Group size: from 10 to 20 participants – This game can be played in pairs or in a 3.
Time: The total time will be approximately 30 minutes (dependent on size of group)
5 minutes for the introduction and group formation
5 minutes per activity round, with a mini debrief
5-minute small group debrief
5-minute large group debrief
Materials required: Paper, markers / pens, flip chart (optional), Pre-set scenarios.

OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this game is for the participants to see and hear different communication styles and gain confidence through role play (whilst having fun) .

• Practicing communication skills and negotiation skills
• Listening to each other to develop a confident response
• Watching and practicing positive body language

WHEN TO USE?
This group activity would be better used before introducing Unit 5: confidence, as after completing this exercise, learners are already starting to think about various techniques to use to be more confident.

STEPS
The participant need to sit in pairs or in a 3 facing each other.
Each group will receive a role – playing scenario sheet.
The first pair will act out the scenario and give each other feedback at the end. If in a 3, 2 persons will act out the role play with the third person acting as observer and providing feedback.

Each person in the role play will be assuming a character and will react and respond as they would if they were that character. For instance, a role play could involve someone wanting to buy a new car and a car salesperson.

In this scenario the salesperson could be trying to sell the car on the speed of the car and its unique features, whilst the other person cares more about the colour or cost.
The participants should be briefed on things to practice and look for before starting this game such as: Body language, listening skills, negotiation skills, being assertive but not aggressive.
Once they have played the charter role they need to switch places, for example the sales person would become the person wishing to buy the car.

Scenarios could be:

• Manager and employee discussing a raise in salary or promotion
• New Car salesperson and new car buyer
• 2 friends trying to pick a movie to watch
• 2 colleagues at work discussing purchasing new computers

The participants could decide on different scenarios themselves at the start of the game, which are more relevant to the group

DEBRIEFING
After each team has played each character, they spend 5 minutes discussing and providing feedback to each other. Following this bring the small groups back together for a large group learning share.

Questions to be asked by the trainer for reflection can be:

• How was it to negotiate from your personal style?
• What were some of the difficulties you felt assuming each character?
• What character did you prefer playing?
• What could you do to improve communication?
• Could you identify any emotions from body language?
• What did you learn from the activity?

VARIATIONS OF THE GAME:
This role play game is best suited to 2 persons but can have more included as they can observe and provide feedback. It is important to ensure that the participants are comfortable with the scenarios provided to them and are informed of the objectives are the start. If possible it is important to allow the participants time to self-reflect on their own personal learning following the end of the game and that they have time to ask questions.