During a conversation, we receive information by observing the other person’s facial expressions, gestures, and posture. With the increased use of technology, more and more of our communication takes place without being able to observe the other person. Communication with just spoken words has some advantages and disadvantages.

Flow

Find a partner. Ask each participant to pair up with another participant. Tell them to stand facing each other.

Have a conversation. Announce a relevant topic and a 2-minute time limit. Invite the participants to chat with their partners, encouraging equal participation.

Conclude the conversation. Blow the whistle at the end of 2 minutes and ask the participants to stop talking.

Find a new partner. Ask each participant to pair up with a new partner. Tell the participants to stand with their backs turned to each other. Advice the participants that they should hear — but not see — the other person.

Have a conversation. Invite the participants to chat with their new partners, talking about the same topic for 2 minutes.

Conclude the conversation. Blow the whistle at the end of 2 minutes and ask the participants to stop talking.

Conduct a debriefing discussion. Ask the participants to discuss these two topics:

What are the major differences between the two types of conversations?
What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of these two types of conversations?