--- title: "Don't Speak" description: "Partners introduce themselves without speaking by using gestures, physical props, or drawings. They then speak aloud to check what was expressed against what was understood." last_updated: "2026-09-07" canonical: "https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/don-t-speak-free-energiser-trainer-bubble/" --- # Don't Speak Partners introduce themselves without speaking by using gestures, physical props, or drawings. They then speak aloud to check what was expressed against what was understood. **Time:** 15 minutes. 15 minutes based on the source two-minute silent rounds plus structured discussion time. **People:** 4 to 24. Pairs. If the group count is odd, make one triad where each person presents in sequence. ## Choose this exercise **Purpose:** Examine how nonverbal cues, gestures, and visual props convey personal information when spoken language is removed. **Use it when:** Use at the start of a session on nonverbal communication, active listening, or interpersonal perception to highlight unspoken signals. **Skip it when:** Skip if participants have physical or cognitive differences that make charades-style gesturing distressing, or when clear, direct verbal introductions are required immediately. ## Materials and tools - 1 sheet of plain paper per participant - 1 pen or marker per participant - 1 timer for the facilitator ## Before participants arrive 1. Arrange chairs so pairs face each other with enough room to gesture. 2. Place paper and markers within reach of every seat. ## Say this to open You will introduce yourself to a partner without speaking a single word. You can gesture, mime, point to objects, or sketch on paper, but keep completely silent. I will assign Partner A and Partner B. Partner A has two minutes to communicate who they are. ## How to run it ### 1. Set up pairs and explain rules (2 minutes) Form pairs. If an odd count remains, designate one triad. Hand out paper and pens. Explain that spoken words and mouthing letters are off limits. Neutral example: Pointing to a drawing of a dog or miming cooking is acceptable; silently mouthing letter shapes with your lips is not allowed. In each pair, label the person sitting closer to the front Partner A, and their partner Partner B. In a triad, label them A, B, and C. ### 2. First silent introduction (2 minutes) Start the timer. Partner A communicates their introduction to Partner B using gestures, drawings, or nearby props. Partner B observes without speaking. In a triad, Partner A communicates to Partners B and C together. Call time at two minutes. ### 3. Second silent introduction (2 minutes) Start the timer. Partner B introduces themselves using gestures, drawings, or props while Partner A observes silently. In a triad, Partner B presents while A and C observe. Call time at two minutes. ### 4. Third silent introduction or pair transition (2 minutes) In any triad, Partner C takes their two-minute silent turn to introduce themselves to A and B. For regular pairs who have already finished both turns, instruct them to spend these two minutes writing down three specific guesses about what their partner meant before they talk. Call time at two minutes. ### 5. Pair translation check (4 minutes) Invite pairs to speak aloud. Partner B tells Partner A what they understood, and Partner A confirms or clarifies. Then Partner A tells Partner B what they understood. In a triad, rotate through all three members to compare guesses with intended meanings. Call time after four minutes. ### 6. Full group debrief (3 minutes) Bring the whole room together. Call on two or three pairs to share examples of clear signals or funny misinterpretations using the debrief questions. ## Debrief questions - How accurate was your understanding of your partner's nonverbal cues before they explained them aloud? - Which method worked best to get a clear idea across: gestures, props, or drawings? - What does this show about how much we rely on context and assumptions in everyday interaction? **Finished output:** Each partner confirms two to three facts about the other person and identifies one nonverbal signal that was understood correctly or misinterpreted. ## Remote Use breakout rooms with pairs. Keep cameras on. Participants introduce themselves on mute using mime, drawings held to the camera, or physical props. Run a two-minute broadcast message to swap roles, then bring everyone back for debrief. ## Hybrid Pair in-person participants together and remote participants together in individual breakout rooms. Avoid cross-modality pairs to prevent camera framing or audio lag from distorting nonverbal cues. ## Access and participation choices - Participants may sketch, write single words on paper, or point to existing items if motor or movement restrictions limit physical gesturing. - Anyone may opt out of performing and serve as an observer-recorder for a pair, documenting gestures used without performing. ## If the session gets stuck **Participants start whispering, mouthing words, or laughing verbally.** Gently remind the room that silence is the core constraint and encourage leaning into exaggerated drawing or mime instead. **An odd number of participants leaves one person without a partner.** Form one triad. Use Step 4 for the third person's turn while pairs record their silent guesses on paper. ## Terms used here - Nonverbal communication: Sending and receiving information without spoken or written words, using gesture, posture, visual props, or drawings. ## Sources and adaptation Observed in TrainerBubble training materials under the title Don't Speak. Original authorship is unverified. Retained the core mechanic from TrainerBubble: two-minute nonverbal self-introductions in pairs followed by spoken verification and review questions. Provided a detailed step-by-step timing breakdown totaling 15 minutes, neutral examples, role assignments, triad synchronization without time drift, hybrid guidance, and clear access options. [TrainerBubble](https://www.trainerbubble.com/downloads/dont-speak/) Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/don-t-speak-free-energiser-trainer-bubble/