign language, making up words and sounds.

Ideas for the conversation:
Lend me some money.
Where were you last night?
Go home, your passport is about to expire.
It was the funniest event of the year/program/camp/trip.
You’ve been brought here to talk and you’ll tell us all we want to know.

Variation:
Instead of sounds or new words, numbers can be used

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C.4. Partner Conversations

This is almost an exercise in mind reading, and it certainly helps teamwork!

Have group members find a partner, hold hands, or put arms around each other (no talking!).
Each pair now finds another pair, and holds a conversation with them, where each partner alternates with one word, until a sentence is formed.

Variation:
Use teams (3 or 4) instead of pairs.

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C.5. The Word Wizzard

This exercises is strongly directive but highly constructive, because it limits the use of language to the minimum in random combinations, in order to enhance the mechanisms, like body language, lines of communication and content focus. By ringing the changes in partners, it also creates opportunities for members to communicate meaningfully with a variety of participants. It thus enhances their familiarity with one another, multiplies their respective channels of communication and improves their independent message content gradually, with a final creative assignment to afford a productive outcome.

Pencil and a few sheets of paper are needed for each group member.

Give the following instructions slowly, and one at a time, with pauses between.

The facilitator or leader opens up with the following,
“I am a wizard, I am taking away all your words. But as I am generous, you may have four of them back. Write down the four words you want to keep, out of all the words in the world.
"Find a partner, communicate using only your four words, plus gestures…"
(pause).
"Now you may share words with your partner, write down his or her words. Now you have up to eight words."

"Change partners and communicate with these words on your list only."
"Now share your words."
(Repeat, changing partners 4 to 6 times.)

"Now take your list and try to write a poem using just those words.”

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C.6. Guillotine

It is often easier to communicate if one is playing another character in an absurd or extreme situation. Creative lines and dramatic role-play will loosen up a lot of shy people and release a great deal of positive energy.

Pencil and paper are required for each chanich.

Divide the group into pairs.
Partners decide on and write down six lines of conversation (three lines each). Use this as script.
Now repeat the same lines, but in these situations:
a. As if crossing the Judean Desert.
b. As if taking a person to the border crossing (do this both ways).
c. As if you were two newlyweds at breakfast.
d. As if taking someone to the guillotine (both ways).
e. Any situation of your own choosing.

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C.7. Listening not Judging

Communication quality and progress can vary, especially when there are opinions flying around, rather than knowledge, or when a few people are dominating the discussion. This can be redirected by empowering everyone equally to speak and to listen. Discussion is slower but understanding is greater.

Form small groups and explain the procedure as follows:
Each group chooses a topic of general interest to discuss.
Before a participant can respond to another’s comments, he or she must put the previous person's ideas in his or her own words.
If they are not acceptable to the previous speaker, he or she should try again.