Speech and Debate Curriculum Part 2.pdf

LISTEN UP!
An exercise in using active listening and specific language to complete the
Communication Model
SUBJECT MATTER APPLICATION
To be able to communicate effectively, you will need to learn how to use specific and
vivid language. Successful speakers learn to say what they mean to say, in the fewest
words possible. This activity will help you see how effectively you can do so.
The Communication Model is composed of the speaker (you), the message (your speech),
the receiver (your audience), and the feedback (your listener’s response to what you have
to say).
PROCEDURE
• Your teacher will hand you a sheet of paper with an odd arrangement of shapes and
lines of different sizes and line thickness. The teacher will pair you with another
student. Don’t share the drawing with your communication partner OR others who
may be asked to observe.
• Stand back to back. No peeking! Your partner will have a paper and a pencil and
will try to reproduce what you describe. You will be asked to describe the picture for
your partner under three different circumstances:
First time: Your partner may not speak AT ALL. You may give a verbal
description of the drawing. The drawer may not look at the drawing nor may he
ask questions.
Second time: Remaining with backs turned, the drawer is to turn the paper over
and draw it again. This time he may ask questions and you may respond. Still no
looking at each other or at what is being described and drawn.
Third time: Sit face-to-face with your partner. Look at each other this time, but
DO NOT share the picture yet. This time you may use gestures, eye contact,
watching the drawing in progress, questioning anything at all to get the job done.
Your partner can use any means available as well, short of actually looking at the
drawing.
EVALUATION
When this exercise is over, your teacher will ask you to make the following observations:
• What did you learn about the communication process?
• What effect does eye contact have on communication?
• What effect does voice have on communication?
• What effect do gestures have on communication?
• What effect do questioning and clarification have on communication?
Carter-CMS 2009 77