Nicole Armenteros

LEI 4724
Activity: Mirror image
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association | ASHA. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28,
2016, from http://www.asha.org/
Ball State University. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2016, from http://cms.bsu.edu/
HOME | Childdrama.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2016, from http://www.childdrama.com/
Equipment needed: A Stop watch and a talking stick
Activity Description:
1. Have participants choose a partner.
2. Start the activity by choosing a volunteer to demonstrate the activity.
3. Have the volunteer stand 3 steps away from you. Decide who will be the leader and who
will be the mirror image. The leader will try to communicate with the mirror image by
only utilizing body language and the mirror image will duplicate the motions at the same
time as the leader is making them. Therefore, being the mirror image.
4. Have the participants do it as well until they have an idea of what the other is trying to
communicate with them and have them share it with each other after 2 minutes of the
mirror game.
5. Once they have figured it out, have them find a different partner and start a new mirror
game.
Leadership Considerations:
1. When working with participants with a speech impediment like stuttering, one must focus
on other ways of communication. The mirror game allows those with stuttering to use
their body as a form of communication. One must consider that the participants who
stutter may feel the need to finish their sentence quickly because they feel they may be
taking too long to respond. For this reason, when it comes time to share what one
believes the other is trying to communicate, extra time may be needed so that the
participants are not rushed when trying to share their thoughts and they may feel relaxed
enough to enjoy the game. The participants may also use facial expressions to more
effectively present their ideas.
2. To avoid interruptions during sharing time, one may consider bringing in a talking stick.
A talking stick only allows the participant holding it to speak, and once they are done,
they may pass it to the other participant.
3. When working with participants with a leg amputation, one must focus on ways that they
may improve their range of motion and provide effective communication. People with a
leg amputation are either on a wheelchair, or may have a prosthetic leg. While on a
wheelchair, have the other participant sit at eye level (if not already at eye level). This
will allow a more effective form of communication. One also may need to make sure the
room has enough space for the participants with a wheelchair so that they can feel as if
they can move their arms freely. Also, for the participants with a prosthetic leg, one may
need to allow more space for movements and add 1 more minute to the mirror game so
they may effectively share what they would like to share using body language.