One of my favourite childhood games was one my classmates fondly termed ‘Broken Telephone.’ The game entailed passing a message to people in a line until the last person received it. The last person usually received a distorted version of the message.
Broken Telephone may have been a childhood game, but it stresses clear communication. Distorted messages have the effect of causing misunderstandings, damaging relationships and sometimes, missed opportunities.
Winning the game of Broken Telephone requires active listening. Speak using simple language and provide enough context for listeners to intepret situations appropriately. It may be helpful to ask what a person understands from the message given.
Telephone lines don’t have to be broken. Enjoy these senryus.
Broken telephone
It cannot send out signals
One must speak clearly
Broken telephone
Simple messages sent through
Heard clearly by ear
Broken telephone
Must speak enough of one’s mind
For understanding
Broken telephone
Must repeat the message heard
For knowledge of all
The Getting Literal Writing Alcove 