Whispers

(download activity pdf)

Issues addressed
How information can get mixed up or confused when you don't get it from the source.
Stereotypes and prejudices.
How truth becomes distorted.

Aims
To improve communications skills.
To improve active listening skills.
To increase understanding that not everything you hear is correct.

Time
10-15 mins

Group size
Any (the bigger the group the bigger the potential for the whisper to be changed, thus reinforcing the message)

Age
Any - pick a whisper appropriate to all ages

Preparation
Some whispers on the subject which you wish to consider or some basic whispers, e.g. nursery rhymes

Instructions
Have participants sit in a circle. Whisper the chosen phrase to the first person in the circle who has to then whisper it to the person beside them and thus it passes round the circle. When it reaches the last person they should say it out loud and the group can compare what the whisper started as with how it finished.

Suggested whispers
We are all different but equal.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
We should respect the religious beliefs of others and celebrate our cultural diversity.

Tips for facilitators
To make this more difficult make a rule that the whisper can only be said once to each person.

This could be an introductory activity to lead into a more structured discussion/information session about human rights, interfaith issues or sectarianism.