Purpose

This exercise highlights the importance of body language in communication.

Objective

Delegates should speak and listen while avoiding smiling and eye contact.

Setup

• Delegates work in pairs:
  • Person A: To talk about his/her hobby for one minute and to avoid smiling
  • Person B: To listen with interest and ask questions if want to.
• Delegates in each pair then swap places:
  • Person B: To talk about his/her hobby naturally.
  • Person A: To listen without any eye contact or asking any questions

Timing

Explaining the test: 5 minutes.

Activity: 7 minutes

Group feedback: 5 minutes.

Variations

If more time is available, both people in the pair can experience both situations.

Discussion

Discuss the exercise by asking delegates the following questions:

• How did they feel at the end of each conversation?
• Did they feel ignored, frustrated or insulted?
• How could the situation be improved?
• How body language affects communication and binding?
• What other methods can be used to provide an enjoyable and flawless conversation?