In The Manner of the Adverb
An improv guessing game, also at home in a traditional games workshop, where one player guesses a secret adverb by watching others act out short scenes in its manner.
Group Size
5–25
Duration
10 to 25 minutes
Formation
Circle
Setting
Indoor
Energy Level
Medium
Activity Level
Somewhat Active
Physical Contact
None
How to Lead It
Players sit in a circle. One person volunteers to be the guesser and leaves the room, somewhere out of earshot. The rest of the group, coordinated by the leader, agrees on an adverb. Then they call the guesser back.
The guesser picks one or more people in the circle to perform a very brief scene, less than ten seconds, "in the manner of the adverb." For example, "make dinner in the manner of the adverb." If the secret adverb is "carelessly," the performer might mime chopping vegetables and cutting themselves over and over.
The guesser keeps calling for scenes until they are ready to guess, and may guess as many times as they like. The group tells them once they have it. Choose a new guesser and play another round, continuing until the leader ends the activity.
Leading Tips
If the guesser is struggling, offer a hint, or have the group signal when a guess is getting close.
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.