Why Improv Training?

Improv has been such a gamechanger in my life! It has pushed me far outside of my comfort zone, in the best way possible. It has helped me be more present and in the moment, and it has challenged me to try new things, embrace my mistakes, and let go of control and perfection to accept the outcome of the scene. (As a perfectionist, this is a huge deal!)

I am a better speaker and presenter now because of my improvisation training. I am no longer afraid to be put on the spot or asked impromptu questions. In fact, I welcome the off-the-cuff questions and dialogue! I no longer worry about having to memorize every word of a presentation, because that is an unattainable goal and causes my perfectionism to flare up. That doesn’t mean I don’t practice. I practice quite a bit, but I trust my speaking skills and abilities now, more than ever, because I am no longer criticizing every move and word I make. I am finally allowing myself to just be me.

Improv has given me a creative outlet and space I have never had before as an adult! It has helped me realize how important and necessary play and creativity are in our lives. As adults, we may think we can no longer play and be silly for the sake of just being creative. Allowing myself the time and space to play and take a break from reality and “make things up” fuels my creativity, happiness, and positivity.

Improv has been the best investment in my personal and professional development and in my mental health and well-being (especially during the pandemic)! Say “Yes, and…” to improvisation and see how it can help you in your work life and personal life!

Improvly Speaking provides a world where we allow ourselves to be fully present, let go of judgement and perfection, say “Yes, and…” to possibilities, and flex our creativity muscles in order to build meaningful connections and push past our boundaries and roadblocks.

 

A few reasons why improv training can help your team:

  • Yes, and... Mindset

    In improvisation, “Yes, and…” means saying yes to the reality that your scene partner has created and then adding to it. Yes is about acceptance, acknowledgement, respect and encouragement. AND is building off of, adding to, expanding on, which can help with collaboration and co-creation.

    Yes, and… is a great brainstorming tool and encourages a growth mindset. It also helps people feel supported and safe to contribute.

  • Make Your Partner Look Good

    Listening, being present, and using the concept of Yes, and… can make any improv scene look like it is planned out and well-practiced, even though it is all made up on the spot. These same principles can be used to support our co-workers, teammates, clients, spouse/partner, child/children, friends, etc.

    When people feel they are supported and set up for success and to look good, they are more willing to share and trust their team more.

  • Letting Go of Perfection

    Improvisation is all made up on the spot, and because of that, mistakes are bound to happen. If an improviser dwells on their mistakes, then they aren’t listening to what’s going on in the scene and can’t contribute as well.

    If we are constantly second-guessing ourselves and others, we will not move forward. When we let go of perfection and accept our choices, we create a safe, nurturing space for creativity and ideas to flow.

  • Listening

    In an improvised scene, if you are not fully present and listening, you will not be able to say “Yes” and build off the thing our scene partner just said. We might have our own ideas that we are trying to get in there, and we aren’t hearing our scene partner’s ideas.

    How many times does this happen in real life? You are talking with someone, and as they are talking, you are thinking how to respond. Improv training allows us to truly listen to our partner and trust that we will respond in the best way possible.

  • Make a Choice

    Improvisation is all about thinking quickly on your feet and making a choice, either as a character or setting your partner up to look good and find the game of the scene together. There is no time to weigh options or possibilities to find the most perfect option.

    Everyday, we have to make decisions - both big and small. Improv training teaches us to not overthink it for the small decisions. We can learn to trust ourselves to make the best choice for that moment and continue on with that choice.

  • Creativity and World Building

    Improvisers are usually given a one-word suggestion, and they have to build a scene or reality together based on what comes to mind with this one word. Saying “Yes, and…” allows them to create new worlds and play characters/people they have never been before.

    Improvised play gives our brains a break from reality and a chance to listen and react to what we hear. Allowing time to play and laugh can be just the break we need to come up with ideas for our careers and personal lives.

 

This activity helps participants practice eye contact as a group and build trust. This is a great warm-up exercise for a public speaking or teambuilding workshop.