We've talked about two methods to improve idea generation during a brainstorming meeting—facilitation and creating a brainstorming aid. Another way that can be used in both of these methods is to incorporate improv techniques.

Improv is short for improvisational theater, which is a form of acting where most of what is performed takes place in the moment. There's no script or outcome that the group is trying to reach. Each person improvises their participation as they go along.

Val Vadeboncoeur, writing for The Heart of Innovation blog, reminds us that one of the most powerful techniques in improv is the rule of "Saying Yes!" It means that you immediately accept, without judgment, whatever is being offered to you by a fellow actor. A classic improve example is if someone says "Hey! Look at that enormous pink elephant!" your response should be something along the lines of "Wow, that's the biggest pink elephant I've ever seen." Now, not only...