Download Tool-D-Communication-Activity

Communication Activity Instructions
Purpose
This activity emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills and giving clear and specific instructions when describing a process to others. Clearly
dictating processes related to the RN is key to ensuring all network members are implementing the referral system correctly. Effective communication among
network members will also assist with troubleshooting and process improvement.
Instructions
1.
Explain that the participants will be required to make two small drawings, drawings A and B, using only the verbal instructions provided by the
instructor, a pen and paper
2.
First, the facilitator reads aloud the non-specific drawing instructions to participants without revealing the type of instructions they are being given
(specific vs non-specific); the facilitator should repeat the instructions until all participant are confident they have completed the drawing per the
instructions given
3.
After the participants have finished the non-specific drawing, the facilitator then reads the specific drawing instructions, repeating the instructions
until all participant are confident they have completed the drawing according to the instructions given
4.
Ask participants to compare the two drawings they have made and begin the debrief using the discussion questions below
Drawing Instructions
DRAWING A: NON-SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Draw a square
2.
Draw a circle
DRAWING B: SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Draw a square in the middle of your paper that is 2cm by 2cm
2.
Draw a circle with a 1 cm diameter on top of the square so the bottom of the circle is
touching the top of the square
3. Draw a line
4. Label this ‘drawing A’
3.
Draw a line across the entire square so that the line cuts the square in half horizontally
4.
Label this ‘drawing B’
Debrief
After both sets of drawing instructions have been provided, engage the participants for a debrief guided by the discussion questions below:
 How do your two drawings differ from one another? How are they similar?
 How do your drawings compare with your neighbor’s? Which drawing, A or B is more similar to your neighbor’s corresponding drawing?
 What was different about the two sets of drawing instructions provided by the facilitator?
 What do you think this activity shows us? How does that relate to the RN processes?
 How do you think communication is a factor in the functioning of the RN?
Points to highlight:
 Effective communication is essential to many aspects of the RN, particularly for communication of processes and how we talk about the RN
 We may think we are providing information to another stakeholder successfully but it may not be received in the way we think it is
 Poor or ineffective communication can slow progress of the network by not making issues known or not communicating or understanding standardized
processes clearly
 To ensure the RN is functioning properly, it is important for stakeholders to communicate clearly and specifically about processes for making and
receiving referrals, challenges and barriers that arise and working together to address them