Parallel Universe (Swedish Story variation)
One person begins telling a true story and the instructor hands slips of paper with Emotion, Place, or Object for them to incorporate into their story.
by Erica MarxGoal
How easily can you accept something that is not true?
Discover joy of letting go of your story
Materials
Instructions
Prep: Have player write down Objects, Emotions, and Places on individual slips of paper and put in envelopes (3 envelopes, 3 colors of paper)
Form pairs
Choose topic for stories (ie. your first date / job / road trip etc.)
Round 1: Each person tells 1 min story while the other person listens.
Round 2: Person A begins to tell a true story and has to incorporate the info on the slips of paper that the instructor is handing out into their story.
Note: I walked around the room at a steady pace delivering slips of paper, about 8-12 per storyteller.
Variations:
Have the partner say random words for the person to incorporate (ie. Swedish
Story)
Lead into "Remember the time" and two people go back and forth
Remember the time + the slips of paper
Background
Erica/Jim adaptation of Swedish Story to use slips of paper (easier for beginner class or applied context)
Author
I help teams connect, collaborate, and perform at their best in both virtual and in-person environments. As an executive and leadership coach, I design highly engaging experiences where people can think together, navigate challenges, and strengthen the way they work. With a background in leadership coaching, facilitation, and applied improvisation, I create interactive retreats, conferences, and networking events that energize participants and create lasting impact. My work creates the conditions for psychological safety, honest communication, and deep collaboration, allowing teams to build trust, navigate challenges, and achieve meaningful results together. I am deeply committed to mission-driven organizations. As a board member of the International Applied Improvisation Network, I partner with nonprofit and social justice leaders to help their teams thrive in fast-changing environments.
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