Can You Hear Me Now?
A communication-focused drawing challenge where a 'speaker' describes a complex image using only basic geometric terms. It highlights the gap between intended instructions and actual interpretation in a remote environment.
To improve precise verbal communication and active listening skills within distributed teams.
Solves: Misunderstandings caused by vague instructions or lack of shared context in virtual settings.
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Step 1: Designate one person as the 'Speaker' and everyone else as 'Artists' (5 min).
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Step 2: The Speaker finds or generates a random image but must only describe it using geometric shapes (e.g., 'draw a large circle with two small triangles on top') (10 min).
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Step 3: Artists attempt to recreate the image based solely on these verbal cues without asking questions (5 min).
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Step 4: Reveal the original image and the artists' creations, then debrief on what communication styles worked best (10 min).
- Encourage the speaker to avoid using 'labels' for objects (e.g., don't say 'it looks like a house').
- Use this as a lead-in to a discussion about project requirements.
- Allow artists to ask 'Yes/No' questions in a second round to demonstrate the value of two-way communication.