The Breakthrough Manifesto

Dial Up the Drama Method 1: Kick It Around

Physically acting out an idea is a powerful way to engage people while also stimulating their brain in different ways. This is the concept of embodied cognition that we mention in the make a mess chapter.¹⁷¹ Furthermore, research shows that people are faster at responding to metaphoric phrases having performed a relevant body movement than when they did not move at all.¹⁷² In this case, we are exploring the metaphor of “kicking” around an idea.

How to kick it around:

• Step 1: Take a sticky note and write down one key word that summarizes the subject of the brainstorming session. Then, take a ball and attach the sticky note to the ball.
• Step 2: Ask participants to stand up and organize themselves in a circle. Explain that the point of the exercise is to generate thoughts about the identified subject of the brainstorming session by literally “kicking around the idea.” Identify someone to play the role of note taker.
• Step 3: Explain that the ball will be kicked to a participant to start the brainstorm. When the ball comes to an individual, they should briefly share an idea on the subject and then kick the ball to someone else. Capture ideas on a separate board/chart.
• Step 4: Continue until everyone in the group has kicked the ball ...