Video clips from GameChangers workshops at Twelve Horses Interactive and an Executive MBA Class at Notre Dame. The Twelve Horses engagements typically have from 8 to 10 people participating. The MBA class had 65 people in it.
Posts Tagged ‘Agreement’
Workshop Clips
Thursday, April 3rd, 2008You’ve Got To…
Sunday, February 24th, 2008When an idea has been ‘over-articulated’, it can take something simple or metaphorical to bring it back to its essence. Libraries have been written about this particular idea, millions of workshops, seminars, groups and rallies have addressed it from every possible angle. Here is the essence of it, written into song in 1941 by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen:
You’ve got to accentuate the Positive
Eliminate the Negative
Latch on to the Affirmative
Don’t mess with Mr. In-Between *
Accentuating the Positive is how improvisers keep their scenes productive. (more…)
Scene: The Pilgrim Captain and the Flower Shop
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007I often use this scenario when I’m explaining to an audience how improvisation generates breakthrough ideas and unique value propositions for its practitioners.
Let’s say I initiate an improv theater scene as the captain of the pilgrim ship, the Mayflower. I identify myself as such to my scene partner. I am captain-like. Imperious. Big-hatted.
My scene partner, however, has a different idea, and enters the scene as an overworked employee in a modern-day flower shop.
It might have been a soft initiation on my part or poor listening by my partner, whatever the reasons, we are now in two different places playing two different characters. Are we pilgrims on our way to the New World? Or are we in a contemporary flower shop? Whose idea will prevail? (more…)
Of Mouseketeers and METs
Wednesday, November 7th, 2007
When Red Bull auditions candidates for what they call their Mobile Energy Teams, or METs (yes, when you play for Red Bull you do it in a METs uniform) the casting committee begins by observing groups of 25 candidates left alone in a room. They note which ones connect and communicate with the kind of vigor that’s synonymous with the brand. They note those who are naturally animated characters, who strike up conversations, find common ground with others, get a laugh. These are the candidates most likely to get the gig. (more…)