The BestMethods for Teaching Excellent Communication Skills

Group games

Group games are an interactive, engaging way to teach verbal and nonverbal communication, persuasion, collaboration and relationship-building skills. Through group games, students learn to efficiently pass the information on to others. During games, you should watch closely, make notes and be prepared to share your observations with students so they can improve over time.

Group game examples:

Complete a group project

Working towards a specific goal as a group requires communication. Ask the team to build, design or create something over a set period of time. Provide the group with any necessary materials and observe their interactions as they work. Afterward, ask the group what went well and what they could’ve done differently. Share your observations with positive feedback for each individual on what they did well.

Play the “emotional rollercoaster” game

Divide the group into two teams. Each team gets a set of cards with an emotion written on it, such as “angry,” “delighted” or “sluggish.” A student on the first team acts out an emotion while their teammates guess what it is. Then the other team tries. Set a time limit for guesses, and the team who guesses the most by the end is the winner. This game will help students become more aware of the expressions and body language signals they use to express emotions. It will also spark conversations about non-verbal signals. Be sure to leave time for post-game discussion.

Lead a team member through an obstacle course

Divide the group into teams of two and put a blindfold on one member of each team. Then, have them stand at the start of the course. The second member guides their partner through the course using only verbal directions. Let both the blindfolded and non-blindfolded members share their experiences, then ask them to swap roles and try the course again. 

Films

A carefully compiled collection of film and TV clips is a great teaching tool. You can pause, discuss and replay clips. Video clips also make for great take-home work. Students can watch as many times as they like, write responses and share during the next class.