Exercise 16: To Feed Back or Not To Feed Back

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                        EXERCISE SIXTEEN
                TO FEED BACK OR NOT TO FEED BACK

Explain to the group that this exercise will demonstrate the need
for feedback for accurate communication and listening.

>> Part 1

1. First find a volunteer who will try to communicate with the
others without the use of feedback or nonverbals.

2. Pass out blank sheets of paper to the group and present the
following task:

     þ    the volunteer leader will give the group directions to
          copy a simple drawing

     þ    the volunteer has as much time as she/he needs to
          communicate the directions for making the drawing using
          only verbal directions

     þ    give the volunteer a copy of Figure Number 1 and instruct
          the group that she/he may only use verbal communication. 
          She/he will not face the group or use her/his hands for
          directions

     þ    the group is instructed that they are to ask no questions
          and that, in the spirit of the exercise, they are not to
          make any comments of any sort

As the volunteer directs the drawing of Figure Number 1, be aware
of the reactions of the group members as well as those of the
volunteer.  Also be aware of the length of time it takes to
complete the drawings.  Have each person mark on their sheet
whether they think they have made an accurate drawing.  Then check
with the volunteer to see if she/he feels she/he has communicated
the information accurately.


>> Part 2

Get a second volunteer to direct the drawing of Figure Number 2. 
This time allow the volunteer to receive feedback and use nonverbal
information (body language).  Then pass out a second sheet of blank
paper to each person in the group.

1. Give Figure Number 2 to the volunteer and explain the following
directions to everyone:

     þ    the volunteer will direct the group in drawing Figure
          Number 2

     þ    he/she will face the group this time and have as much
          time as necessary to give thorough directions

     þ    he/she is also permitted to use any nonverbals needed,
          and anyone from the group can ask anything they wish to
          help them complete the drawing

2. Again observe the group and the volunteers and keep a check on
how much time it takes to complete the drawing.

3. After the group finishes, show them the two figures and, on
newsprint, keep score of how many people copied Figure Number 1 and
Figure Number 2 accurately.

4. If the group doesn't spontaneously begin a discussion, it might
be helpful to have them discuss the following:

     þ    how did the volunteers (1 and 2) feel during each
          exercise?

     þ    how much time did each part take to complete?

     þ    what was the difference in accuracy between communication
          number 1 and communication number 2?

     þ    how can this experience be related to actual cases or
          experiences in your group meetings?

     þ    what can be done about it?

It's at this point that I usually bring up an old joke my friends
used to say about me: If I ever sat on my hands I wouldn't be able
to speak.  Funny thing, but that may be partly true when it comes
to communicating accurately. 

• Lois M. Frey, UVM Extension, RR #4, Box 2298, Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 223-2389, email: lfrey@sover.net
• "Group Development: Creating Group Effectiveness" by Duane Dale, DFD Associates, 99 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-3402 (moving to 764 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01022 after 8/1/98);
• Bob Biagi, 142 Cherry Lane, Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 549-1412;

Comments to: crs@uvm.edu
Reviewed as of 4/20/98