From Judgement to Fact

From Judgment to Fact is a feedback practice game for small groups. Participants translate everyday workplace phrases into precise wording, then test them in role play. They learn to distinguish observation, interpretation, impact and a concrete request. The game is suited to managers, project leads, trainers and teams who want better conversations.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Welcome and frame

   5 min

   Present the objective, duration and three rounds. Form groups of 3 to 4. Explain that you are working on fictional phrases and that permission to try is central. “Today, we will turn phrases that close discussion into feedback that helps people act.”

   Tip — Remind participants that you critique the wording, never the people proposing it.

2. 2

   The 6 tools

   8 min

   Hand out or display the tool cards. Have participants read the definitions quickly. Ask the group to spot the difference between fact, impact, request and precise thanks. “The simplest test: could a camera film or hear it? If not, let’s reword it.”

   Tip — Keep the tool cards visible throughout the workshop.

3. 3

   Round 1: translation

   18 min

   Each group draws a judgment card. Start 3 minutes of rewriting on the Translation Sheet. Then each group reads its proposal. The others give 0 or 1 on the three criteria. “Your mission: remove the judgment, keep the important message and provide a possible next step.”

   Tip — If a group is stuck, ask them to underline the factual detail in the context on the card.

4. 4

   Score and learnings

   5 min

   Announce the scores from Round 1. Ask for two examples of words removed because they were too judgmental. Rework one imperfect proposal live. “The point is not to be nice: the point is to be precise and useful.”

   Tip — Strongly value dated, verifiable requests.

5. 5

   Role instructions

   5 min

   Form trios. Give a judgment card to the giver, a secret reaction card to the receiver and an Observer Grid to the third person. Explain the 4-minute turn. “Play it real, not theatrical. A difficult reaction must remain credible and professional.”

   Tip — In groups of four, two observers fill in the same grid, then compare briefly.

6. 6

   Round 2: in the situation

   18 min

   Run three turns: 4 minutes of exchange, 1 minute of observer feedback, then rotate. The giver uses fact, impact, request or thanks. The receiver plays their reaction card. “The observer listens for the feedback structure and how the giver maintains connection.”

   Tip — Move between groups. If it goes off track, stop, simplify the scene and restart.

7. 7

   Round 3: for real

   6 min

   Each person chooses a real person from their work environment and writes precise thanks: observable fact, positive impact, thanks. Share in pairs if time allows. “A precise compliment reinforces what you want to see continue.”

   Tip — Keep this round positive to end with energy and immediate usefulness.

8. 8

   Debrief

   7 min

   Facilitate a three-step discussion: feel, understand, transfer. Choose 6 to 8 questions depending on time. Note concrete commitments on the board. “What will you take into your next real feedback conversation?”

   Tip — End with one tiny action that can be done within 48 hours.

Variants

• Remote : Use a shared board with both canvases. Send the cards as links or private screenshots. Reactions are drawn by direct message. Work in breakout rooms of 3.
• Large group : Beyond 16 people, limit Round 1 readouts to 4 volunteer groups, then have the whole group vote using the three criteria.
• Experienced managers : Add a constraint: also formulate an open question after the request to check agreement, obstacles or understanding.
• Sensitive team : Start with only positive or low-intensity cards. Move to criticisms once the group has built the fact-impact-request reflex.