Tips for Better Brainstorming
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The most direct application of creativity is brainstorming. Here are some simple techniques to maximize your brainstorming efforts:
Environment – Make sure the environment is conducive to a positive brainstorming experience. Every participant should know the ground rules – ideas will come fast, there should be no criticizing or evaluating suggestions, and everyone's input will be valued. People that can not follow these rules should not be invited or should be asked to leave.
Energy – Spend a few minutes before starting to get the energy of the group up. This can be done using simple improv games or can be accomplished with a few minutes of conversation and joking. You would know what they best way to get the energy up is, but just make sure you don't brainstorm with a low energy group.
Speed – Once you start, let ideas generate quickly. Have at least one person record them, but try not to let the recorder slow things down by asking for the person to repeat the idea. The recorder should write down everything to make sure that he doesn't evaluate as the process continues. Taping the session can help alleviate the difficulty of recording the ideas without slowing things down.
Breaks – There's only so long that a group can maintain their creative energy. There is little benefit to continuing the process once the energy drops. End the session and let people get back to their other responsibilities. Or at least take a break to let people recharge. Making the time for breaks will result in a shorter, more efficient process overall.
Once you have a good list of ideas, you can start evaluating them. Continue to use your creativity here as well. Don't write off ideas immediately. Use your creative power to see how the idea might work.
Repeat this process as often as needed, and you will see some real results from your brainstorming.
Avish Parashar is a dynamic professional speaker who shows organizations and individuals how to get what they want using the Art and Science of improv comedy. He weaves together humorous stories, witty observations, and interactive exercises from improvisational comedy to get people laughing, learning, and motivated! Avish is most commonly called upon to deliver programs on Motivation, Sales, and Communication
For more free articles, downloads, and resources, visit http://www.AvishParashar.com
To learn how to apply the powerful principles of improv comedy to your own business or life visit http://www.ImprovforEveryone.com
