Introducing Association
Introducing Association is a name-learning exercise that combines self-introduction with word association. Each player introduces themselves by name and adds a word, image, or gesture that they associate with their name. Subsequent players repeat all previous names and associations before adding their own. The exercise simultaneously learns names and warms up the associative thinking required for improvisation, building memory through the concrete links that association provides.
Structure
Setup
Players stand or sit in a circle. The facilitator introduces the structure: each player will say their name along with a personal association -- a word, an image, a gesture, or a brief phrase connected to their name in some way. Subsequent players must repeat all previous names and associations in order before adding their own.
First Player
The first player says their name and their association: "I'm Alex -- and I associate my name with Alexander the Great" or "I'm Sam -- summer" or a gesture that sounds like or connects to the name.
Cumulative Round
The next player says the first player's name and association, then adds their own. The third player repeats the first two and adds the third. This continues around the circle until all players have introduced themselves.
Name Review
After the cumulative round, the facilitator may invite any player to name any other player -- testing whether the associations have helped the names land. The group may applaud successful recalls.
Conclusion
The exercise ends after the full circle is complete or after a brief name-review round. Players leave having been introduced to the group through an association that makes their name memorable.
How to Teach It
Objectives
Introducing Association develops memory for names through associative links, warms up lateral thinking, and builds group cohesion through the shared ritual of learning each other.
How to Explain It
"Say your name and something you associate with it. Anything -- a word, an image, a sound, a gesture. Then the next person repeats everyone who came before. The association is there to help the name stick."
Scaffolding
Model the format before asking players to participate -- demonstrate a name and association, then demonstrate repeating someone else's. The exercise is straightforward once the format is clear, but confusing without a demonstration.
Common Pitfalls
Players sometimes choose associations that are too subtle or abstract to be memorable -- a connection that makes sense to them personally but does not help others remember the name. The coaching note is that the best associations are vivid, physical, or sound-based rather than conceptual.
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This Is Jane is a name-learning exercise in which players introduce each other to the group using a specific phrase and gesture. The structured format ensures every name is spoken aloud multiple times by different people. The exercise builds ensemble familiarity and establishes a supportive group dynamic.
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The Name Game
The Name Game is a circle exercise in which players learn and reinforce each other's names through rhythmic chanting, clapping, or movement patterns. The repetition builds memory through physical association. The exercise is a staple opening activity that creates group cohesion and ensures every player is known by name.
Zombie Name Game
Zombie Name Game is a name-learning exercise in which one player shuffles toward another zombie-style, and the targeted player must call out someone else's name before being reached. The named person becomes the new target. The exercise combines name memorization with physical urgency and creates a high-energy learning environment.
Alliteration Introduction
Alliteration Introduction is a name-learning exercise in which each player introduces themselves with an alliterative adjective preceding their name. The pairing of adjective and name creates a mnemonic that helps the group remember each other. It is a standard icebreaker for new ensembles and workshop groups.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Introducing Association. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/introducing-association
The Improv Archive. "Introducing Association." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/introducing-association.
The Improv Archive. "Introducing Association." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/introducing-association. Accessed March 17, 2026.
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