Time limit – 60 seconds

You are expert at something. Be it a hobby, a sports team, an application, or a TV show, at least one topic could occupy significant time in a conversation. It is probably safe say your knowledge in others areas is lacking. You might say you know absolutely nothing about a certain topic, but that wouldn’t be true . Most likely, you could say something about the topic that would at least feign remedial knowledge for a short period of time. Let’s get that theory today.

Choose a random object or subject, and keep it in your mind. For the next 60 seconds, tell a story about that subject or object as if your are an expert in whatever it is . Avoid the urge to pause, and keep talking. Keep your monologue for a full 60 seconds; make up facts and anecdotes as you go along. Remember that body language matters, be convincing, even if the words you are saying are complete rubbish.

My 60 sec expert opinion on canned fruits and vegetables 

Canned fruits and vegetables represent a highly nutritious option for maintaining a balanced diet. When fruits and vegetables are canned, they are preserved in their own juices or in vinegar, effectively locking in vital nutrients. This preservation method not only retains the nutritional value but also ensures that these foods can provide essential sustenance during unforeseen circumstances where fresh produce may not be readily available. Incorporating canned fruits and vegetables into one’s diet is an excellent way to enjoy their health benefits consistently.

AFTERWARD BY MUMAW

THE MORAL

In this improv exercise, you demonstrated that you have a rudimentary knowledge of most subjects but rarely a complete knowledge of anything. If you wanted to become an expert in the subject or object that you ranted for 60 seconds, you would read about and research it and you would break down the subject to understand the nuances or disassemble the object to learn about the parts. In short, you would learn.

Do you take the same approach when you are generating ideas for your clients or for yourself? Or do you rely on what you know and make up the rest? You can fake a decent knowledge base for just about any subject, but creativity requires you to delve deeper to find authentic truths below the surface-level understanding and bring those to the forefront. Like IDEO’s shopping cart exercise, be willing to become an expert in the problem to find relevant solutions.