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The Exciting Sponge Game

An improv-based pitching game where participants take a mundane household object and invent a fantastic, high-stakes backstory for it. It develops storytelling, persuasion, and quick-thinking skills.

10-30 min3-20 peopleMedium
When to Use

To spark creativity and practice 'selling' an idea or vision, no matter how small.

How It Works

Solves: Stale thinking or difficulty articulating the value of an idea during brainstorming.

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

    Step 1: Give everyone 60 seconds to grab the most boring object they can find within arm's reach (1 min).

  2. 2

    Step 2: Give participants 1 minute to brainstorm a 'secret history' or incredible feature for that object (1 min).

  3. 3

    Step 3: Each person has 60 seconds to pitch their object to the group as if it were a priceless artifact or world-changing invention (10-20 mins).

  4. 4

    Step 4: Vote on the most convincing pitch.

Facilitator Tips
  • Model the behavior by doing a high-energy pitch for a paperclip or a pen first.
  • Encourage the use of 'infomercial' style energy.
Variations
  • Shark Tank Style: A panel of 'judges' decides which object to 'invest' in.
Source: Improv / Sales TrainingLearn more