10 Interesting Communication Skills Activities For High School Students

High school – it’s like a rollercoaster ride full of twists, turns, and awkward encounters with your crush in the hallway. But amidst all the drama and excitement, there’s one thing that can’t be overlooked: communication skills. Yes, it’s true, being able to express yourself clearly and connect with others is a vital part of navigating the high school experience (and life in general!).

Luckily, there are plenty of quirky and fun activities that can help you hone those skills. So whether you’re practicing mock interviews, creating persuasive advertisements, or busting out some improv, these activities will challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and develop your communication abilities. Get ready to unleash your inner extrovert and take on the world with confidence!

The skills you’ll develop here will not only benefit you in your academic and professional life but will also help you build stronger relationships with your friends and family. So get ready to unleash your inner wordsmith, and let’s see what kind of magic we can create together!

Effective communication skills activities for high school students

Good communication skills are essential for success in both personal and professional life. High school students need to learn these skills to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with their peers and teachers.

Here are ten engaging activities that can help high school students improve their communication skills and become better communicators. These activities will also serve as great life skill activities, as after all, communication is a crucial life skill! 

1. News Reporting 

News Reporting 

Welcome to the world of journalism, where the stories are always breaking and the truth is always sought after. Have students create their own news program, with each team responsible for creating their own theme song, graphic design, and set design. 

In this activity, students will work in teams to create their own news program. Each team will be responsible for creating their own theme song, graphic design, and set design. The goal is to develop communication skills while flexing their creative muscles, as this activity will also encourage creative writing skills among students.

Students will learn how to report breaking news, conduct interviews, and create human interest stories. Through this activity, students will gain an understanding of how journalists work and how news is produced.

2. Cross-Cultural Communication 

Cross-Cultural Communication 

In today’s global society, it’s more important than ever to learn how to communicate effectively across cultures. Have students create a multicultural festival or fair where they can share their cultures with each other through food, dance, music, and other cultural activities.

In this activity, students will partner up with someone from a different cultural background to explore the similarities and differences in their cultures through interactive and engaging activities. The goal is to develop intercultural communication skills. Students will learn about different cultural practices, values, beliefs, and traditions. 

Being a great cultural diversity activity as well, students will create a multicultural festival or fair where they can share their cultures with each other through food, dance, music, and other cultural activities. This activity will help students to appreciate diversity and learn how to communicate effectively across cultures.

3. Podcasting 

Podcasting 

Do you have something to say but don’t know how to say it? Have students incorporate different types of media into their podcast, such as music, sound effects, and guest interviews. 

In this activity, students will learn how to create a podcast that showcases their unique voice and ideas. They will work in teams to research, write, and produce engaging content that will captivate their audience. The goal is to develop communication skills and explore different forms of media and creativity.

Students will be encouraged to incorporate different types of media into their podcast, such as music, sound effects, and guest interviews, to make it more engaging and interesting. Such activities are also conducted at various public speaking camps which have been essentially beneficial for the kids. 

4. Collaborative Storytelling 

Collaborative Storytelling 

In this activity, you’ll explore the power of storytelling as a means of communication. Have students create a unique story using a variety of storytelling mediums such as video, audio, animation, and graphics.

 In this activity, students will explore the power of storytelling as a means of communication. They will work together to create a story that incorporates different creative mediums, such as writing, art, and technology, to bring their narrative to life. The goal is to develop communication skills and explore different creative mediums.

Students will be encouraged to create a unique story using a variety of storytelling mediums such as video, audio, animation, and graphics. By working collaboratively, students will also learn how to work effectively in teams or in workplaces and how to communicate their ideas effectively.

5. Non-Verbal Communication 

Non-Verbal Communication

Communication isn’t just about what you say, but also about how you say it. In this activity, you’ll explore the power of non-verbal communication through fun and interactive games that challenge you to convey a message without using words.

The objective of this activity is to help students understand the significance of non-verbal communication in conveying a message. To get started, divide the class into groups of 3-5 students and provide each group with a set of different objects or materials such as paper, markers, cardboard, or scissors.

Next, assign each group a message to convey, such as “I am happy,” “I am sad,” or “I am confused.” Students are then required to use the objects or materials given to convey their message without using any words. The group that effectively communicates its message in the most creative and clear way wins.

This activity challenges students to think outside of the box and use their creativity and communication skills to convey a message through non-verbal means. It also encourages students to be mindful of their own non-verbal communication, which can often communicate just as much as spoken words.

6. Persuasive Advertising 

Persuasive Advertising 

In today’s world, advertising is everywhere. In this activity, you’ll learn how to create persuasive ads that capture your audience’s attention and motivate them to take action. You’ll work in teams to create ads that showcase your creativity and communication skills.

Have students create a persuasive advertisement using only found objects or recycled materials. The objective of this activity is to teach students how to create persuasive ads that capture their audience’s attention and motivate them to take action. To get started, divide the class into teams of 3-5 students and provide each team with a selection of found objects or recycled materials.

Next, instruct each team to create a persuasive advertisement that showcases their creativity and communication skills while also promoting a sustainable practice. Encourage students to think critically about their message and how they can effectively communicate it to their audience.

Once the advertisements are complete, have each team present their advertisement to the class, explaining the message they are trying to convey and the sustainable practice they are promoting. This activity helps students to develop their persuasive oral communication skills while also raising awareness about sustainable practices and the importance of taking care of our environment.

7. Mock Interviews 

Mock Interviews

Getting ready for the job market can be challenging, but in this activity, you’ll learn the skills you need to ace your interviews. You’ll practice your communication and interpersonal skills as you role-play as both the interviewer and interviewee in a variety of scenarios.

Have students create a unique character to interview for their mock interview. The purpose of this activity is to help students prepare for job interviews by practicing their communication and interpersonal skills. To get started, divide the class into pairs and assign one student to be the interviewer and the other to be the interviewee.

Provide a list of common interview questions or scenarios for students to role-play, such as “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want this job?” or “How do you handle conflict?” After the initial round, have students switch roles and repeat the exercise.

To add an extra level of creativity, instruct students to create a unique character to interview for their mock interview. This allows students to flex their creativity while also developing their communication and interpersonal skills.

8. Public Service Announcements 

Public Service Announcements

Do you have a cause you’re passionate about? In this activity, you’ll learn how to create a public service announcement that raises awareness and motivates others to take action. You’ll use your creativity and communication skills to craft a message that makes an impact.

The aim of this activity is to teach students how to create a public service announcement that raises awareness and motivates others to take action. To get started, have students brainstorm a list of causes they are passionate about and would like to raise awareness for.

Next, assign each student or group a specific art form such as poetry, dance, or visual art to create a unique public service announcement. Encourage students to use their creativity and communication skills to craft a message that makes an impact and motivates others to take action.

Once the public service announcements are complete, have each student or group present their message to the class. This activity allows students to explore different artistic mediums while also developing their communication and persuasive skills. Additionally, it raises awareness for important causes and helps students feel empowered to make a positive difference in their communities.

9. Social Media Campaigns 

Social Media Campaigns 

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for communication. In this activity, you’ll learn how to create a social media campaign that captures your audience’s attention and motivates them to take action. You’ll explore different platforms and learn how to create engaging content that communicates your message.

Have students create a social media campaign using only Instagram stories or TikTok videos. Through this activity, students learn how to create a social media campaign that effectively communicates a message and engages with their target audience. To get started, have students choose a topic or cause they are passionate about and would like to raise awareness for.

Next, instruct students to create a social media campaign using only Instagram stories or TikTok videos. Encourage students to think creatively about how to communicate their message in a short amount of time while still being engaging and effective.

To add an extra level of challenge, you could also assign specific target audiences for each campaign, such as millennials, Gen Z, or parents. This activity allows students to develop their digital communication skills while also raising awareness for important causes.

10. Improvisation 

Improvisation 

Communication isn’t always about having the perfect words or the right answers, sometimes it’s about thinking on your feet and adapting to unexpected situations. In this activity, you’ll explore the power of improvisation as a means of communication. You’ll work together to create unique scenarios that challenge you to think creatively and communicate effectively.

Have students create a unique improv scenario that involves a specific theme or issue. This activity can be used to explore the power of improvisation as a means of communication. To get started, have students work in small groups to create a unique improv scenario that involves a specific theme or issue.

For example, a scenario could involve a job interview gone wrong, a first date with an unexpected twist, or a family dinner with a surprise guest. Encourage students to think creatively about the scenario and how they can effectively communicate and adapt to unexpected situations.

Next, have each group perform their scenario in front of the class. This activity challenges students to think creatively, communicate effectively, and problem-solve in high-pressure situations. Additionally, it can help students develop confidence in their communication and adaptability skills, which can be useful in many areas of life.

Conclusion

Communication is an essential skill that allows us to connect with others, share our ideas, and make an impact in the world. Through these communication activities for high schoolers, you have the opportunity to sharpen your skills, express yourself with confidence, and learn to connect with people from all walks of life. 

Whether you become a master of non-verbal communication, a social media wizard, or a persuasive speaker, the skills you learn here will serve you well in your academic and professional pursuits, as well as in your personal relationships. After all, we all have “improving our communication skills” on our bucket lists, don’t we? 

So don’t be afraid to experiment, try new things, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. With a little bit of practice and a lot of enthusiasm, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. So go forth and communicate with confidence!

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