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Title of Activity:
Broken Telephone


Number of Teams & Group Size:
Involve all participants as 1 big group
Variation: At least 2 teams for competition


Logistics Needed:
None


Time Allocated:
10 - 20 minutes


Goal:
Successfully pass the message through the entire group


Preparation & Set-Up:
Prepare several messages prior to the activity at least 3 messages of
varying length and difficulty


Directions for Conducting the Activity:
1. Ask participants to line up in a straight row, about one arms length apart from
each other.

2. Inform participants that they are to pass a given message, from one person to
the next, in turns, via whispering. No other form of communication, and no
tools are to be used.

3. Let participants know that they can take as long, or as short, an amount of
time to whisper a message. Once they have completed passing the message,
they are to step aside.

4. Begin by telling the first participant the given message, repeating it at least 3
times. This should be done out of earshot of the rest. Alternatively, let them
read the given message.

5. Carry out the activity. Once everyone has completed passing the message,
the final person is to say the message aloud.

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6. You may wish to repeat this activity for at least 3 rounds. You may also wish
to swap the participant whom you give the message to.


Specific Rules:
1. Messages may only be passed by whispering from person to person, no other
form of communication or tools may be used.

2. Messages must be passed through the whole team, one person at a time, in
turns.


Variations:
1. Rumors: While passing the message, each participant deliberately changes 1
word in the message to another word of their choice.

2. Pass a message in a different language.

3. Divide participants into 2 or more groups, and compete to see which team
can pass the message the quickest, and the most accurately.


Learning Points:
Communication
Accuracy
Pronunciation
Cumulative Errors
Active Listening / Attentive Listening
Integrity


Facilitator Notes:
Ensure participants only pass messages by whispering.
When giving the first participant(s) the message, you may wish to let them
read it, or, repeat it to them at least 3 - 5 times.
Sample Messages:
o A green car sped quickly round the bend.
o The statistics show that less than 2% of people have formal education
on effective listening.
o The moon shines on a windswept beach near the foggy sea.
o Grow, peanut butter jelly, glow.
o Space robot pirates like to plunder the bottles while balancing on
rubber beach balls.