What did you say?
Featured in the Indoor and Outdoor Team Development training manual
By Michèle Barca & Kate Cobb
Category: Team Building
Credit price: 3 download credits (Single user)
Clear communication is a vital skill for all managers but, somehow, is often overlooked. This may be because we use imprecise language when we talk to others, and allow them to use imprecise language with us. In this training activity, participants undertake an exercise that will be a success only if they rise to the challenge and use precise language.
You explain that the purpose of this training activity is to explore the use of precise language in communication. The task you give the group can be achieved only if they ask you questions in a precise manner; however, they do not know this. In fact, if they do not ask the ‘right’ questions, they may not have all the information they need to complete the task, which is to build a bridge to cross a river and then send two members of the team across, with certain restrictions. You conduct a debriefing session concentrating on the issue of precise communication. Then, working in small groups, participants practise the skills of precise language in role-play situations, before going to examine the application of these skills to the workplace.
Who is it for: This training activity is intended for use by trainers to enable participants to practise the use of precise language and to explore the importance of exact communication.
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 10 |
| Max Group Size: | 16 |
| Typical Duration: | 02:35:00 |
| No of Pages: | 20 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Additional resources: Bridge-building materials including: thick poles, rope, string, stop watch, plus 'red herrings', Tape to mark out the river, Prize for the winning team.
Purpose: This training activity can be used in any training event on team building, management or communication. This training activity needs slightly more space, so it is suggested that you take your team to an outdoor area, for example, the car park. It may also need some slightly unusual equipment, such as bamboo poles, plastic crates, bin liners, or string.
Download the training activity, What did you say? as featured in the Fenman training manual; Indoor and Outdoor Team Development