Nonverbal Charades Activity Cards

Instructions: Cut out the cards below. In your groups, one person will pick a card and act out the emotion or situation using only nonverbal cues. The rest of the group will guess what is being acted out. Discuss how the message was conveyed and interpreted after each round. Rotate roles!

Card 1: Happy and Excited

• Think: A child on Christmas morning

Card 2: Confused and Puzzled

• Think: Trying to read a map upside down

Card 3: Angry and Frustrated

• Think: Stuck in a traffic jam

Card 4: Sad and Disappointed

• Think: Dropping your ice cream cone

Card 5: Scared and Anxious

• Think: Hearing a strange noise at night

Card 6: Bored and Disinterested

• Think: Listening to a very long, dull speech

Card 7: Confident and Determined

• Think: Crossing the finish line of a race

Card 8: Shy and Embarrassed

• Think: Tripping in front of a crowd

Card 9: Secretive/Whispering

• Think: Sharing a secret with a friend

Card 10: Listening Attentively

• Think: Really understanding what someone is saying

Card 11: Disagreeing Politely

• Think: Shaking your head subtly

Card 12: Eager to Speak

• Think: Hand slightly raised, leaning forward

Nonverbal Communication Script

Introduction to Nonverbal Communication (3 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to dive into something we do all the time, often without even realizing it: communication. But I'm not talking just about the words we say."

"Think for a moment: What comes to mind when you hear the word 'communication'? Feel free to just shout out some ideas."

"Great ideas! Now, consider this: Have you ever noticed that sometimes what someone says doesn't quite match how they look or act? That feeling or observation is often rooted in nonverbal communication."

"Nonverbal communication is essentially communicating without words. It's everything from your body language and facial expressions to the tone of your voice and even how much space you keep between yourself and others. It's incredibly powerful, sometimes even more so than our spoken words, because it often reveals our true feelings."

"For example, a sigh can say a lot without any words at all, right? Or a smile, or a frown. We use it constantly in our daily lives, whether we're aware of it or not. Understanding nonverbal cues can help you better 'read' people and also be more effective in expressing yourself. Let's take a look at some examples on the Nonverbal Communication Slides." (Advance to 'The Power of Nonverbal Cues' slide)

Nonverbal Charades Activity (8 minutes)

"Alright, now that we have a better grasp of what nonverbal communication is, let's put it into practice!"

"I'm going to hand out these Nonverbal Charades Activity Cards. You'll work in your small groups for this. The idea is simple: one person will pick a card and act out the emotion or situation described on it, using only nonverbal cues. No talking, no sounds! The rest of your group will try to guess what you're acting out."

"Once your group guesses correctly, take a moment to discuss: What cues did the actor use? What made it easy or difficult to interpret? How did you know what they were trying to convey? Then, rotate roles so everyone gets a chance to act."

"Remember, the goal is to really think about how you convey messages without words, and how you interpret them from others. You have about 8 minutes for this activity. Let's begin!"

(Circulate among groups, offering guidance and observing interactions. Prompt students to consider the nuances of their nonverbal cues.)

Group Share and Debrief (4 minutes)

"Alright everyone, let's bring it back together. I saw some really interesting and expressive acting out there!"

"I'd love for each group to share one interesting nonverbal cue they either used, observed, or perhaps struggled to convey during the charades. What was a 'lightbulb' moment for your group?"

"Excellent shares. Let's think a bit more broadly. Why do you think nonverbal communication is sometimes harder to interpret than verbal communication?"

"And on the flip side, how do you think practicing and becoming more aware of nonverbal communication can improve your daily interactions, whether in class, with friends, or in a future job?"

"Finally, what are some common nonverbal mistakes or misunderstandings you've seen or experienced, either personally or observed in others?"

"These are all fantastic insights. As we wrap up, remember that your body, your face, your eyes—they're all constantly communicating, often louder than your words. Being mindful of your own nonverbal signals and learning to interpret others' can significantly enhance your communication skills and relationships."

"Keep an eye out for nonverbal cues in your daily life, and you might be surprised by how much more you understand. Thank you for your active participation today! You can refer to the Nonverbal Communication Slides for a quick recap." (Advance to 'Key Takeaways' slide)