Positive-Negative
Positive-Negative is a quick shared-storytelling game in which pairs or small groups build a made-up story one turn at a time, alternating between something going wrong and something going right. The alternating-story mechanic is a traditional improvisation exercise; this version was written up by Mark Collard at playmeo. It gets people improvising together within seconds and gives a light, concrete picture of answering a setback with a constructive next move.
Facilitation script
- 1
Explain the rule and demonstrate a few alternating lines with a volunteer. Form pairs or small groups.
1 min - 2
Groups tell their story, one sentence per turn, alternating setbacks and lucky turns. Call out when thirty seconds remain and ask for a positive ending.
3 min - 3
Hear one story highlight from the room, or ask what people noticed about keeping the story going, then move on.
1 min
Tips
Demonstrate three or four lines with a volunteer so that people hear the rhythm before they start.
Ask for one sentence per turn and for each turn to build on the one before, since the fun comes from quick reversals, not from long speeches.
Keep it short and stop while groups are still laughing.
Common pitfalls
Long turns, where one person narrates for a minute and the quick back-and-forth that makes the game work disappears
Setbacks that end the story outright, such as everyone dying, which leaves the next person nothing to build on
Turns that ignore what came before, so the group produces a list of unrelated events instead of a story
Groups larger than six, where people wait too long for a turn and lose interest
Loading a two-minute game with a heavy debrief about mindset, which the activity cannot carry
Variations
In pairs the two people simply alternate, with one always bringing the setbacks and the other the lucky turns, then swap for a second story. In a group with an odd number of people, such as three or five, everyone switches between good and bad turns as the story goes round; with four or six, each person keeps the same kind of turn, so change the starting person for a second story. Online, run it in breakout rooms, or in the chat with a small group where each person types one line in a set order. To connect it to the session, set the opening line in the team's world, such as the morning of a product launch, and use the debrief to talk about how the group responds to setbacks.
Where it fits
When to use it
Just before brainstorming or other creative work, when people need to loosen up and practise building on each other's contributions
With a new group that needs a low-risk reason to speak and laugh together in the first few minutes
As a lead-in to a discussion about resilience, risk or how a team reacts when plans go wrong
When energy has dropped and you have only a few minutes and no materials
In a large room, since any number of small groups can play at the same time
When not to use it
The group has just received bad news or is under real strain; a game about turning setbacks around can sound glib, so use a plain check-in instead
You want people to share real experiences or learn about each other; a storytelling or introduction format does that, this one produces fiction
Participants are working in a second language and would struggle to improvise on the spot; choose a non-verbal or low-language energiser
A serious, formal meeting where a nonsense story would cost you credibility with the room
Related methods
Frequently asked questions
What is Positive-Negative?▾
Positive-Negative is a short storytelling game for pairs or small groups. People take turns adding one line to a made-up story, alternating between something going wrong and something going right. This version was written up by Mark Collard at playmeo and uses a traditional improvisation mechanic.
How long does Positive-Negative take?▾
Two to five minutes. The storytelling itself runs for two to three minutes, with a brief demonstration before and an optional moment of sharing after.
How many people can play Positive-Negative?▾
Any number, as long as they are split into pairs or groups of up to six. All the groups play at the same time, so it works in a team meeting as well as in a full conference room.
Do you need any materials?▾
No. The game needs no props or preparation, which makes it useful as a filler when you need to raise energy at short notice.
Can Positive-Negative be used for more than a warm-up?▾
It can open a conversation about how people respond when things go wrong, since every setback in the story is answered with a constructive turn. Keep that link light, with one or two questions afterwards. The game is fiction and will not surface people's real experiences.
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from playmeo (Mark Collard); traditional improvisation exercise.