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 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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