Phase 02 – Communication & Active Listening
I Accept You, I Do Not Accept You is a drama-based communication exercise that lets participants explore the emotional and physical response to direct statements of acceptance and rejection.
How to run I Accept You, I Do Not Accept You Drama Exercise
- Divide the group into two lines facing one another.
- Participants meet in the middle and say “I accept you” to their partner.
- They return, meet again, and say “I do not accept you”.
- They return once more and repeat “I accept you”.
- Mix partners and repeat if the group is ready, then lead a short reflection.
What it develops
- direct communication
- emotional openness
- empathy and listening
- body awareness
- reflection on acceptance and rejection
- presence in interpersonal contact
Facilitator notes
Set a respectful tone before starting. The exercise is not about judging a reaction as right or wrong; it is about noticing what happens in the body, voice, and emotions when a simple statement is received directly.
Reflection questions
- What did it feel like to say “I accept you”?
- What changed when you heard “I do not accept you”?
- Where did you notice the reaction in your body?
- How did the final “I accept you” feel after the rejection round?
Related drama games
Explore the full Communication & Active Listening exercises, browse all drama games, or see the full 30-Day Participation System.