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Story Around the Circle

A collaborative storytelling exercise where each participant contributes a single sentence to an evolving narrative. It builds active listening skills and encourages the group to build on each other's ideas.

30-90 min5-10 peopleHard
When to Use

To practice 'Yes, And' thinking and improve group cohesion through shared creativity.

How It Works

Solves: Participants working in silos or failing to listen to colleagues' contributions.

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

    Step 1: The facilitator provides a dramatic opening line to set the scene (2 mins).

  2. 2

    Step 2: Participants take turns adding one sentence to the story, following a predetermined order (20-40 mins).

  3. 3

    Step 3: A designated 'scribe' records the story in a shared document in real-time.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Read the completed story aloud and reflect on the unexpected turns it took (10 mins).

Facilitator Tips
  • If the story gets stuck, introduce a 'plot twist' prompt to jumpstart creativity.
  • Encourage participants to use 'Fortunately/Unfortunately' to create narrative tension.
Variations
  • Visual Story: One person draws a shape, the next adds to it, until a picture emerges.
Source: Improv TechniquesLearn more