In So Many Words
Kate
MikeGoal
The "In So Many Words" activity is designed to enhance participants' communication skills by emphasizing brevity and clarity in expression. Through a progressive word count reduction, participants learn to distill their messages effectively, ensuring concise and impactful communication in various contexts.
Materials
Instructions
Activation: Start this activity by having a casual conversation with learners. Ask a few of them to share what they did on the weekend/over the last few days since you saw them. As each learner tells you about their experience, try to quietly count how many words they used to share their story.
Alternative: Prior to the activity starting and without others knowing, ask another learner to count how many words each learner uses
Introduction: Let the learners know that you’re going to do an activity on communicating messages with many words, and very few words. Share with the group how many words (approximately) each learner who shared their weekend story used, to showcase how different people communicate in different ways, different situations/experiences require different lengths of communication, and messages can be clearly communicated using many or few words.
Explain the purpose of the activity— This activity helps us see how talking more or less can change how we share information, and how certain situations call for more or less communication, depending.
Demonstration: Provide a brief demonstration using a simple prompt. Ask learners to write or speak their responses.
Say “Explain to me how to make a peanut butter and jam sandwich, as if I’ve never heard of it before”. They can write their answers down on paper or on a digital whiteboard.
Note: The starting prompt can be changed to something more relevant to the cohort.
Once all of the groups have shared their answers, ask them to count how many words they used.
Some groups may get so specific in their instructions that they include how to make jam and peanut butter. Others may have more simple, clear cut instructions.
Revision and Reflection: Repeat the prompt, inviting learners to revise their responses to fit a new word count without losing the original message's meaning.
“In 25 words or less, explain to me how to make a peanut butter and jam sandwich”. Some groups may need to refine/reduce their initial instructions, while others may already be under 25 words.
Example: Get peanut butter, jam, bread, and a knife. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread, jam on the other. Combine slices, wet ingredients inside.
“In 10 words or less, explain to me how to make a peanut butter and jam sandwich”.
Example: Spread the ingredients on bread, then put the bread together.
Next, “In 5 words or less, explain to me how to make a peanut butter and jam sandwich”.
Example: Peanut butter, jam, bread, together.
Repetition: Repeat the activity with another prompt. Challenge the learners to maintain the clarity of their message while using fewer and fewer words to explain it.
Prompts are provided in Appendix A.
Each group can be given the same prompt, or you may want to give different groups different prompts depending on their configuration and knowledge of the prompt.
Debrief: Facilitate a discussion on the impact of word count on message clarity. Discuss the relevance of brevity in different communication scenarios, such as emails, updates, or presentations, and the pros/cons of keeping messages short. Invite learners to consider how different groups/audiences they have in mind when communicating using brief messages, and who they have in mind when communicating more lengthy messages. Why do they use different approaches to different audiences?
Optional Modification: If shortening the number of words is not the best option for the learners you are working with, shift the focus of the activity to removing or reducing the use of works like “like”, “um” or “ah”. Invite learners to use the same prompts but focus on reducing the use of these types of filler words. Adjust the debrief questions as needed.
Background
Preparation
Develop a list of prompts to use for this activity (See Appendix A for ideas]
Technology Considerations
No specific technology requirements for this activity. It can be conducted in person or virtually using standard communication tools. If using a digital collaboration platform, preparing workspaces for individuals/groups in advance is advantageous. A digital copy of the prompts can also be provided.
Additional Context
Impact of Word Choice: In this activity, learners experience firsthand how the choice of words influences communication effectiveness, and that word choice can and should be deliberate and intentional.
Adaptability in Messaging: The activity highlights the importance of adapting messages to different lengths, emphasizing the need for versatility in communication.
Clarity and Conciseness: Brevity doesn't always compromise clarity, but it can. Learners practice conveying messages succinctly without losing essential information.
Smart Communication Choices: This activity helps learners to make smart choices in communication. Understanding when to keep it short and snappy for quick understanding and when to go into more detail for a complete message.
Tips for Localization
Generate a list of prompts that would resonate with the learners in the group.
Encourage learners to consider cultural nuances related to communication brevity. Discuss how different cultures may interpret concise messages (positively or negatively).
Invite learners to share cultural insights related to communication preferences, and also explore different groups of people who use communication in different ways (i.e. an elder telling a story shouldn’t be concerned with brevity).
Examples:
Different age groups prefer various social media platforms. For instance, adults aged 30-50 often use Facebook, while younger generations prefer Instagram and Tiktok. When promoting events, consider where your target audience spends their time.
Word choice matters in communication. Misinterpretations can occur easily. An omission of a single word can have impacts. Clear communication is challenging through text, emphasizing the need for precision.
Hunters use satellite messaging tools like Inreach or Spot for safety while hunting. This technology is popular among individuals aged teens to 40, providing a modern way to reassure loved ones about their well-being while on the land.
Northern communities sometimes rely on media outlets to communicate important messages about issues, challenges, or celebrations to the general public.
Debrief Questions
Are you someone who likes to use a lot of words to communicate, or just a few words?
How did the reduction in word count impact the clarity of your messages?
What strategies did you employ to maintain the original message while reducing word count?
In what situations do you think brevity is essential in communication? Are there times where you shouldn’t be brief?
How did collaborating in teams affect the process of distilling messages? Was it easy/difficult to come to an agreement on the words to use?
Are there times when you should be using fewer/more words?
Appendix A: Prompts
In so many words, explain how to pitch a tent.
In so many words, explain the process of changing a flat tire on a vehicle.
In so many words, explain how to perform a basic CPR procedure in an emergency situation.
In so many words, explain how to perform a smudge
In so many words, explain how to light a qulliq
In so many words, explain how to safely and efficiently build a fire outside.
In so many words, describe the process of navigating with a compass.
In so many words, explain how to record, edit and upload a tik tok video.
In so many words, explain the process of selecting and brewing the perfect cup of tea or coffee.
In so many words, explain how to tan a hide
In so many words, explain how to harvest a bowhead whale
In so many words, explain how to make dry meat or dry fish
In so many words, explain how to chop wood
In so many words, explain how to travel from your community to Ottawa (how many flights)
In so many words, explain how to trap an animal
In so many words, explain how to organize community events in your community
In so many words, explain what you like about your community
In so many words, explain who is all in your family
In so many words,explain what you love about your grandparents
In so many words,explain how to cook your favourite traditional meal
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