Communication is a fundamental skill for product managers. Whether it’s understanding the ""intention behind the words” used by customers, or providing crisp, clear directions to others, the ability to understand and be understood is critical. In this session, we’re going to break into teams and play a couple of rounds of a game called ""Back-2-Back Drawing"". It’s an exercise that fosters both active communication and active listening skills, but in a fun and interactive way. You’ll hone your ability to articulate your thoughts, as well as your ability to ask precise clarifying questions.

1. Product Camp Silicon Valley 2017
Skills Development: Active Communication
Brendon J. Wilson
www.brendonwilson.com
Twitter: @brendonjwilson
Hashtags: #SVPCamp #Back2Back

2. Instructions
• Divide into pairs
• Each pair sits with their backs to one another
• Give one person from each partnership an image
– They will describe the image
– Cannot explicitly tell their partner the shape (i.e. “It’s a circle!”)
• Give the other person (the “Drawer”) a pencil and pad of paper
• Compare images once complete

3. Variants
• 1st round: “Drawer” not allowed to speak
• 2nd round: “Drawer” can ask yes/no questions
• 3rd round: “Drawer” can ask any question
• 4th round: Face-to-Face
– Can use variants of the above
3

4. Print and Cut Along Grey Lines
Need more? Use the “Shapes” in PowerPoint!
Resources: Image Cards
4

9. Thanks!
Twitter: @brendonjwilson
Hashtags: #SVPCamp #Back2Back
9
Brendon J. Wilson
www.brendonwilson.com