"Best of..., Worst of..." is an Improv exercise that enables people to tap into their experiences in a creative, playful, non-threatening manner. This PET enables you to develop a list of examples from people's experiences when new ideas, etc., are needed or an issue needs to be resolved. This PET is from Author Izzy Gesell.
Purpose:
This PET is an Improv game that is designed to enable people to tap into their experiences to list out examples, e.g., people, problems, processes, etc., in a playful manner.
Objectives:
- To list out examples from people's experiences.
- To immediately classify the examples listed.
Do the following:
- Ask for 4 volunteers - make it safe for them to volunteer but don't reveal what they are volunteering for.
- Bring the 4 volunteers up to the front of the room and ask them to stand in a row, in no particular order.
- Explain the rules:
- Give them the topic you want them to list out - e.g., "The worst participant I ever facilitated was... (no names, just descriptions)".
- Explain that when they have an example, they are to take one step forward and speak out the Best or the Worst (pick one). Then step back.
- When someone else is speaking, listen.
- If two of you step forward at the same time, one of you steps back and waits for the other person to step back before stepping forward.
- Set a time limit - e.g., 5 minutes.
- While the volunteers are speaking, on a flip chart, capture what they say - capture as accurately as possible. Note: Keep up with the speakers.
- Call time when time is up. Thank the volunteers and ask them to return to their seats.
Debriefing Questions
- How did you feel as a volunteer?
- How did you feel as the audience?
- How might this help with the issue?
