Rationale: This exercise is designed to illustrate the necessity of clear and open communication. After each drawing exercise, the participants will begin to realize that open lines of communication produce a better understanding of differing perspectives and lead to a better chance of managing a conflict.

Objectives: To explore the role of effective communication in managing conflicts.

Materials:

• Abstract Picture Handout (Download PDF - Requires free Adobe Reader)
• Markers and paper

Time: 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many people participate and how much time is spent debriefing the exercise.

Directions:

1. This exercise can be done three different ways:
   • Everyone in the group can participate with a partner.
   • The entire group can watch as one pair goes through the exercise.
   • Three different pairs from the group can be used for each drawing example while the rest of the class observes.
2. In each example there is a “Drawer” who draws a picture based on instruction, and an “Instructor” who gives instructions to the person drawing the picture. Only the Instructor looks at the picture that is being drawn. Only verbal instructions can be given to the Drawer. The Instructor should try to avoid using gestures.
3. The group or pair of participants should begin by following the instructions for Drawing Exercise #1. After they feel like they have exhausted all roads of communication or have reached a stalemate, move on to Drawing Exercise #2 and then Drawing Exercise #3.
4. After students have completed all three exercises, lead a class discussion about the differences in each exercise.

Drawing Exercise #1

• The Drawer and the Instructor face opposite directions.
• The Drawer cannot see the picture.
• Only the Instructor (and the audience if there is one) can see the picture.
• Only the Instructor can speak, the Drawer cannot speak.
• The Instructor CANNOT watch the Drawer draw the picture.

Drawing Exercise #2

• The Drawer and the Instructor face opposite directions.
• The Drawer cannot see the picture.
• Only the Instructor (and the audience if there is one) can see the picture.
• Only the Instructor can speak, the Drawer cannot speak.
• The Instructor CAN watch the Drawer draw the picture and give verbal instructions based on what he/she is observing.

Drawing Exercise #3

• The Drawer and the Instructor face opposite directions.
• The Drawer cannot see the picture.
• Only the Instructor (and the audience if there is one) can see the picture.
• The Instructor CAN watch the Drawer draw the picture and give verbal instructions based on what he/she is observing.
• The Drawer and the Instructor CAN speak to one another. For example, the Drawer can ask the Instructor questions and the Instructor can answer and give verbal direction.

5. Lead a class discussion using some or all of the following questions:

• What were the different interpretations that resulted when the lines of communication were not open?
• Were you frustrated during the exercise? How did you deal with your frustration?
• What is the advantage of keeping lines of communication open?
• What would have happened if the lines of communication had been open even more?
• What does this exercise tell you about how you can communicate better?
• How can apply what you learned here to conflict situations?

Adapted from Exercise 4.3.2, Creating a Culture of Peace in the English Language Classroom by Alison Milofsky (United States Institute of Peace). 

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