top of page

Improv: it's not just for funny anymore

Ever had a business meeting where all the dictator - I mean, "boss" - does is bark, bark, bark at his employees? How many times do the employees walk out fired up, saying, "That was the best screaming I ever heard! And now I'm ready to do more because I feel beat down and humiliated!"

Ah, communication.

The boss-tator probably has some very valid points in between the ranting and raving - if you can get past his beet-red face and rage-spittle flying. The problem is, he hasn't laid out his concerns in a way that allows productive dialogue. There's no method where all parties lift together to create something far better than any individual could. Boss-tator falsely believes he has to do it all by himself. News flash: no one really does it all by themselves.

It's the same with improvisation. When a gifted improviser on stage pulls something hilarious out of thin air it can seem like magic. Comedy that we don't see coming delights and astounds us. "Where did she come up with that?" audiences say, shaking their heads on the way out. The assist, or setup, delivered by the selfless performer so her scene partner could get the laugh is the true hero. The good news, here, is that improvisers know this amongst themselves as well as the phrase, "he who gives the most, wins".

Along with missing the value of the assist, the untrained eye might only look at the talent of the performer, as if improvisers are born, not made; they're just "naturally funny".

Not so.

Talent is a real thing, but just like in any sport, craft or other professional field, it must be developed. While it may seem counter-intuitive - "how does one train to be in the moment?" - the best improvisers actually train like professional athletes. They study, perform exercises with clear rules and work out their moves and ability to identify games and patterns with trusted stage partners. This familiarity helps build trust, comfort and the openness it takes to allow for the magic to come out. They work as a team, recognizing that giving and making the other guy look great is what makes the scene work.

Wait a minute - these almost sound like the principles that make up a healthy and productive business. Yes, and...your business can use these same proven tools and methods, too.

"Yes, and..."

Ever heard that phrase before? It's one of the bedrock phrases of improv. The reason it's so important is:

1) When you say "Yes, and...", you're validating the person who just spoke, who is therefore more engaged and prepared to give back to you.

2) You're telling your partner and the audience, this is where we're going. Audiences are ready and wanting to go on a journey - they just need clear sign posts to follow.

3) The agreement between scene partners indicates teamwork - a belief in something - which, again, is exactly what the audience is looking for.

Yes...and it works in business, too.

It's been said that while not all ideas are great, developing the culture of ideas and allowance for risk-taking is massively beneficial. But can something that promises this kind of joy and the depth of communication work in the workplace? Yes, and...

There are many groups that teach improvisation, and some who specialize in sharing it on a corporate level. Comedy Sportz is one of those groups. With a client list including: Google, Nike, Intel, and Ebay Comedy Sportz is clearly on to something. The surprise, for many, when engaging a group like Comedy Sportz is for all the free-wheeling appearance of improv, there are actually strong guidelines that dictate the space to play within. Yes, and...

Some of their tools include listening, accepting, supporting, taking competent risks and letting go of mistakes. If these sound like skills you, your family or company can use, indulge yourself in a bit of improv. Once your Boss-tator sees the results, which come quickly and, dare I say it, magically, he may relax, lower his blood pressure and spit count during company meetings.


bottom of page