Whispers
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:
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, eg 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
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•
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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.