One Way, Two Way Communication

Have you ever felt like someone wasn't listening to you? How can you ensure you're an active listener to improve team communications?

Time: 

15 minutes 

Materials: 

One-way and two-way communication drawing handout below

Activity: 

Round One: One-Way Communication

1. Divide the group into pairs and explain that the partners will take turns giving instructions to each other. Ask each pair to identify one person as A and the other as B and have them stand or sit back to back. Person A has a copy of diagram #1, and person B has blank paper and a pencil (and a writing surface). The group facilitator explains the following rules for round one.
   • Person A describes the diagram for person B to replicate. They may not look at one another or their papers.
   • Person B may not ask for repeat instructions. 
   • Neither may use gestures of any type.  
   • Person A may not draw.  
   • Only words may be used to describe the diagram.  
2. The facilitator may repeat the rules while giving pairs a few minutes of drawing time, according to their speed and progress.  
3. After the first drawing is done, they may compare drawings and talk in their pairs about what they got right and what was off.
4. Discuss the experience as a whole group and take notes:  
   • What was it like to describe the drawing? What rules made it hard?  
   • What was it like to draw the diagram from a verbal description? What more did you want?
   • What would have made them more successful?
5. What are some of the themes and observations of the group?

Round Two: Two-Way Communication

1. In the same pairs and still back to back, this time person B has a copy of diagram #2 in the handout and person A has blank paper and a pencil (and a writing surface). The group facilitator explains the following rules for round two:  
   • Person B describes the diagram for person A to replicate. They may not look at one another or their papers.
   • Either person may ask questions.  
   • Instructions may be repeated.  
   • They may give one another suggestions about the instructions.  
   • Neither may use gestures of any type.  
   • Person A may not draw.  
   • Only words may be used to describe the diagram.  
2. The facilitator may repeat the rules while giving pairs a few minutes of drawing time, according to their speed and progress.  
3. After the first drawing is done, they may compare drawings and talk in their pairs about what they got right and what was off.
4. Discuss the experience as a whole group and take notes:  
   • What went well this time and why?
   • What communication skills made it easier to replicate the drawing?
   • What can you use from this experience when communicating in other situations?
5. Discuss the value of two-way communication and resolving conflicts with listening and repeating or questioning. Talk about the role of misunderstanding in escalating conflicts.

Two-way communication — asking clarifying questions, giving feedback and listening — allows individuals to clarify their thinking and move through disagreements.