Improv Makes You Confident!
This recent article from NPR has picked up a little steam, a little viral energy, lately in the improv community and beyond. My 12 friends know me well – they’ve all sent me the link!
“The rules of improv can make you funnier. They can also make you more confident,” states the headline. Catchy, right? In my years of coaching improv groups and individuals, I’ve witnessed that transformative power. “I have learned a lot from this class about my strengths and weaknesses, learning to step out of my comfort zone and be unapologetically myself,” one of my students recently reflected.
The article links to some recent studies on the benefits of improv, including “increased creativity, well-being, and our ability to tolerate uncertainty.” It’s nice to know that research supports what I’ve been saying all along! The article goes on to share five improv rules that can be applied to everyday life!
Here are some of my thoughts on the article:
Rather than rules, I prefer to think of improv as a process and mindset. Applying the techniques of improv to our everyday life becomes how we show up and engage with those around us.
There’s a lot of fun and laughter and funny when studying improv. If you don’t feel you’re funny, don’t let that scare you! In fact, I ask players not to “try to be funny.” Instead, I encourage them to be authentic and honest and willing to try something new. The funny will take care of itself.
Try the tactics on your own. Keep in mind, we’re talking about shifting a mindset or skill set here. One that has been ingrained since our first day of kindergarten. I would recommend working with a coach or taking classes. Then, reread this article! See how you’re doing and how you can apply these ideas. Think of it this way – I can read all the articles I want to improve my golf swing. I’m not sure I’ll get any better. Working with an instructor, I have feedback and small corrections that lead to big changes. Then, when I read the articles, I understand more on how to improve my golf swing. (My scores probably won’t decrease – golf is not really my thing!)
Studying improv is a fun, exciting, and challenging way to step outside your comfort zone. It gives us a new set of skills that improve our communication, our collaboration, and our leadership. It determines how we show up, how we see and hear others so we can be seen and heard. Give yourself permission to try something new – try improv!