EMPATHY GYM

STORYTELLING EXERCISE  

2019

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WHAT

A storytelling exercise that encourages players to practice empathy by sharing stories about emotions, actions and sensations.

 

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WHY

Politics and society are increasingly polarised. Polarisation appeals to negative emotions such as fear and anger. Neuroscience tell us that all humans are inherently empathic, and that empathy is a skill we can train.

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HOW

The warm-up phase helps us recognise emotions in facial expressions. The exercise phase trains us to become better storytellers and listeners. The cooling down phase lets us reflect on the experiences and select our favourite stories.

Empathy Gym can be played with friends, family, colleagues or even strangers before a political debate.