Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

Preparation

• This activity can be conducted with groups of women and group of men; however, it should be led in single-sex groups except when facilitators feel otherwise. The facilitators should also be the same sex as the participants in the group (i.e. women facilitators should facilitate activities among groups of women), especially for any sensitive discussions. This activity may be conducted with adolescents and youth, but considerations should be given toward conducting activities with individuals grouped by similar ages. It should be emphasized throughout the curriculum that violence should never be tolerated or accepted.

• Ask participants to divide into two groups.

Introduction

Describe to participants, in this activity, we will discuss different forms of communication. Communication is when we express our thoughts, feelings or information. Good communication can help us build healthier relationships with our family and friends.

Implementation

• Tell participants, “Imagine that I’m not a very good cook. I make food that can be eaten but that’s not delicious. I cooked a meal and asked all of you to try it. I want to know whether you liked it. I’d like some of you to like the meal, and others to not like the meal.”
  • Point to one group and say, “Let’s pretend that this group has already finished the meal so can use words.”
  • Ask for a few volunteers, from the group that can speak, to say whether or not they liked the meal and why, in their own words.
  • Ask the whole group, who liked the meal and who didn’t like the meal? It should be easy for the group to respond to this question.
• Point to the other group and say, this group has their mouths full of food still, so they cannot use words to express whether or not they liked the meal and why. They can only use non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions or gestures using their hands.
  • Ask for a few volunteers, from the group that cannot speak, to express whether or not they liked the meal using non-verbal expressions.
  • Ask the whole group, who liked the meal and who didn’t like the meal? It should be more difficult for the group to respond to the question.

Discussion: Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

• Ask participants, why was it easier to understand the first group? Possible response: They expressed their thoughts and feeling using words.
• Ask participants, did you understand the second group? Why or why not? Possible response: They were unable to describe their feelings, but you can see from their expression.
• Ask participants, did the first group use other ways to express their feelings in addition to using words? Possible response: They used their face/hands.
• The following points should be made, either by the facilitator or by the participants during the discussion:
  • You can tell if a person liked or didn’t like the food through their facial expression, hand gestures or words.
  • It’s difficult to know why they didn’t like the food. For example, if it’s too salty, not salty enough, has not been cooked for long enough. They can only use words to communicate this information.
  • If a person is being polite, they may say that they like your food with their words. But their face may show a different feeling.
  • It’s important to take note about how you communicate through your words, your face, and your hands or body. These are all forms of communication and are important in your relationships with your family and friends.
• Ask participants, why is communication important? The following points should be discussed, either by the facilitator or by participants during the discussion:
  • People build trust through honest communication.
  • People can only understand each other’s feelings and concerns if these are communicated to them.
  • Stronger communication allows us to solve problems.
  • Good communication helps us make better decisions for our family and for ourselves.
• Ask participants for examples of how good communication has allowed them to build trust, understand another person’s feelings, solve problems and make decisions. Ask for examples that happened in the last day or last week. Give an example to help participants think of examples in their own lives.

Closing

• Ask the participants how strong communication skills might affect their relationships. Take some responses.
• Close the session by summarizing the participants responses that strong communication skills can help form stronger relationships with siblings, parents, children, and spouses.