Here are 10 practical, multi-format exercises designed to build communication skills through self-assessment, peer feedback, and facilitator coaching. Each targets video, audio, body language, or presentations, with clear frameworks for critique and improvement:
1. Video: The “Mirror Pitch” Challenge
Task: Record a 2-minute video explaining a complex concept (e.g., blockchain, risk management) as if to a client.
Self-Critique: Watch the video muted first (focus on body language), then with sound (tone/clarity). Note filler words or distracting gestures.
Peer Coaching: Peers score clarity on a 1–5 scale and suggest one improvement.
2. Audio: The Blind Explanation
Task: Record an audio-only explanation of a PowerPoint slide’s key message (no visual aids).
Self-Critique: Transcribe the audio—highlight jargon, redundancies, or unclear phrasing.
Peer Coaching: Peers guess the slide’s main point; mismatches reveal gaps in clarity.
3. Body Language: The Silent Presentation
Task: Deliver a 1-minute PowerPoint summary without speaking—use gestures, facial expressions, and slides.
Self-Critique: Review the video: Did body language align with the slide’s message?
Peer Coaching: Peers interpret the message and suggest adjustments to nonverbal cues.
4. Video + PowerPoint: The Feedback Loop
Task: Present a slide deck on camera. After receiving peer feedback, re-record the presentation.
Self-Critique: Compare both versions—note improvements in pacing, eye contact, or slide design.
Peer Coaching: Use the “I Like, I Wish” framework (“I like how you simplified the data… I wish you’d pause before transitions”).
5. Audio: Active Listening Paraphrase
Task: In pairs, one explains a project challenge via audio recording; the other paraphrases the core issue in writing.
Self-Critique: Compare the paraphrase to your original message—did key points land?
Peer Coaching: Facilitators identify patterns (e.g., assumptions, missed nuances).
6. Body Language: The “Spot the Disconnect”
Task: Record a role-play where participants deliver conflicting verbal/nonverbal cues (e.g., saying “I’m confident” while fidgeting).
Self-Critique: Identify moments of misalignment.
Peer Coaching: Peers pinpoint gestures/tone that undermined credibility.
7. PowerPoint: The “Less is More” Redesign
Task: Take a text-heavy slide and redesign it visually in 10 minutes. Present both versions on video.
Self-Critique: Which version felt more engaging? Why?
Peer Coaching: Peers vote on the most effective slide and explain why.
8. Video: The “Pause & Breathe” Drill
Task: Record a 1-minute update on a project, intentionally pausing for 2 seconds between key points.
Self-Critique: Count filler words (“um,” “like”) in the first vs. second half.
Peer Coaching: Peers note how pauses impacted their focus and retention.
9. Audio + Body Language: The Tone Shift
Task: Record the same sentence (e.g., “This deadline is critical”) in 3 tones: assertive, empathetic, and passive.
Self-Critique: Rank which tone best suited the message.
Peer Coaching: Peers guess the intended tone and suggest adjustments.
10. Facilitator-Led: The “Golden Nugget” Review
Task: Submit a pre-recorded presentation. Facilitators edit the video to highlight one “golden nugget” (strength) and one “polish point” (growth area).
Self-Critique: Reflect on how to replicate the strength and address the weakness.
Peer Coaching: Group discusses common polish points across submissions.
Why These Work:
- Mix of mediums: Addresses video, audio, slides, and body language holistically.
- Structured critique: Self-assessment tools (transcripts, comparisons) and peer frameworks (“I Like, I Wish”) prevent vague feedback.
- Business alignment: Tasks mimic real-world scenarios (client pitches, project updates).
