Back writing

Aims of the tool

Successfully communicate (“transmit”) a written message through your team.
This activity requires people to communicate through touch. It’s a stretch for most people to use this sense in this way (and stretching is good).

Description of the tool

1. Create small groups of 4 or 5 people each. Have each small group sit in chairs (or on the floor) in a line, one person behind the other. Provide the person at the front of each line with an A4 sheet of paper and a marker.
2. Give the big group the following directions: “In a moment, I’m going to ask the person at the back of each small group to come to the front of the room where they will watch me draw a picture on a big piece of paper. Only this small group of people will be allowed to view the picture. Once they see the picture they will return to their seats where they will then use their finger to draw the same picture on the back of the person sitting in front of them – who will then draw the picture on the person’s back in front of them – who will then draw the picture on the back of the person in front of them – and so on. The person at the front of the line will then draw the picture on the piece of paper using the marker. Once each team is done, we will compare final drawings with the original drawing.”
3. Keep the first picture simple – like a smiley face. After the first round, have people rotate positions in their small groups so everyone can get a chance at being the first person. See “Variations” below for suggestions on other (more difficult) pictures to draw.

Rules
1. People have only one chance to draw the picture on the back of someone else.
2. Verbal communication is not allowed.

Debriefing Suggestions

1. I like to have groups participate in this activity and then discuss (in their small groups) what they’ve found to be true about communication as demonstrated through this activity. Groups will often discuss issues such as the importance of clarity and how messages delivered with great care can get turned upside-down in short order.
2. Occasionally there will be a person or two who attempt to “cheat” by looking at their neighbors to see how they are doing. I don’t concern myself with this behavior because what often happens is they end up getting erroneous information (i.e. their neighbor is doing it wrong). This provides for an interesting debrief topic.