explore · Communication · 15–30 min · 3-20 people · medium energy

Can You Hear Me Now?

A communication-focused drawing challenge where a 'speaker' describes a complex image using only basic geometric terms. It highlights the gap between intended instructions and actual interpretation in a remote environment.

When to use Can You Hear Me Now?

To improve precise verbal communication and active listening skills within distributed teams.

What it solves

Misunderstandings caused by vague instructions or lack of shared context in virtual settings.

How to run Can You Hear Me Now?, step by step

  1. Designate one person as the 'Speaker' and everyone else as 'Artists' (5 min).
  2. The Speaker finds or generates a random image but must only describe it using geometric shapes (e.g., 'draw a large circle with two small triangles on top') (10 min).
  3. Artists attempt to recreate the image based solely on these verbal cues without asking questions (5 min).
  4. Reveal the original image and the artists' creations, then debrief on what communication styles worked best (10 min).

Materials needed

  • Random image generator or pre-selected images
  • Digital whiteboard or paper and pens
  • Webcam

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage the speaker to avoid using 'labels' for objects (e.g., don't say 'it looks like a house').
  • Use this as a lead-in to a discussion about project requirements.

Common pitfalls

  • Speaker uses forbidden words
  • Artists looking at each other's screens

Variations

  • Allow artists to ask 'Yes/No' questions in a second round to demonstrate the value of two-way communication.

Running it online or hybrid

Remote participants use digital whiteboards (Miro/Mural) while in-person participants use physical paper; ensure the speaker's screen is not visible to artists.

What it produces

A collection of varied drawings based on the same set of instructions.

Origin

Adapted from Museum Hack — source

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