Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988

20. Sharing a Confidence
1. Opening Gambits

Speaking

Start a rumour about someone you know by whispering it to your neighbour Use one of the phrases from the list. The neighbour can pass the rumour on or add something to itto make it more interesting. Continue until the rumour has gone round the whole class The last person announces it to the whole class

This activity will only work if the rumours are not true If anyone tries to be nasty to someone, the game must be stopped and re-started.

Writing

Circulate rumours on paper Everyone starts a rumour about his neighbour to the left. Write it at the top of a sheet of paper. Everyone then passes his piece of paper to the person on his right Change the rumour a little and start it with one of the phrases from the list Fold over the first rumour so that the next person can see only the latest rumour. Pass the paperon, each person changing the rumour. When the rumours have gone round the class and reached the person they are about that person reads the last rumour on the sheet.

Possible rumours

has fallen in love with a famous film star

has won a lot of money in a lottery

has just bought a VERY expensive car

is going to emigrate to New Zealand

might be promoted

I’ve heard ...

¹They say ...

Just between you and me,

I heard ²on the grapevine

This shouldn’t be passed around, but ...

Have you heard ...

Maybe I shouldn’t say this, but ...