explore · Ideation · 10–30 min · 3-20 people · high energy

The Exciting Sponge Game

An improv-based pitching game where participants take a mundane household object and invent a fantastic, high-stakes backstory for it. It develops storytelling, persuasion, and quick-thinking skills.

When to use The Exciting Sponge Game

To spark creativity and practice 'selling' an idea or vision, no matter how small.

What it solves

Stale thinking or difficulty articulating the value of an idea during brainstorming.

How to run The Exciting Sponge Game, step by step

  1. Give everyone 60 seconds to grab the most boring object they can find within arm's reach (1 min).
  2. Give participants 1 minute to brainstorm a 'secret history' or incredible feature for that object (1 min).
  3. Each person has 60 seconds to pitch their object to the group as if it were a priceless artifact or world-changing invention (10-20 mins).
  4. Vote on the most convincing pitch.

Materials needed

  • Random household objects
  • Timer

Facilitator tips

  • Model the behavior by doing a high-energy pitch for a paperclip or a pen first.
  • Encourage the use of 'infomercial' style energy.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants being too literal or shy; remind them that the more ridiculous the story, the better.

Variations

  • Shark Tank Style: A panel of 'judges' decides which object to 'invest' in.

Running it online or hybrid

Remote participants find objects in their home; in-person participants find objects in the meeting room.

What it produces

Screenshots of participants with their 'legendary' objects.

Origin

Adapted from SessionLab's Virtual Team Building collection — source

Build a session around The Exciting Sponge Game

METODIC places The Exciting Sponge Game inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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