Taking risks and getting uncomfortable is an important part of growth. I've always been interested in improv - creating new work together (without having to memorize a script!) seems like a dream hobby to me. Inspired by Amy Poehler and Tina Fey's books describing the antics and camaraderie of their experiences growing up in the comedy scene, I took the leap and signed up for an Intro to Improv Class at Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) in Charles North. Several of my friends are involved with this organization; it was time for me to give it a go.
Twenty of us stood in a lopsided circle, shivering and glancing at each other, not sure what was ahead. It was a diverse group - older, younger, black, white, Indian. All determined to break out of our shells (if we had any to begin with) and learn something new.
The instructor was fantastic - easy going, encouraging, energetic. The basic principles we learned not only made for a fun experience, but translate into skillsets everyone can use. Whether in the workplace or in personal relationships, communication and empathy are key to understanding each other and working together to create something new.
Takeaways:
1. Receive, React, Respond. One of the first exercises involved breaking down conversation into its’ most basic parts - surprisingly easier said than done! The three keys to every interaction:
Receive the information. Empathize and listen to the other person, being fully engaged with what they’re saying. THEN react - engage and reflect on what was said, form your response and build on your partners. One piece out of order - preforming a response and tuning out, or immediately reacting before they’re finished - does not lead to productive results.
2. Yes AND - the number one rule in improv is to build, not tear down. My initial reactions and response to new information can often be negative, finding fault, or ways the idea is lacking or could fail. The phrase is two pronged - YES - acknowledging what was said, validating the idea - AND - building on the idea. Committing to positive creation builds trust between you and your partner, and moves the idea forward - even if it’s stupid (but there are no stupid ideas, right?)
3. Be Present. Another principle that seems obvious in theory but is harder to achieve in practice. When we latch on to something in the middle of the sentence and begin to formulate an idea, we miss the last part - and potentially valuable information. Engaging with the whole body, making eye contact, and mirroring postures and movement are all ways to connect in the moment. It seems scary to not have a plan, but connecting and building is what leads to amazing ideas and innovative work.
4. Mistakes are Opportunities. It took almost the entire class for me to completely let my guard down and allow the fear of messing up to recede. There are no mess ups in improv - a stutter, falter, or blank mind gives your teammate the opportunity to help pivot the scene in a new direction, or give guidance until you can reconnect in the moment.
5. Make Your Team Look Great. Shifting the focus of the scene or conversation to ensure the other people are involved look and feel amazing becomes reciprocal. Upstaging others, making the focus completely about me, or skipping over opportunities to allow others to shine and speak up kill the energy and flow of the communication. If everyone is following this rule, everyone looks great and the result is incredible.
There’s research connecting improv with stretching creatively, building trust within teams, and creating a culture of true innovation. How much more connected could our most intimate relationships be when we communicate to build each other up and continue conversation? What new breakthroughs could be accomplished in the workplace if egos left the room and teammates weren’t afraid to fail?
Whether you want to learn it or watch it, BIG has shows almost every night - and they’re affordable and accessible (not to mention pretty hilarious!) I highly recommend checking them out soon - release your inner Amy Poehler or Bill Murray and see what results you can achieve!