Improv Tip of the Month: “Five Things”

by | May 29, 2012 | Improvisation

This month’s improv tip is from Barry Edwards, Improv Contributor.

Got another team meeting coming up? Let the games begin.Plato’s quote still holds true: “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Facilitated play makes it possible for your team to learn more about each other.  Plus team cohesiveness is a natural outcome from a shared fun experience.

In March, I featured an improv game that’s easy for you to facilitate called “Zip-Zap-Zop.” Here’s another one:

“Five Things.” Your team stands in a circle.  One person starts by pointing to another team member and gives a topic starting with the words “Things you find …” (for example, “Things You Find at a Baseball Game”). The person who is “it” says the first five things that come to mind (for example, “Bases, bat, player, hot dog, mascot!”).  Then the “it” person passes the baton to another team member, by pointing and giving a topic starting with the words “Things you find ….” Continue until everyone on the team gets a topic.

Five Things reinforces the skill of thinking on your feet. Plus you’ll undoubtedly learn some unexpected things about your team members.

So … have you scheduled that conference room yet?

Originally published by BossaNova Consulting Group, Inc.
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Barry Edwards

What gets me out of bed in the morning is the opportunity to really engage people—whether I’m coaching an executive, leading a workshop, or facilitating a meeting. That’s because I believe engagement is the key to workplaces that make a difference. I’m also an improvisational comedy performer, teacher, and overall enthusiast. I’ve led dozens of workshops (and written a series of blog articles) on how to bring the art of improv to the business world.

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