Back to Back Drawing

The Back to Back Drawing icebreaker is an engaging and insightful activity designed to highlight the importance of clear verbal communication and the challenges that arise when visual cues are absent. In this exercise, participants pair up and sit back-to-back, with one person assigned as the “describer” and the other as the “drawer.” The describer is presented with a detailed image, which they must accurately convey to their partner using only words—avoiding any direct mention of objects or elements within the picture.

The drawer, meanwhile, relies solely on the verbal instructions provided by their partner to recreate the image on paper. Once a predetermined time limit has been reached, both individuals compare their drawings and discuss the accuracy of the description, as well as any misinterpretations or challenges they faced during the process. This reflection allows participants to better understand the significance of clear communication in various situations and serves as a foundation for improving interpersonal skills in professional and personal settings.

The Back to Back Drawing icebreaker can be easily adapted for different group sizes and environments, making it an accessible and versatile tool for team-building workshops, classrooms, or corporate training sessions. Choosing images with an appropriate level of detail is crucial to maintaining the activity’s challenge while ensuring participants remain engaged and motivated throughout the exercise.

1. Pair up and sit back to back with one partner designated as the “describer” and the other as the “drawer.”
2. The describer gets an image that the drawer cannot see.
3. Only verbal communication can be used by describers, avoiding direct words related to the image.
4. Clarifying questions are allowed, but no peeking or receiving direct hints.
5. Start the timed session once everyone is ready (5-10 minutes recommended).
6. Describers must not draw, only describe the image in detail.
7. Drawers cannot ask yes/no questions and must rely solely on the descriptions given.
8. After the time ends, both partners compare their drawings to the original image.
9. Roles are then switched, and the activity is repeated with new images.
10. Conduct a debrief session after each round to discuss experiences, challenges, and insights gained regarding communication.

• Set of simple yet detailed images or shapes : These are pictures that can be easily described but also leave room for interpretation. Examples include a house with specific details or a geometric figure with a pattern.
• Paper and pencils or markers : Each participant will need paper and writing utensils to draw on.
• Chairs or arrangements : Participants should sit back to back so that one partner cannot see what the other is drawing.

To set up for the Back to Back Drawing icebreaker activity, you need to arrange the group into pairs and have them sit back to back so that one partner cannot see what the other is drawing. Designate one person as the “describer” and the other as the “drawer”. The describer will have a picture that the drawer cannot see. Emphasize that the describers can only use verbal communication to describe the image, and they must avoid using direct words involved in the image. Allow the describers a moment to study their image before starting the activity. Set a time limit for the drawing session and ensure there is enough space for each pair to comfortably participate in the activity.

1. Pair Up: Instruct participants to form pairs and sit back-to-back so that one partner cannot see what the other is drawing.
2. Assign Roles: Designate one person in each pair as the “describer” and the other as the “drawer.” The describer will have a picture that the drawer cannot see.
3. Explain Activity Purpose: Inform participants about the activity’s objective, emphasizing the importance of clear verbal communication and avoiding direct words related to the image when describing it.
4. Start Describing: Hand an image to each describer and allow them a moment to study their image. Once ready, signal for the describers to begin verbally guiding their partners in drawing the image. Encourage clarifying questions but remind participants not to provide direct hints or peek at each other’s drawings.
5. Set Time Limit: Establish a time limit (e.g., 5-10 minutes) for describers to convey the image through verbal communication, adjusting as needed based on the complexity of the images and desired drawing quality.
6. Debrief Session: After the time expires, ask each pair to compare their drawn image with the original. Discuss similarities, differences, challenges, and insights gained during the activity, focusing on the importance of clear verbal communication and interpretation when non-verbal cues are missing.
7. Switch Roles and Repeat: Encourage participants to switch roles and repeat the process to ensure everyone has a chance to describe an image and draw based on verbal instructions. This rotation helps create a more well-rounded understanding of communication challenges and strategies.
8. Reflection: Facilitate a group discussion about experiences, challenges faced, and insights gained during the activity. Discuss points such as clear instructions, difficulty interpreting when non-verbal cues are missing, and how these insights apply to work or daily life communication. Encourage participants to consider ways they can improve their verbal communication strategies moving forward.

By following these instructions, groups will experience an engaging and educational Back to Back Drawing activity that highlights the importance of clear verbal communication in various contexts.

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• Improved Listening Skills: I found that playing the Back to Back Drawing icebreaker significantly enhanced my listening skills. By focusing on the details provided by my partner and asking clarifying questions, I was able to better understand the nuances in their descriptions.
• Clear Communication: The exercise reinforced the importance of clear verbal communication. I realized that avoiding jargon and being specific with my words helped my partner visualize and create a more accurate drawing.
• Building Empathy: By putting myself in my partner’s shoes, trying to understand their perspective, and dealing with the challenges of conveying information without non-verbal cues, I developed greater empathy towards others during communication.
• Enhanced Patience: Waiting for my partner to provide descriptions and working within a time constraint forced me to be patient, which is an essential skill in both personal and professional settings.
• Boosted Collaboration: The activity promoted collaboration between my partner and me, as we relied on each other to complete the task successfully. This experience can translate to improved teamwork in various group projects or workplace situations.
• Strengthening Problem-Solving Skills: Faced with a challenging communication scenario, I learned to think critically and find creative solutions to overcome obstacles and misunderstandings.
• Fostering Trust: By relying on my partner’s descriptions and working together towards the same goal, I built trust in our ability to communicate effectively and support each other.
• Increased Self-Awareness: Playing the Back to Back Drawing icebreaker made me more aware of my communication style and the areas where I can improve. This self-awareness is crucial for building better relationships and communicating effectively in various settings.

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• Active Listening: I learned to focus on the instructions given by my partner, understanding their words without any visual cues or non-verbal communication. This skill is essential for building trust and effective collaboration in both personal and professional relationships.

• *Clear Verbal Communication: During the Back to Back Drawing exercise, I had to carefully choose my words to help my partner visualize and draw the image without using direct words related to it. By practicing this, I improved my ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly, making me a more effective communicator in various situations.

• *Empathy: As I tried to imagine the picture based on my partner’s description, I gained a better understanding of how important it is to put myself in others’ shoes. This experience will help me be more considerate and patient when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

• *Patience and Persistence: Drawing an accurate representation of the image based on verbal instructions was challenging, but I learned that taking my time to understand and process the information resulted in a better outcome. This lesson can be applied to various aspects of life, such as problem-solving or learning new skills.

• *Self-Awareness: During the debriefing session, I realized that my communication style might not always be effective, and there is room for improvement. By being self-aware, I can identify areas where I struggle and work on enhancing my communication abilities to foster better relationships with others.

• *Teamwork and Collaboration: Working together with a partner to complete the drawing helped me understand the value of collaboration in achieving a common goal. This experience will make me more open to teaming up with others in future projects, both at work and in my personal life.

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As someone who enjoys meaningful and engaging activities, I find the Back to Back Drawing icebreaker to be an excellent tool for promoting active listening and clear verbal communication. I appreciate how this exercise demonstrates the importance of detailed instructions and the challenges that arise when non-verbal cues are absent.

The simplicity of the activity’s materials and setup makes it accessible for various group sizes and settings, from classrooms to corporate workshops. The process of pairing up participants, designating roles, and providing a picture for one person to describe without using direct words creates an environment that fosters effective communication.

One aspect I particularly like about the Back to Back Drawing icebreaker is its ability to reveal the intricacies of communication through its debrief session. Comparing the original image with the drawn version highlights how different our perceptions can be, even when we are trying to follow instructions carefully. This realization encourages participants to reflect on their daily communication challenges and consider ways to improve their communication strategies.

Additionally, this activity addresses common communication issues that teams may face in a natural and engaging way. By rotating roles and repeating the process, the Back to Back Drawing icebreaker fosters empathy among team members, helping them understand each other’s perspectives better. This understanding can lead to improved collaboration and increased trust within the team.

Finally, I find that the Back to Back Drawing icebreaker can be easily adapted for various scenarios and age groups. Selecting appropriate images with just the right level of detail ensures that participants remain engaged and challenged throughout the activity. Overall, this versatile and insightful exercise is an invaluable tool for enhancing communication skills and fostering stronger team dynamics.

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• Tip: Choose images with cultural diversity and representation. To make the activity more inclusive, select images that represent a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. This can help participants feel more seen and represented in the exercise.
• Tip: Use gender-neutral language during instructions. Using gender-neutral language when giving instructions for the Back to Back Drawing activity promotes an inclusive environment by avoiding assumptions about a person’s gender identity.
• Tip: Accommodate different abilities and needs. If some participants have visual or hearing impairments, adapt the game accordingly. For example, use tactile images or provide additional verbal cues to facilitate communication during the exercise.
• Tip: Encourage active listening and empathy. During the debrief session, emphasize the importance of active listening and empathy in effective communication. This can foster a more inclusive atmosphere by valuing each person’s perspective and experiences.
• Tip: Offer language support as needed. If any participants are non-native speakers, offer them assistance with translations or explanations during the activity to ensure they fully understand and participate in the exercise.
• Tip: Allow for flexibility in role assignments. Be open to reassigning roles if a participant is more comfortable being a describer rather than a drawer, or vice versa, ensuring that everyone feels confident and engaged throughout the activity.

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1. What specific challenges did you face while describing or drawing the image? This question helps participants identify the difficulties they encountered during the activity, which can lead to insights about common communication pitfalls.

2. How well do you think you listened and responded to your partner’s descriptions? By reflecting on their listening skills, participants may become more aware of their attentiveness in conversations and develop strategies for active listening.

3. Did you find yourself making assumptions about the image based on your own experiences or expectations? If so, how did that impact the final drawing? This question encourages participants to consider the role of assumptions in communication and how they can affect understanding and interpretation.

4. What strategies did you use to clarify descriptions when you were unsure of what your partner meant? Discussing problem-solving techniques can help participants develop a toolkit for overcoming communication barriers.

5. How does this activity relate to non-verbal communication in real-life situations, and how might the absence of non-verbal cues have influenced the outcome? This question invites participants to think about the broader implications of communication styles and consider how different contexts affect their interactions with others.

6. How can you apply the lessons learned from this activity to your professional or personal relationships? Encouraging participants to find practical applications for their newfound insights will help them retain and use the skills they’ve gained during the exercise.

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