Repeater
Players repeat the last line of dialogue before adding another detail
by Erica MarxGoal
Listening!
Instructions
This exercise can be played with two participants at a time. The two players will make up a fictional conversation on the fly. However, a new line of dialogue cannot be started until the previous line was repeated.
For example:
Player 1: “Shark Week is scary!”
Player 2: “Shark week is scary! There should be a warning before every show.”
P1:“There should be a warning before every show. I don’t even want to go to the beach anymore.”
P2: “You don’t even want to go to the beach anymore. And I can’t get a tan because of it!”
By repeating the entire previous phrase before crafting a response, participants must thoughtfully process and reflect on what was just said. The repetition may feel a bit silly at first, but this activity helps to break the cycle of, “passively hear, acceptably answer” and embrace the more effective tactic of, “actively listen, thoughtfully respond.”
Background
Author
I lead a team that helps multi-stakeholder groups tackle high-stakes, complex work with clarity and connection. We design and guide strategic planning sessions, workshops, retreats, and conferences where people think well together, make sound decisions, and take coordinated action. Our team is trained in improvisational theater, and as active members of the International Applied Improvisation Network, we bring adaptable, creative methods that build trust, surface essential perspectives, and keep momentum strong. We also share what we know, offering facilitator training that blends inclusive process design with the flexibility and presence of improv.
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