There is no vacuum
Investigating how narratives evolve with limited information. Highlighting the significance of self-representation.
Duration: 45 minutes for a group of 10 people. Introduction: 5 minutes. Drawing: 5 minutes. Stories: 1 minute per participant. Corrections: 1 minute per participant. Summary: 10 minutes.
Difficulty level: 1/5
Preparation
A5 paper.
Pens or pencils for each participant.
Timer.
Introduction (5 minutes)
Ask participants to draw a few interesting facts about themselves on a piece of paper and sign it with their name. Collect the drawings, shuffle them, and have each participant draw one at random (ensuring they don’t get their own).
Instructions
Participants create a short story about the page they received, using the drawings as inspiration (5 minutes). Encourage them to be creative but remind them to avoid stereotypes or assumptions that could be offensive.
Selected participant shares the story they created (1 minute).
As a feedback to it, the person who the story is about shares: What parts of the story were true? What assumptions were incorrect? What is the real story behind the drawing? (1 minute).
The person who gave feedback now shares a story they created about the person and the card they drew.
The process continues until all participants shared their stories.
Wrap up (10 minutes)
Ask the participants about their impressions:
Were there any surprises in how the drawings were interpreted?
How does this exercise highlight the importance of self-introduction?
What strategies can we use to ensure we represent others accurately when telling their stories?