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Exciting Sponge

A rapid-fire storytelling exercise where participants grab a mundane object within reach and 'sell' it to the group as an extraordinary, legendary artifact.

10-20 min2-15 peopleMedium
When to Use

To boost creative thinking and practice persuasive, 'out-of-the-box' storytelling.

How It Works

Solves: Stiff, overly formal communication or a lack of creative energy in the group.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to facilitate this method
  1. 1

    Step 1: Instruct everyone to grab any object within arm's reach (e.g., a stapler, a mug, a sponge) (1 min).

  2. 2

    Step 2: Give participants 30 seconds to come up with a 'legendary' backstory for that object.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Each person has 1 minute to pitch their object to the group as if it were a priceless museum relic or a futuristic tool (10-15 min).

  4. 4

    Step 4: Vote on the most 'exciting' mundane object (1 min).

Facilitator Tips
  • Lead by example with a very over-the-top pitch of your own.
  • Focus on the 'why'—what makes this object special in this imaginary world?
Variations
  • Shark Tank style: Have a panel of 'investors' ask one follow-up question about the object's 'powers'.
Source: StorytellingLearn more