WHAT WAS THAT?The Four Aspects of Communication

PURPOSE OF SESSION

• To understand that communication occurs in diverse settings.

• To become familiar with the multiple ways through which people communicate.

• To learn how to react to and interpret the multiple forms of communication .

ACTIVITY• Everyone will be divided into groups

• You will be given a piece of paper that states a specific characteristic which you MUST demonstrate throughout the entire session.

• Examples:• Agree with everything• Only use your left hand• Complain that you are hungry• Never speak

ACTIVITY #1

Write your team name on the banner and come up with a

team chant

ACTIVITY #2

Walk to the opposite end of the room while remaining connected as a

group.

(Everyone's body must be connected somehow and every person must make it to the end)

ACTIVITY #3Scavenger Hunt!

Bring Me A:• Watch

• Pen or Pencil

• Octothrope

• Earing

• Obelus

• Notebook

• Snow Hat

• Fork

• Hair Elastic

• Aglet

• Umbrella

• Haiku

• Minimus

• Word with an aphthong

ACTIVITY #4

Construct a paper house that is at least 6” tall.

Note: All you have is paper. You may not use any glue or scissors.

ACTIVITY #5

Create a human pyramid.

THE POINT:

• What did you think of the tasks you had to do?

• How were they affected by people’s behaviors/attitudes?

• Why do you think this session is called “WHAT WAS THAT??” and focuses on communication?

THE FOUR ASPECTS OF COMMUNICATION

• SPEAKING• Presenting information in a way that is clearly

understood by the receiver.

• How was this done in your groups?

• Did everyone clearly understand what was going on?

THE FOUR ASPECTS OF COMMUNICATION

• LISTENING• Acknowledging and comprehending what is being

communicated by the other party.

• When you understood something, did you provide feedback on it?

• How did you acknowledge what you heard?

THE FOUR ASPECTS OF COMMUNICATION

• WATCHING• Recognizing verbal and physical aspects of the receiver.

• This applies to both parties. When you’re speaking, you need to understand your audience and watch for their reactions – are they good or bad?

THE FOUR ASPECTS OF COMMUNICATION

• REACTING• Adapting to the verbal and physical aspects of the

receiver

• Once you see people’s reactions to your speaking, you need to then react yourself and change your approach if need be.

• Did you have to make special accommodations for the particular people in your group? • (Hint: How did you respond to their assigned

characteristics?)