4 Reasons to Use Improv to Increase Productivity and Create Connection in a Virtual Environment

Improvisation, or improv, is a type of theatre – without the script – in which every aspect of the scene is contrived by the “actors” at the moment. Improvisors draw on a spontaneous source of inspiration to launch a plot. The actors are responsible for the success of the performance, as they create and direct the plot, interacting with each other with no previous planning.

During disruptive events, organizations are compelled to make swift, smart, and out of the box decisions. Utilizing improv’s inherently spontaneous and entertaining nature could be the spring board teams need to overcome ever changing obstacles. From enhanced creativity and collaboration to communication and listening skills, you will see positive changes in your culture and likely your bottom line if you introduce improv. Now, let’s dive into how improv can help your team weather the storm.

ADAPTING TO CHANGE

Being versatile and flexible allows one to adapt to the changes inherent with the increasingly pervasive work from home lifestyle. It is a trait elusive to so many employees who make impulsive, fear-based decisions leading to undesirable consequences. Improv exercises enhance the ability to follow intuition, and as we all know, doing so in business and our personal lives often creates the best outcomes. In any given activity, participants must be ready for anything and respond to help further the story.

When faced with an urgent decision in a business setting, the ability to stay present and positive generates the optimum scenario. If you can learn how to translate improv skills to your strategy, you will have the ability not only to adapt but even to anticipate changes. It is truly a win-win!

ACTIVE LISTENING

The skill most integral to improv is listening because you have to be ready for whatever your partner or teammate gives you. The audience may miss something, but on stage, you must tune in completely to every detail of the performance to have the best response. The same goes for your conference business meetings with a client. Being fully present and listening to what he/she is saying ensures positive and productive interaction. It is easy for attention to drift during a conference call, and getting sidetracked can be the difference between making a business deal and losing an opportunity. Improv teaches participants to be fully present and attentive to everything going on around them – a skill that carries into your workplace interactions. Just one online workshop can improve the listening skills of every single participant.

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BODY LANGUAGE

Another skill that develops from improv is reading body language. This is of particular importance in video conferences, as nonverbal cues may be harder to pick up on. Nonverbal clues such as posture, facial expressions, and good eye contact speak volumes. Everyone must be tuned in to nonverbal cues to be in flow in a group improv scene. Doing so allows members to know if someone isn’t understanding a scene or feels uncomfortable with where it is going.

If you can pay attention to nonverbal clues and listen, the interaction will be far more productive. You can make suggestions based on the nonverbal clues you are getting and determine the appropriate direction to take the meeting.

‘YES, AND … ‘

The golden rule of improv is “Yes, and…” Whenever a fellow actor gives you a verbal cue, agreeing and then offering an idea in that same vain allows the scene to thrive. For example, if your counterpart says, “Let’s go to the movies.” You can follow it up with, “Yes, and let’s bring our portable popcorn maker! We’ll cook it from our seats.” In this case, you agree with the proposal and offer a plot thickener that gives your counterpart something fun with which to work.

The concept of “Yes, and…” is critical to effective communication and collaboration. For example, if you are mapping out a project with a colleague who suggests adding a step you feel is unnecessary, an ideal response is, “Yes, and perhaps we can explore merging that step with X to be time-efficient.” The alternative, “No, we’re not doing that,” shuts down your colleague, creating tension and preventing the construction of a strong plan of action.

TEAM BUILDING

The collaborative nature of an online workshop makes it a great team-building exercise. The goal of every story is to make everybody look good. Every participant is on an even playing field and contributes equal value. The CEO may have more power in the office, but in improv, she is on par with her assistant. This reality creates a more enjoyable and satisfying experience for everyone. It also opens the door for those who often don’t feel heard to contribute wit and creativity to the whole group. In the next virtual board meeting, you may feel more empowered to share an idea with the group.