Applied Improvisation Team Building

Sample Exercises

Applied improvisation training fosters teamwork while encouraging innovation and flexibility in business and in life. Improv is not about being funny. It is about being in the moment, actively listening, accepting the ideas of others, encouraging spontaneity, and “Yes, and...” Participants gain confidence as they develop strong active listening skills, increase their ability to think on their feet, and learn to support each other relentlessly by seeing the merit in all ideas and building on those as a team. Sessions are positive, active, high energy and FUN! Groups leave training events feeling creative, inspired, and connected.

We do not require audio-visual equipment. We just need a large open room with chairs around the periphery. This is an active program of games so participants should dress comfortably. Flat closed-toed shoes are recommended.

Please contact Jessica Brown for more information or use our Request for Proposal to send a request.

84618905_2496778393778965_8715587785844588544_o.jpg
84175694_2496778100445661_5648978941772300288_o.jpg

Alliteration Intro or Sound Intro (Name Game)

  • Participants & instructors get to know each other and break the ice using alliteration and an associated action. Alternative: Use a sound instead of an alliterative word.

  • Goals of Activity: Icebreaker, Learning Names, Support, Accepting Information

  • Time Needed: 15-20 Minutes +Discussion

Five Things

  • Participants must name 5 things based on a topic suggested by a team member.

  • Goals of Activity: Thinking Outside The Box, Thinking On Your Feet

  • Time Needed: 15-20 Minutes + Discussion

Red Ball

  • Participants pass imaginary items simultaneously with the goal of passing 8 different items at once.

  • Goals of Activity: Listening, Multi-Tasking

  • Time Needed: 10-15 Minutes + discussion

No; Yes - But...; Yes - And...

  • Participants plan a party using these three concepts – denial, “yes, but” and “yes, and” to see how reactions can influence conversations. “Yes, And” is the basis for all improv. We use this exercise for all groups.

  • Goals of Activity: Improv Basics, Listening, Acceptance & Teamwork

  • Time Needed: 30 Minutes + discussion

Mind-Meld

  • Participants use the format of Rock, Paper, Scissors to blurt out the first word that comes to their minds and then try to quickly establish a connection between those words.

  • Goals of Activity: Listening, Acceptance, Making Connections

  • Time Needed: 15 Minutes + discussion

Orbits

  • Warm up / networking exercise in which participants form “orbits” around individuals as they reveal truths about themselves. Participants are encouraged to allow themselves to be vulnerable.

  • Goals of Activity: Networking, Connections, Finding Common Ground

  • Time Needed: 15-20 Minutes + Discussion

Clap Variation

  • Participants pass the action of clapping in groups of 2, 3 & 4. The activity forces participants to quickly determine groups.

  • Goals of Activity: Adapting To Change, Thinking Quickly

  • Time Needed: 10 Minutes + discussion

Last Letter

  • Participants must begin the first word of their first sentence with the last word (or last letter of last word) of his or her partner.

  • Goals of Activity: Active Listening, Concise Communication, Listening To Understand – Not Respond

  • Time Needed: 10 Minutes + discussion

Loser Ball

  • Participants throw an imaginary ball and the catcher intentionally misses while others cheer him / her on.

  • Goals of Activity: Teamwork, Support, Being in the Moment, Embracing Mistakes as a Catalyst for Inspiration/Change

  • Time Needed: 15-20 Minutes + Discussion

Panel of Experts

  • A group of 4-6 participants lines up in the front of the room as a panel of experts at a press conference. They must answer questions regarding a chosen topic one word at a time.

  • Goals of Activity: Teamwork, Thinking On Your Feet, Creativity

  • Time Needed: 30 Minutes + discussion

What Matters to Me

  • Participants divide into duos. Each take turns describing a current personal life event. The partner boils the story down to what matters to the storyteller.

  • Goals of Activity: Listening, Empathy

  • Time Needed: 15 Minutes + discussion

1, 2, 3

  • Groups of two alternate counting 1, 2, and 3. Numbers are replaced with actions. Partners celebrate mistakes together.

  • Goals of Activity: Adapting to Change, Simultaneously Engaging Left & Right Brain

  • Time Needed: 5-7 Minutes + discussion

Epic Rock, Paper, Scissors

  • Participants challenge each other to multiple games of rock, paper, scissors. As players are eliminated, they become the hype team for the winning player. In the end, there are only two players with everyone cheering them on!

  • Goal: Teamwork, Celebration, Energy Boost, Connectivity

  • Time Needed: 5 mins

Exercises will be selected based on your team needs. Exercises may be added or subtracted during the program based on timing. Additional exercises are available upon request.