In brainstorming we’re supposed to believe that there are no bad ideas. Which is all well and good. Except that we know there are, in fact, bad ideas, and we know that what we’re about to say is probably one of them. 

My take on this isn’t that there are no bad ideas but that the bad ideas are also important. 

Perhaps it’s the inspiration someone else in the room needs to spark an actually good idea. Perhaps it would be a good idea if we collectively worked on it.
Perhaps it’s the terrible idea we needed to consider to see what the right idea should be. 

Here are some useful Point is, perfection is the enemy of progress, and getting the idea out into the world is a good thing. Here are some verbal stings that let people know, yes, I’m aware this is probably horrible, but it’s a Thing, and that might be Something, right?

1. So, here’s the bad version…
   A little self-effacing, but still concise. A workhorse phrase for sure. 

2. Not the answer, just an idea…
   Lowers the stakes. Very useful. 

3. Throwing this in the mix…
   So casual. So easy breezy. No worries. Keep contributing. 

4. Just something to start with…
   Love the optimism here. 

5. Placeholder version:
   The best way to keep going once you’ve started. Pop in a placeholder and keep on keeping on.