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How to Play Games Using Nonverbal Communication

There are many forms of nonverbal communication that often express more than words. Because many silent actions are universal and instinctive, they matter in our interactions with other people. Nonverbal games are a fun challenge that helps both children and adults better recognize unspoken messages and feelings. Played at a kid's party or an adult party, in the classroom or used as a corporate team builder, these games are more enjoyable and beneficial when a few quiet actions are emphasized.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper
  • Pens
  • Pictionary game
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Instructions

  1. Nonverbal Techniques

    • 1

      Animate your face when playing games that rely on expressions to convey an emotion. One such game is a nonverbal version of Simon Says where the leader gives instructions like "Simon Says, be happy. Simon says, start crying." It's fun to see how dramatic people will get when silently expressing these feelings and is especially helpful in showing children how to read others. The game can be enhanced when Simon's instructions are more detailed like "get mad because someone just threw your cell phone in the river."

    • 2

      Gesture and use body language if playing charades, pantomime or any other game where a task or situation is being acted out in silence. They tell a lot about a person's feelings and needs and are often the only way people who speak different languages can communicate successfully. A person who is frustrated might throw her hands in the air while a person who is bored might fold his arms across his chest. Gestures and body language add interest and give voice to the silent story being told.

    • 3

      Watch others closely when playing games that include subtle changes. In the nonverbal game of Change the Leader, a group of participants mimic the actions of a designated leader. At some point, the leader discreetly passes her duties to another player. The signal might be a wink or slight nod, but if the intended player recognizes it as a cue to take over as leader, he will immediately step into the role. Only players who are paying close attention to the people and events around them will initially catch this changing of the guard. This game encourages observation and demonstrates subtle forms of nonverbal communication.

    • 4

      Perform a one-person skit, then invite others to participate by copying your actions. Have them join in one by one and don't tell them what they are acting out. Chase the Chickens is a game of this ilk, and only when all participants are running about are they asked to guess what they are doing. The interpretations are usually different and entertaining, and they show how nonverbal actions can be expressed in a range of scenarios.

    • 5

      Draw a picture of a word, phrase or movie title and have participants guess what it is. Known commercially as Pictionary, this game can be bought in stores or you can come up with your own things for people to draw. This game often relies on symbols to communicate, such as a clock face to represent the word "time" or a green light to express the word "go."


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