3 Things

What This Game Teaches

This exercise builds quick thinking, confidence, and the ability to generate ideas under pressure.

Categories

Improv games, quick thinking, confidence building, communication skills, creativity, team building, public speaking, spontaneity

Group Size

Pairs or small groups

Time

5–10 minutes

Energy Level

High

How to Play

1. One participant prompts another with “Give me three things…” followed by a category (e.g., things in a refrigerator, reasons to be late, ways to solve a problem).

2. The responding participant must immediately name three items.

3. Continue with new prompts, rotating roles.

   
   

Variations

Add a time limit (e.g., 3 seconds)

Require exaggerated or creative answers.

Turn it into a group circle activity with the group saying “ONE” “TWO” and “THREE” after each answer given.

William Hall has a huge list of variations of this on improvgames.com

Why It Works

This game removes the time to overthink.

Participants learn to trust their instincts and respond quickly, which builds confidence and reduces fear of being wrong.

In storytelling and communication, this translates to greater fluency and presence in the moment.

Pro Tips

• Encourage participants to keep going even if the answers are imperfect

• Celebrate speed over accuracy

• Keep the pace fast to maintain energy

  
  

Origins / References

-A classic improv exercise used to build spontaneity and confidence

Try This In Real Life

Use this as a warm-up before meetings or presentations to get your brain moving and reduce hesitation.

Want to help your team think faster and communicate more confidently? Explore workshops at Your Story, Well Told.