Creative Thinking Techniques for Creative Communication

What is creative thinking? Creative Thinking Critical Thinking A way of thinking that allows one to come to the best possible decision using the knowledge, experience, and information currently available.

Creativity Creative thinking is not a talent; it's a skill that can be learned. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities, which improves creativity and innovation, which leads to increased productivity and profit. Edward De Bono

Creative Thinking Techniques

The Techniques

You have probably heard of: Brainstorming –Generating ideas related to a topic with a group Mind Mapping –Create a map or webbing to expand on ideas and show idea connection and development

Idea Box Create the following chart: OpeningFeelingWhyFollow Up Questions

Idea Box Generate different ways to do something similar Put those ideas together to come to a new way to do something IN EFL: Generate different ways to communicate information Use a role-play, interview, or information gap to communicate in different ways

Lotus Blossom Draw the following circle: Who do you call?

Lotus Blossom Begin with a single idea Branch out from that idea, expanding on connected ideas, bringing in reason, and new attributes IN EFL: Start with a topic, subject, or point Expand on who, what, when, where and why as appropriate and time permits Role play, interview, mingle, or jigsaw to share ideas and information

Exquisite Corpse Listen for your assignments.

Exquisite Corpse Multiple collaborations with artists and writers to create unique drawings and text One person starts, passing it on to the next person who continues to build and expand on the idea IN EFL: Use with images or writing Assign Ss with initial assignment Have Ss exchange taking on the next role in the assignment Continue until a work is complete

Random Element Create this chart. CountriesWeather TypesDays of the Week

Random Element When stuck on a problem or in a situation pick something at random and try to make a connection IN EFL Have Ss generate a number of ideas related to the topic Using a spin or toss have Ss incorporate into a conversation about the topic

Imperative Spin Hand Finger Foot Elbow Knee Shoulder Leg Lower Point Raise Clap Touch

Additional Techniques Reverse Brainstorming –Present your idea –Brainstorm opposite ideas or in a different way Ex) What is your favorite food? Why would you dislike it? SCAMPER Brainstorming –Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, – Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse Ex) What language do we use to make a phone call? W hat else could we use? How could we combine that wit h another topic we have studied? Etc…

“You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” ― Maya Angelou

Thank you! Questions! You can download lesson plans and worksheets for all of these techniques at