In improv, an “offer” is an idea or story element a player adds to help build the story being told. Rather than being neutral, an offer should be active and move the story forward. An offer can be verbal or physical, a gesture, a sound or pantomimed scenery or prop.

The most important aspect of an “offer” is that it brings fresh movement forward to the story. For example, if one performer says “Dad, I’m real sorry I wrecked the car,” to another, that is an offer. It sets the relationship as well as a meaningful issue and context. The other performer can then choose to respond in a way that builds on that offer, such as by saying “Son, that’s the third one this week. Time for you to get a job to pay for it. ” This counter offer response affirms and builds on the initial offer and furthers the story.

An offer is meant to help not grab attention.

An offer shouldn’t be designed to make you appear funny or even look good. You’re looking to help move the story along, often off of story details that are already established.

If there is a central goal or problem already established, good offers tend to refer to and build on that.

A good offer is best when it’s active or action-based, not passive or merely descriptive. “Look at these lovely flowers,” is neutral with no implied action. Picking a flower and offering it to your scene parter and saying, “Will you marry me?” sets a story in motion with both the pantomiming of flower picking and the words spoken.