Life Improv (ed)

Sometimes the world wants you to do something. You try everything you can to ignore it, but the messages keep coming until, one day, you succumb. You say yes. You join in. You capitulate.

And so it was with a weeklong course I took this summer in Advanced Applied Improv.

I didn’t know why I was spending my time, money and finite energy on it, but something was pulling, pushing and practically dragging me there.

I had always been a fan of performance improv-and an admirer of the quick, clever and funny scenes that evolve-but I didn’t realize just how useful applied improv could be in both my work and my life.

What is Applied Improv?

Applied improv takes the principles and exercises of improvisation beyond the stage. It isn’t about becoming a comedian or performer. It can help people:

• Listen more attentively

• Respond rather than overthink

• Communicate more effectively

• Adapt when things don’t go according to plan

• Collaborate rather than compete

• Become more comfortable with uncertainty

During the course, I met fantastic people from around the world. I learned, laughed and stretched.

I also cried, felt embarrassed and got angry.

Here’s my side of that story.

After several days of learning, it was time for us to practise teaching others. We paired up and took turns leading the class through different experiences.

I was paired with a wonderful and very experienced facilitator. I’ll call her Brett—because that’s her name.

Brett and I confidently prepared our session, but a surprise was waiting for us. 

The course leaders decided it might be helpful if everyone wasn’t quite so cooperative. After all, real-life groups aren’t always filled with cheerful, eager participants. Some people were  asked to act negative or resistant so we could practise handling a more challenging audience because we were so experienced.

And so the downward spiral began.

These previously kind people-who apparently also had impressive acting skills-transformed themselves into the worst audience I had encountered in my 20 years of speaking. Not just some of them, most of them!

One guy went so far as to give us the finger!

Brett and I were shocked. Blindsided. Upset.

What could we do?

We made the best of it and somehow got through the exercise.

 When it was time to debrief, however, we both burst into tears.

We explained how horrible the experience had been for us. We couldn’t understand why no one had “saved” us, stepped in to help us or-for the love of the wee donkey-stopped the exercise.

Yes, it felt that bad to us.

Then we discovered something shocking.

It had seemed completely fine to everyone else.

No one had noticed us drowning. No one had sensed our distress. They all thought we were handling the difficult group remarkably well.

 How was that possible?

We were hurt, embarrassed and struggling-and no one else had noticed.

Were we really that good at acting? 

That experience has stayed with me because life is improvised. Every minute of every day, week, month, year and decade, we are doing the best we can with the tools we have.

 And sometimes, the people who appear to be handling everything beautifully are barely keeping their heads above water.

Before we jump down someone’s throat, pass judgment or write their story for them, perhaps we could pause.

Perhaps we could assume positive intent.

Perhaps we could get curious. 

Perhaps we could consider that their behaviour-the impatience, the withdrawal, the sharp response or the brave smile-might be coming from someone who feels as though they are drowning. 

Applied improv is another tool for personal and professional development. It can make tough situations a little easier and good situations even better. It can surprise you, delight you, challenge you and prepare you-because there is rarely a script ready for whatever happens next.

Since taking the course, it has been a delight to integrate applied improv into some of my keynotes and retreats.

However, I find it best not to tell people it’s improv until after we’re finished

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Do you know that I do Leadership and Team Retreats on a private island here on the West Coast? Yep, yep, yep and as the last CEO said, it was 'invaluable'! 

Imagine taking your team on a private boat, to a private island, doing some Applied Improv, other very welcome surprises,  enjoying fine dining, and feeling revitalized, reconnected and ready to roar at the end of the amazing day!

If you are looking for something to take your leadership team to the next level or connect your team in a one-of-a-kind fashion, click reply and let's chat!

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Can you imagine doing a 6-minute comedy routine? I sure can't!  Eeek, I speak professionally but this is a great fear of mine! 

Enter my new Florida Improv friend, Faith Amon, who conquered her fear and did a kick-ass job sharing this hilarious bit. If you are on the petite side (or know someone who is), take a listen - I think you will find it well worth 6 minutes of your time, I sure did!