Invention is often cited as one of the more intimidating aspects of improv, people think that their brains simply couldn't supply a useful idea on the spot. For most people the issue isn't about a lack of ideas, it's about not being able to recognize the good ones that are popping up in their heads. Here's a hint: any one of those ideas that shows up is better than standing there waiting on the perfect one. Your motto is any port in a storm and you've gotta dock somewhere (anywhere) before your ship capsizes.
I've taught kids and adults for several years now and the difference between how a young person's mind and an adult's mind works are staggering. If I ask a six year old to say the first thing they think of they will blast out the word "fart" or "alacorn" without any hesitation. With an adult there will be nearly a full minute of hesitation. We learn to judge ourselves and our ideas as we grow older. We toss out the things that are embarrassing or that don't seem immediately important and that is a huge detriment of our creativity.
The beautiful thing about improv is that it teaches us to value the stuff we make up. It teaches us to commit to even the silliest idea that we have because with enough thought and care even the most ridiculous scenes can mean something and say something very important.
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