Back to Back Drawing

Purpose

Back to Back Drawing is a communication exercise disguised as a game. One partner describes a simple image while the other draws it based solely on verbal instructions. The inevitable mismatches highlight how easily miscommunication happens and why clarity matters. It creates laughter and powerful learning moments.

At a glance

• Group size: 6–40 (in pairs)
• Duration: 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Facilitation style: Paired exercise
• Setting: In-person or virtual

How to run

1. Pair up. Partners sit back-to-back (or in virtual: one turns off camera).
2. Give the describer a simple image (geometric shapes, a stick figure, a house).
3. The describer explains the image using only words. No gestures, no peeking.
4. The drawer attempts to recreate it. No questions allowed in the first round.
5. After 3 minutes, compare drawings to originals. Laughter ensues.
6. Round 2: allow the drawer to ask questions. Compare results.
7. Debrief: "What changed when questions were allowed?"

Materials needed

• Paper and pens for drawers
• Pre-made simple images for describers

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Images too complex: Use simple geometric compositions, not detailed pictures.
• Skipping the no-questions round: The contrast between rounds is where the learning is.
• No debrief: Without the debrief, it's just a funny game. The insights about communication are the point.
• Partners peeking: Enforce the no-looking rule.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Virtual-friendly: one person screen-shares a blank canvas while the other describes.
• For visually impaired participants, use a verbal description comparison instead of drawing.
• No physical movement required.
• Works across languages if instructions are translated.

Variations

• Reverse roles: Swap describer and drawer for a second round.
• Team relay: One person describes to a chain of drawers.
• Build instead of draw: Use construction bricks or blocks instead of pen and paper.

When NOT to use this

• When drawing skill anxiety would inhibit participation (emphasise it's about communication, not art).
• In settings where paper and pens are not available.
• When time does not allow for the debrief.

Source & further reading

• A classic communication training exercise used in management courses and team development.
• Documented in numerous facilitation and training handbooks.