Stage actors often play little games backstage to warm up for a performance. The games open the vocal chords, the mind, and the spirit.

Those games have become their own performance now--improv artists do shows all over, impressing the audience with their quick wit and ability to adapt to any situation thrown at them.

Do you want quick wit?

Do you want to adapt to any situation?

Perhaps you need to play improv games before your next "performance," warm up before your next big meeting, or open your mind and spirit before you talk to your next client. Improv games are terrific with a group--two or more, and here's a game you can play alone:

Just like you might have done on a road trip, go through the alphabet and list the things you are going to take on a picnic. Say, "I'm going on a picnic, and I'm going to bring..."

The first item should be the first thing that comes to mind that starts with the letter 'A' -- regardless of making sense! "Anchovies" works, and so does "alimony." Then say, "I'm going on a picnic, and I'm going to bring...alimony and [enter 'B' word here]." Go through the whole alphabet, making it harder and harder (or is it easier) to remember the entire list. Best performed out loud.

Enjoy.

Eric Matas
Blogger-at-large, Blah Blah Bleric