Preparation
- Encourage creativity and improvisation among participants.
- Foster a playful and relaxed environment as a group energizer.
- Develop persuasive and oral communication skills in a dynamic way.
- A large box with more objects than participants, such as bathtub stoppers, candles, oversized clips, corks, small toys, etc.
- Paper or sticky notes to label objects, if needed.
- A spacious area where participants can move around and present their “sales.”
- Place the box with objects in the center of the activity area.
- Arrange seats or a circle where participants can watch the presentations.
- Ask each participant to choose an unusual object from their home (e.g., interesting texture or shape).
- Organize presentation rounds where each person promotes their object via video call.
- Use a virtual whiteboard or chat for participants to vote on the most creative “sale.”
Step-by-step instructions
Introduction to the purpose
- Explain that the goal of the activity is to use creativity to turn an ordinary object into something extraordinary and persuade the group of its value.
- Emphasize that the focus is on having fun and experimenting with improvisation.
Object selection (2 minutes)
- Ask each participant to choose an object from the box that they find interesting or unique.
- Give them 2 minutes to examine their object, noticing its texture, shape, color, and unique features.
Presentation prep (3 minutes)
- Invite participants to think about how to present their object as a product for sale. They can invent extraordinary features, creative names, or unique benefits.
Presentation round
- Each participant has up to 1 minute to “sell” their object to the group. They can use humor, storytelling, or persuasive descriptions.
- The rest of the group acts as potential buyers and can ask questions or comment on the “sale.”
Reflection and closing
- Lead a group discussion about which presentations were most effective and which creative strategies stood out.
- Reflect on how the skills explored can be applied to other situations, such as public speaking or problem-solving.
Materials
Platforms
For virtual sessions or collaborative documentation.
Practical recommendations
Object variety
Ensure the items in the box are diverse and spark curiosity.
Emphasize humor
Encourage participants to use humor and creativity to make their presentations more entertaining.
Just enough time to improvise
Give participants enough time to observe their objects without losing the dynamic pace.
Create a safe environment
Foster an atmosphere where participants feel comfortable improvising and experimenting.
Rotate roles
If time allows, organize a second round where participants pick new objects and try different strategies.
Record the experience
If possible, record the presentations to share later as a memory or for feedback.
Include optional voting
Let the group vote for the most creative or persuasive presentation to add a playful element.
Adapt to the group
Adjust the difficulty or rules based on participants’ ages and profiles.
Connect to practical skills
Reflect on how this activity can be useful in professional presentations or sales scenarios.
Inspiration
- A bathtub stopper.
- A candle with an unusual shape.
- An oversized paperclip.
- A plastic spoon with a bold design.
- A bottle cork.
- An empty roll of adhesive tape.
- A quirky or extravagant keychain.
- A stress ball in an odd shape.
- A broken mug or one without a handle.
- A jar lid with interesting textures.
- A pair of vintage sunglasses.
- A piece of rope or ribbon in bright colors.
- A small toy, such as a plastic animal or action figure.
- A small box or container with a curious design.
- A uniquely shaped phone or tablet stand.
