"The Continuing Story"- A Practical Tip for A Group Activity

Originally appeared in the International Creativity Network Newsletter, volume 1, number 3, 1991, pages 4 and 5.

This is a group activity that originates in improvisational theatre training techniques. It has been shared by ICN Member David Dufour (Act II Associates, Inc., 311 West High St., Elkhart, IN 46516; 219-522-3133).

The moderator begins a story. David reports that he often begins with "Last week I went to deepest, darkest Africa, and I..." At this point, turn the story over to one of the participants who continues until interrupted by the moderator. It's more fun if they are interrupted in mid-sentence. The story is then passed on to another person in the group. As a ground rule, no one is allowed to say, "...they all died; THE END."

David uses this technique in creativity presentations to loosen people up, but more importantly, to prove that virtually everyone has creative capacity. The exercise is unpredictable, in that participants cannot really plan ahead. Thus, they are forced to adapt quickly as the story changes. It also demonstrates the relationship between creativity and humor, because there is always plenty of laughter.

As far as set up is concerned, a microphone is almost always desirable, because it is important for everyone to be heard, although some people do not speak loudly enough. For larger groups, remember to use a wireless microphone or a long cord! The moderator should also be careful to explain the procedure exactly, because some folks become a bit unnerved if they are not expecting you to interrupt them. Be prepared, too, for the occasional person who really does not want to talk in the microphone; they will invariably let you know by body language or by shaking their head. With 30 or fewer in the group, it doesn't take too long to go around the whole room. With a larger group, you can use your best judgment about when to cut it off. For most audiences, David reports, he has found this an enjoyable and meaningful ice-breaker.