Purpose

The aim of this exercise is to help participants realise how their conversations are often about themselves and regardless to other people involved. This is a useful activity to encourage active listening and helps delegates to improve their communication skills.

Objective

Delegates to talk about anything but themselves.

What You need:

• A pen and a piece of paper for the listener

Setup

• Split the group into pairs.
• One person out of each pair has to talk for 2 minutes non-stop about what ever subject they like, however they are not allowed to use the words; I, me, myself, mine or my.
• Both speaker and listening party are not allowed to ask any questions.
• The listener is not allowed to show any facial expressions such as nodding, shaking their head, smiling or frowning.
• Every time the speaker mentions any of the forbidden words above, the other person should draw a cross on a paper.
• Encourage pairs to talk about the experience at the end of the round and provide feedback to each other.
• Swap the speaker and listener and ask pair to repeat the process.

Timing

Explaining the Exercise: 5 minutes

Activity: 5 minutes

Group Feedback: 20 minutes

Discussion

Discuss within the group the effect of the activity. Was it difficult not to talk about yourself? Would asking questions and facial expression made the conversation easier? How does it feel to speak without getting any acknowledgment or feedback?