Roleplaying Calisthenics

[GMMichael]

Does anyone have a routine for getting roleplayers ready for a game? Or have some ideas about it?

I was just watching a youtube demo on Dungeon World, and I was noticing some kinks that could be ironed out:
- naming things with cheesy, non-thematic terms (like Bob or The Rod)
- laughter at GM sound effects/PC roleplaying efforts
- non-scene related interruptions.

I thought that a warm-up routine might help to get players in the mood, and tone down discomfort at game-world (versus real-world) behavior. For example, the GM (self included) goes around the table asking players to:

- make 3 different animal noises
- invent 3 names with zero real-world significance
- describe how your character is different from yourself
- act like a zombie for 30 seconds
- read your character sheet to the group, using only one accent the whole time...

Would something like this diffuse tension, or just make players more giddy?

 

[BigVanVader]

I just make people go around the table, and describe their characters. I don't make them talk in character, but I make them think about their character, like I ask questions about their motivations and stuff.

For the record, though, I like non-thematic names. I like when the king is named Fred or Mark or something mundane. I like Wizards that dress like anyone else, and who are named Bill. I love stuff like that.