Alien Translator
A low-barrier dramatic trio game that teaches making your partner look good and adaptability, as one player "translates" a conversation between two gibberish-speaking alien diplomats.
Group Size
3–40
Duration
5 to 15 minutes
Formation
Small groups
Setting
Indoor
Energy Level
Low
Activity Level
Inactive
Physical Contact
None
How to Lead It
Participants sit in trios, facing each other. The trio or the leader chooses the first translator. The other two play alien diplomats.
One diplomat says several sentences of gibberish, directed at the other diplomat. The translator then says whatever they like, in a language everyone understands, as the "translation." The second diplomat responds in a different gibberish language, and the translator renders that too.
Play continues until the leader calls for a switch. The game generally runs at least until everyone in the trio has had a turn as translator.
Variations
Play in groups of four, where each diplomat has their own translator.
Adapting for Group Size
Works for almost any number. Split the room into trios, or groups of four for the two-translator variation.
Leading Tips
Model the game in front of the group before starting.
Origin: Improv folk tradition
Leaders Who Teach This
Instructions and tips are ECRS's own descriptions. Any linked recordings or media belong to their original rights holders.