The soul of wit: Exploring the power of words with the one-sentence story

Abstract

Students need to know how to communicate succinctly. Often, students struggle to determine how much content is necessary to communicate a message. Designed for courses on public speaking, interpersonal communication, and organizational communication, this activity invites students to tell their class a story using a single sentence. After receiving examples, students create their own one-sentence story and explore how brevity can promote effective communication.

Courses

Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication.

Objectives

The aims of this activity are: to increase students’ understanding of succinct communication; to explore the use of brevity in interpersonal, organizational, or public-speaking situations; and to engage students in a creative activity that emphasizes the power of language.