Group Size: 1 to 50+
Time Needed: 10 to 15 minutes
Goal: To illustrate the need for two-way communication and to illustrate that people have different perceptions
Audience: Couples, Parents, Singles, Teens, Children
Special Considerations: None
Resources Needed: One piece of paper for each participant

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The facilitator gives each participant a sheet of paper. The facilitator also has a sheet of paper.
2. Instruct the participants to close their eyes. Tell them no questions are allowed.
3. The facilitator issues the following instructions and the facilitator demonstrates them as he or she directs the group to:
   1. Fold the paper in half.
   2. Rip off a corner.
   3. Fold the paper in half.
   4. Rip off a corner.
   5. Fold the paper in half.
   6. Rip off a corner.
4. The group is then instructed to open their eyes and share their papers.
5. They will find many different shapes of paper even though they all had the same instructions.
6. If time allows, place the group members into pairs.
7. Have the pairs sit back to back and repeat the exercise. This time, they can use their communication skills, to get the same shape of paper.

Tips for Discussion and Processing

Discuss how good two-way communication skills can clarify instructions and provide cooperation. Discussion can also center on how different perceptions create many different results. In discussing the “pair” activity, illustrate how the papers were more similar due to two- way communication and cooperation.

Note: These activities can be modified to reflect a variety of skills.