This is an easy and effective exercise to raise individual awareness and differences in communication. Each participant will need one piece of paper (same size and shape per person) and a pair of scissors.

Participants may do this sitting at their desks.

Invite participants to close their eyes. Inform them they may not speak… and that includes not asking questions. Encourage them to follow each instruction as they understand it.

Advise participants to

• Fold paper in half
• Fold paper in half again
• Tear off the upper right hand corner
• Tear off the lower left-hand corner
• Fold paper again
• Tear off the lower right hand corner
• Tear off the upper right hand corner

Invite them to open their eyes, unfold their paper, and hold up their pieces.

Discussion

• Was it easy to follow directions?
• Why are they all different?
• How does this relate to daily communications?
• What happens when two cultures try to communicate?
• We are each individuals with something unique to offer…
• Let’s celebrate our differences!