You Said It!
Define Communication
Objective: In groups of about 3, the students will identify and list the different types of communication that can be used. This will be based on how people send and receive messages to one another, not on whether or not it is informal or formal communication. The students will then practice the various forms of communication with an audience.
Materials: The students will need only a pen/pencil and paper in order to create a list. The teacher should have small strips of paper and 2 jars or hats to draw out of.
Steps:
1. Number the students off 1-6 and divide them up into groups according to the number given to them.
2. Once they are in their groups have them begin brainstorming about the various ways that we communicate in our everyday lives.
3. After they are finished making their list, have the different groups say what they came up with and then create one list for the entire class. (You may have a student volunteer to write these on the board as they are called out.)
4. Using the list of everyone’s results, then give the students a message that they must try to convey to the rest of the class by communicating in only a particular way. Do this by drawing a message from one jar and a “vehicle” or means by which to communicate that message, out of another jar. Have the students come up one by one and do this.
Results: By the end of the activity, the students should have not only a broad understanding of what communication is, but also a more detailed knowledge of the different ways that we do it. As a homework assignment have them consider the activity in class and the following questions and write a response for it: What was the most difficult part in understanding the nonverbal forms of communication? What was the most effective means by which to get the message across? How would it be possible to create a “mixed” signal? Do you think that the message determines or makes a difference in how one should try to deliver it? Do you feel that any particular way of communicating is more vital than the rest?
Kit Mentzer
Sept. 2, 2009