This activity uses a set of trick questions borrowed from children. However, it requires sophisticated listening skills to come up with the correct answer.

Synopsis

The participants listen to different questions and try to come up with the answer. At the end of the activity they reflect on the experience and come up with active listening strategies.

Purpose

To listen carefully to questions, reflect on them, and come up with appropriate answers

Participants

Minimum: 1

Maximum: Any number

Best: 5–20

Time

5–10 minutes

Handout

Trick Questions with answers, one copy for the facilitator.

Supplies and Equipment

• Stopwatch
• Whistle

Preparation

Review the questions. Read the handout and make sure that you understand each answer. Select the questions that you want to use.

Flow

Brief the participants. Explain that you are going to ask a set of questions and pause after each question. The participants should share their response with people seated near them. After a suitable pause, you will read the answer. The participants who gave the correct answer will raise their hands and receive a round of applause.

Ask a question. Read a question from the handout. Say, “Share your answer with the people near you,” and pause for about ten seconds.

Give the answer. Blow the whistle and read the answer. Ask the participants to raise their hands if they gave this answer. Lead a round of applause.

Repeat the procedure. Go through each question one at a time, using the same procedure. Maintain a fairly rapid pace.

Conclude the activity. After about three minutes, announce the end of the activity. Thank everyone for their participation.

Debrief the participants. Ask them to reflect on their experience and try to figure out strategies for active listening and reflective responding.

Link to the Meeting

Be careful with the questions. During the ensuing meeting, encourage the participants to think carefully before mindlessly answering each question.