u/TonyTonyStantler

I run an afterschool RPG game at a local library for children 14-9. The kids are super creative and after a few games I petitioned a youth improv workshop to the library event coordinator and it got approved.

I have a rough curriculum of simple games and I think it’ll go ok as is. But I would love any advice on workshops, improv with children or both. I’ve never put on a work shop before, but I’ve been improvising with children for a while if you count these RPG games.

My rough curriculum is a round of silly gestures to warm them up and get rid of any jitters. Then maybe explain Imorov a bit and do a simple thought train/ok what does this make you think of?

From there I think 1 word story would be a good transition.

And I think gibberish would be fun for the kids. Trying to converse with made up words.

For anyone curious the current game we’re playing is Daggerheart. I think it’s a bit simpler than DnD and open to more creativity which is great since while I do have 2-3 consistent kids I also have a few new kids pretty much every time. I’ve also run Mission ImPAWsible, Tales from the Loop, and Kids on Brooms.

I have this issue in my personal life as a game master and on stage as an improviser and honestly even in my normal life just conversationally. I get easily tongue tied when I go on for more than just a few words. I stutter or use the wrong word. Now there’s enough sentence that context is usually enough for every day convos but it’s something I want to work on.

I’m very much inspired by improvisers and game players like Ross Bryant or Brennan Lee Mulligan who can go on these rants with clear annunciation. And I want to clarify that that’s something I’m aspiring to, not comparing myself to. I understand the difference in training and experience bw myself and them.

I also tend to speak quickly and over explain things. This is due to my ADHD more than anything and something I’m already trying to taper down in real life, but the adrenaline and anxiety of being on stage makes them even harder to control and compounds any flubs I may make.

I was thinking maybe practicing solo monologues would help? Practicing speaking clearer, slower and, at first, with scripts that are probably more direct than my ramblings. Would this help or is there any other practices I could try?

Speaking of over explaining,
TLDR: How do I gain better control of my speaking (both mentally and my actual tongue) so I can be more coherent.

Apologies if this is a bit hard to follow and long winded, but honestly that’s the issue I’m asking about.