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Imagination
🧳 The Mystery Suitcase
Invent the owner of a strange suitcase using only a few mysterious objects inside it.
What you need
Three random object words written on slips of paper.
How to play
- Choose three random objects.
- Imagine all three were found in the same suitcase.
- Invent who owns the suitcase and why the objects are there.
- Explain the story so all three clues make sense.
See one in action
Objects: rubber duck, train ticket, silver key.
“The suitcase belongs to a retired magician returning to the town where he performed his first show. The train ticket is for the journey, the key opens the old theater basement, and the rubber duck is the ridiculous prop from the trick that made him famous.”
Your story should make all the clues feel like they belong together.
“The suitcase belongs to a retired magician returning to the town where he performed his first show. The train ticket is for the journey, the key opens the old theater basement, and the rubber duck is the ridiculous prop from the trick that made him famous.”
Your story should make all the clues feel like they belong together.
10 ideas to try
Choose any one of these prompts and use the activity steps above:
- Rubber duck + train ticket + silver key.
- Toy dinosaur + wedding invitation + flashlight.
- Chess piece + hotel key + handwritten map.
- Red glove + broken watch + museum brochure.
- Spoon + passport photo + tiny bell.
- Old camera + bus pass + birthday candle.
- Feather + concert ticket + empty envelope.
- Blue ribbon + compass + recipe card.
- Miniature umbrella + library card + gold button.
- Snow globe + screwdriver + postcard with no message.
Make it harder / funnier
After the story begins, add a fourth object that must suddenly fit.
Why it helps
Develops storytelling logic, improvisation, coherence, and creative problem solving.
Ready to use this skill?
Try it in Public Speaking →Take the activity into a full SpeakCoachLab practice session.