Facilitators who are strong entertainers create a bigger impact.

Last night, I recruited eight people to crash a gala of 100 guests. We stormed the stage, threw robes in the air, and introduced ourselves as the “Joy Mafia.”

We had a skit and stuck to it. I played a full caricature—like an over-the-top drug salesman.

After the performance, I invited everyone to stand up. We jumped off the stage and led the most enthusiastic high fives. Then we rolled into three more activities.

Participation was higher because we warmed them up first.

In the past, I would have judged this approach. I saw entertainment as shallow.

Now I see it differently: when you warm people up with a performance, you make it easier for them to engage in what comes next.