Below are some sample techniques from the book.

1) Guest Speaker Introduction: Cut up the biographical paragraph you would have used to introduce a guest speaker, number each section, and distribute to several students who perform the introduction.

2) The Whole Room Handshake: Form two concentric circles: the outer one facing in, the inner one facing out. People shake hands and introduce themselves, then the inner circle rotates right one step while the outer circle rotates left.

3) Let’s Play Cards: Count off as many playing cards as you’ve got students. Have each student pick a card. Then form groups in creative ways (by card, by suit, face cards vs. non-face cards, etc.)

4) Break Managers (aka Stand Up and Pat Down): At the beginning of a long class, appoint two break managers. Whenever they sense they class needs a break, one or both can stand and stretch (your cue to call a short break). Reward them with small prizes at the end of class.

5) Stay on the Ball: Without deviating from lecture, pull out a Nerf or Koosh ball and toss it to someone (stop lecturing for a second to instruct them to toss it to someone else, and urge them to make sure everyone is involved). Then lecture as they toss the ball to each other.