Quick Description
SimulSpeak is played in pairs. The players have 2 simultaneous conversation.
How to Play
Have the players get into groups of 2.
Have them each think of a conversation start that is about 5 beats long. For example: “I’m taking a psych class” or “Did you drive your car?
They count to 3 together.
They both say their conversation starters at the same time [Simultaneously]
They take a beat (pause) and respond to what the other person said.
They take a beat (pause) and respond to what the other person said.
Repeat until the activity is over or your head explodes.
Notes
There are two conversations happening at the same time.
The players often make the dialogue longer than 5 beats.
This game trains listening instead of thinking about what to say next.
This game also trains not thinking so much about what you are going to say.
Variations
I don’t know of any variations. Do you? Let me know
Origin
Dan O’Connor of Impro Theatre Los Angeles taught me Simulspeak. Dan is also a co-founder of BATS improv in San Francisco.
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