explore · Icebreaker · 30–90 min · 5-10 people · medium energy

Story Around the Circle

A collaborative storytelling exercise where each participant contributes a single sentence to an evolving narrative. It builds active listening skills and encourages the group to build on each other's ideas.

When to use Story Around the Circle

To practice 'Yes, And' thinking and improve group cohesion through shared creativity.

What it solves

Participants working in silos or failing to listen to colleagues' contributions.

How to run Story Around the Circle, step by step

  1. The facilitator provides a dramatic opening line to set the scene (2 mins).
  2. Participants take turns adding one sentence to the story, following a predetermined order (20-40 mins).
  3. A designated 'scribe' records the story in a shared document in real-time.
  4. Read the completed story aloud and reflect on the unexpected turns it took (10 mins).

Materials needed

  • Shared Google Doc or Whiteboard
  • Pre-written story prompts

Facilitator tips

  • If the story gets stuck, introduce a 'plot twist' prompt to jumpstart creativity.
  • Encourage participants to use 'Fortunately/Unfortunately' to create narrative tension.

Common pitfalls

  • One person trying to control the narrative direction.
  • Awkward silences between turns if the order isn't clear.

Variations

  • Visual Story: One person draws a shape, the next adds to it, until a picture emerges.

Running it online or hybrid

Use the 'Gallery View' in Zoom to establish a clear speaking order based on the screen grid.

What it produces

A written transcript or illustrated version of the collective story.

Origin

Based on classic improvisational storytelling, adapted by SessionLab — source

Build a session around Story Around the Circle

METODIC places Story Around the Circle inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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