Ping-pong

Also known as: Lexical Ping-pong

Two performers "volley" a topic: A β€” a thesis/word/line, B β€” an instant response. Variant: each time a new style (poetically, formally, as a detective...).

Full description

Setup and launch

Two performers work β€” this is a quick "volley" of a thought or line. The coach offers a starting topic, word, or first line and reminds about the rhythm: exchange without pauses, instant response.

For the genre variant, agree in advance on possible registers (poetic, business, detective, etc.) and that switching happens on the coach's signal.

Flow

Keep the game like rhythmic ping-pong: brief, clear, by ear.

  1. Performer A sets the "ball": says a thesis, word, or line.

  2. Performer B responds immediately, accepts what was offered and adds the next portion of meaning or tone.

  3. Maintain continuity: lines are short, without explanations and pauses; the coach monitors the pace and returns to brevity when things drag.

  4. On the coach's signal β€” a change of style/genre; A sets the new register, B instantly adjusts.

The essence β€” hear your partner's exact tone and instantly switch registers together with them, without losing clarity and rhythm.

Key rules

  • Work in pairs; the coach sets the starting topic/word/line.

  • Response β€” without a pause: as fast and short as possible.

  • Accept your partner's offer and add the next small idea, not an explanation.

  • Genre/style change β€” only on the coach's signal; switching is instant.

Context