Back to Back Drawing Activity (With Debrief)

Do you want to conduct the back to back drawing activity with your teams?

The back-to-back drawing is a classic team building exercise. It highlights the complexities of communication. One person (Describer) describes an image without naming it, while another person (Drawer) tries to draw it based solely on those verbal instructions. This simple setup reveals how we interpret information, give directions, and work together under constraints. It is a powerful tool for improving listening skills, clarifying language, and fostering patience within a team.

In this article, let’s see how to run this engaging activity with your teams.

Here is an overview of the sections in this article:

• The primary objectives of the activity.

• Five different variations you can try with your team.

• Tips for facilitators to ensure a successful session.

• Frequently asked questions about the exercise.

Objective of the Activity

The back to back drawing activity is a simple yet profound exercise. It reveals critical insights into a team’s communication dynamics.

Let’s explore the key objectives of this powerful team building game.

Enhance Verbal Communication Skills

A primary goal is to sharpen verbal communication. The “Describer” must use precise, clear language to paint a mental picture for the “Drawer.” They learn to choose their words carefully, breaking down complex shapes into simple, understandable components. This process forces them to move beyond assumptions.

Improve Active Listening

The activity is equally a test of active listening for the Drawer. They must pay close attention to every detail given by the Describer. Success depends on their ability to focus, ignore distractions, and accurately interpret verbal cues. This objective helps participants understand that listening is not a passive act.

Build Empathy and Perspective-Taking

Participants quickly learn that what seems obvious to them may not be to others. The Describer might think their instructions are perfectly clear, while the Drawer is completely lost. This disconnect fosters empathy. Team members gain a better appreciation for different perspectives.

Highlight the Importance of Feedback

The exercise naturally creates opportunities for feedback. After the big reveal, teams can compare the original image with the drawing. This visual evidence sparks a conversation about what went right and what went wrong. This immediate feedback loop is crucial for learning.

Foster Collaboration and Problem-Solving

Though it seems like a two-person task, the activity cultivates a collaborative spirit. The pair must work as a single unit to achieve a common goal. They must solve the problem of transferring an image from one mind to another using only words. This requires trust, patience, and a shared commitment to the process.

5 Variations of the Back to Back Drawing Activity

Here are 5 variations of the back to back drawing activity that you can use.

#1. The Classic Version

This is the original and most straightforward version of the activity. It establishes the fundamental principles of communication and listening.

Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Pen or pencil, paper, and pre-drawn simple images (like a house, a star, a boat, etc.)
Participants: Pairs

Instructions

• Ask participants to form pairs and sit back to back.

• Give one person in each pair (the Describer) an image and the other person (the Drawer) a blank piece of paper with a pen.

• Instruct the Describer to describe the image without using words that give away the object directly. For instance, for a drawing of a house, they could say, “Draw a square, and then draw a triangle on top of the square,” instead of saying “draw a house.”

• Allow a set amount of time for the drawing, then have the pairs compare their results and discuss the process.

Debrief

• What was the most challenging part of describing the image without naming it?

• How did the Drawer feel when they were unsure about the instructions?

• What communication strategies worked well for your pair?

#2. The Question Master

This variation introduces a layer of interaction by allowing limited questions. It focuses on the importance of clarifying information.

Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Pens, paper, and images of moderate complexity (like a bicycle or a cartoon character)
Participants: 4-8 people per group

Instructions

• Organize teams into pairs, sitting back to back as in the classic version.

• Provide the Describer with an image and the Drawer with drawing materials.

• Explain that the Drawer can ask up to five “yes” or “no” questions during the activity. The Describer can only respond with “yes,” “no,” or “I cannot answer that.”

• Once the drawing is complete, ask each team to reveal their artwork and discuss the impact of the questions.

Debrief

• How did having a limited number of questions change your approach as the Drawer?

• As the Describer, did the questions help you understand where the Drawer needed more clarity? If so, why?

• If you could ask one more question, what would it have been?

#3. The One-Way Street

This difficult version removes all feedback from the Drawer. It highlights the challenges of one-way communication.

Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Markers, paper, and simple geometric patterns
Participants: Pairs

Instructions

• Have pairs sit back to back. The Describer gets an image, and the Drawer gets supplies.

• Instruct the Describer to give instructions without any verbal or non-verbal feedback from the Drawer. The Drawer must remain completely silent throughout the entire process.

• The Describer provides all instructions in a single, uninterrupted monologue. For example, “Draw a large circle in the middle, then draw a smaller circle inside it.”

• After the time is up, ask each team to compare the drawing with the original image.

Debrief

• As the Describer, what was it like to communicate without knowing if you were being understood?

• As the Drawer, what strategies did you use to interpret the continuous stream of instructions?

• What does this exercise teach us about the importance of two-way communication in our daily tasks?

#4. The Group Chain

This variation expands the activity to a group setting. It shows how information can change as it passes through multiple people.

Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Pens, paper, and a single, moderately complex image
Participants: 4-8 people per group

Instructions

• Ask the group to form a line, with everyone facing the back of the person in front of them. The last person in line faces the opposite way.

• Show an image to the last person in line. That person taps the shoulder of the person in front of them. The person in front turns around to receive the instructions. This process continues down the line until it reaches the first person, who is the Drawer.

• Each person in the line can only communicate with the person directly in front of them.

• The Drawer at the front of the line creates the final image based on the instructions from the second person.

Debrief

• How did the final drawing compare to the original image?

• At what point in the chain do you think the message changed the most?

• What can this teach us about relaying important information through a team?

#5. The Abstract Artist

This creative twist focuses on describing feelings and concepts instead of concrete objects. It encourages abstract thinking and emotional expression.

Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Colored markers or crayons, paper, and abstract concept cards (e.g., “Success,” “Teamwork,” “Calm”, etc.)
Participants: Pairs

Instructions

• Set up pairs back to back. The Drawer gets blank paper and colored markers.

• Give the Describer a card with an abstract concept word on it.

• The Describer must get their partner to draw the concept without using the word itself. For instance, for “Success,” they might say, “Draw a bright yellow sun rising over a mountain peak.”

• Give the Drawer time to draw, then have them share their drawings and guess the original concept word.

Debrief

• How difficult was it to describe an abstract idea using only visual instructions?

• What colors and shapes did you associate with the concept you were trying to draw?

• How does this exercise show that different people can have very different interpretations of the same idea?

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Tips for Successful Facilitation

Running the back to back drawing activity effectively requires more than just giving instructions. A facilitator’s role is to create a positive environment where learning can happen. Thoughtful preparation and guidance can transform a simple game into a meaningful team development experience.

Here are some tips to help you facilitate a successful session.

Choose Appropriate Images

The complexity of the drawings is crucial. For initial rounds, select simple, universally recognizable shapes and objects. Think of a star, a simple flower, or a house. These allow participants to grasp the basic mechanics of the game without feeling overwhelmed. As the team gets more comfortable, you can introduce more complex images, like a bicycle or a detailed logo. Using images that are too difficult at the start can lead to frustration. The goal is to challenge, not discourage.

Set Clear and Simple Rules

Before the activity begins, explain the rules clearly. State the objective of the game and what each person’s role entails. Emphasize key constraints, such as “no peeking” or “only the Describer can speak.” When introducing variations, like the one with limited questions, be very specific about the rules. For example, state exactly how many questions are allowed. Clear rules ensure a level playing field. It also helps participants focus on the communication aspect rather than trying to find loopholes.

Manage Time Effectively

Keep a close eye on the clock. Announce the time limit before each round begins. A duration of five to seven minutes per drawing is usually enough to create a sense of urgency without causing panic. Give a one-minute warning before time is up so pairs can wrap up their final instructions. Sticking to a schedule keeps the energy high. It also ensures that you have enough time for the most important part: the debrief.

Create a Safe Environment for Discussion

The real learning happens during the debrief. It is essential to create a psychologically safe space where participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Encourage open and honest feedback, but set ground rules for respectful communication. Frame the discussion around the process, not the quality of the drawings. Avoid letting anyone feel criticized for their drawing skills. The drawings are just data points for a conversation about communication.

Lead a Powerful Debrief

Your role as a facilitator is most critical during the debrief. Use open-ended questions to guide the conversation. Start with questions about the experience itself, like “What was most challenging?” Then, move toward applying the lessons to the workplace. Ask questions like, “How does this experience relate to how we communicate on our projects?” or “What is one thing we can do differently in our team meetings based on what we learned today?” Connecting the activity to real-world work scenarios makes the learning stick.

Final Words

The back to back drawing activity is a deceptively simple game with powerful outcomes. It provides a practical, hands-on way for teams to explore the nuances of communication. Participants learn firsthand how easily messages can be misinterpreted. They also discover the importance of clarity, active listening, and empathy. By reflecting on the experience, teams can identify specific areas for improvement. Ultimately, this exercise helps build a foundation of better communication, which is essential for collaboration, trust, and overall team success.

FAQ: Back to Back Drawing Activity

You might have these questions in mind.

What is the main point of the back to back drawing activity?

The primary point is to improve communication skills within a team. It highlights how differently we interpret spoken information and the importance of being clear and specific. The activity serves as a metaphor for workplace communication, revealing gaps in how we give instructions and listen to others.

How do you debrief the activity?

An effective debrief involves asking open-ended questions that connect the activity to workplace behaviors. Start by asking about the participants’ feelings and challenges during the game. Then, guide the conversation toward real-world applications, such as “How does this relate to how we handle project handoffs?” or “What did this teach us about giving feedback?”

Is this activity suitable for all types of teams?

Yes, this activity is highly versatile and beneficial for almost any team. Whether your team is in marketing, engineering, or management, the core principles of communication are universal. You can adapt the complexity of the drawings and the rules of the game to suit your team’s specific needs and dynamics.

Can this activity be done virtually?

Absolutely. This activity works very well for remote teams. You can use virtual whiteboard tools like Miro or a simple screen-sharing feature. The Describer can view an image on their screen while the Drawer uses the whiteboard to draw, making it an engaging virtual team-building exercise.

What if the drawings turn out really bad?

Poorly drawn pictures are often the best outcome! They provide a clear, visual representation of a communication breakdown and create a memorable learning moment. Emphasize that the quality of the art is not the point; the drawings are simply a tool to spark a conversation about improving communication processes.

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