Workplace conversations may be difficult and unpleasant. Nerves might arise during meetings, client conversations, or hallway chats. What do you do with hands? Hold eye contact for how long? Even you speak about what? If you and your coworkers have been working remotely for months due to a worldwide epidemic, face-to-face contacts might be even more stressful.
Improv is unscripted theater where performers don’t know what they’ll say or do—or what others will say. A stage and seats are all that’s there. Audience-suggested words frequently start the program. Improv performers employ a variety of tactics to stay focused and in the present to create something from nothing.
I’ve taught improvisation to all ages in theaters, schools, cruise ships, and online for 14 years. I’ve used improv to increase teamwork, communication, and confidence with TikTok, Google, and YouTube. I use improv with kids and CEOs. This article will examine some of these methods and how they might be applied to work and workplace relationships.
1. Practice Active Listening
Improvisation relies on listening. You must listen to your partner to answer and expand on what they said! Listen actively. Most of the time, we’re passively listening, thinking about what we’ll say next or guessing what the other person will say, missing vital points. Due of anticipation, we only hear half of what is stated.
Many scenes have been derailed because an improviser just heard the beginning of a statement or dismissed their partner’s suggestion. As an example:
Improviser A: “It was the worst day on the ship. Seasick, I dropped the map in the water, and a bird stole my cap. Our pirate lifestyle is hard.”
Improviser B: “Space welcome!” Astronauts.”
Improviser B didn’t listen past the first few lines, believed the “ship” was a “spaceship,” and pushed Improviser A to explain why these pirates are in space.
Instead of interrupting or planning your next sentence, wait until the other person finishes before responding. If you’re ready to jump in without listening, this might happen:
Coworker: “I’ve been thinking about trying something new for lunch—”
You: “A new sushi place opened around the corner. Let’s go!”
Let your colleague continue, and the interaction may sound like this:
Coworker: “I’m considering trying that new taco place for lunch. I’m allergic to seafood, therefore no sushi.”
After they finish, you say, “Yeah, tacos sound great.”
Waiting for someone to finish is only the start. Try listening beyond their words to determine their purpose. People feel validated when they’re heard, not simply talked to. Actively listening helps us communicate and comprehend one other’s goals, whether they’re about lunch or a big project.
2. Know Body Language
Body language allows improvisers express themselves without speaking. When working together fast, posture, facial expressions, and eye contact may be quite effective. If your spouse shares your views, you’ll be more inclined to stick with them. If you know your spouse disagrees, try something else.
If an improviser enters onstage and sees their co-actor smiling, they may start the scene with, “It’s good to see my best friend after so many years!”However, if their fellow actor is staring at them, they may say, “We last met badly. But I still consider us closest friends.” The improviser uses the same idea but recognizes their colleague’s emotion.
This applies to all work interactions. Body language and words are important. If someone’s attention wanders or their body stiffens, change the subject or stop the discussion. If you encounter a colleague in the corridor, say “Hi!” Not seen you in years. How’re you? What’s happening?When they cross their arms, gaze at the ground, and mutter, “Oh, nothing,” you may know not to speak. You may also gauge how people feel about a meeting proposal, a project deadline, or anything else you’re working on.
Your body language matters too. It might show you’re open to ideas and collaborative—or not. Be mindful of your messaging. Hold eye contact, relax your features, and smile or nod to what is being stated. Drop your shoulders and make sure they’re relaxed. Uncross your arms. When our body is closed, we may be closed to ideas. An open attitude shows you’re friendly and responsive.
3. Accept and Build on Others’ Ideas (“Yes, and…”)
A key improvisation guideline is to accept your partner’s suggestion (“yes”) and expand on it (“and…”). “Yes, and” opens with hope and possibilities, which helps the scenario continue. Improvisation may look like this:
A: “I got this cake for you.”
Imaginer B: “You remembered my birthday!”This is my birthday cake.
Improviser A: “How could I forget?” Your 100th birthday is huge.
Improviser B: “I am and I look great for my age.”
Improviser A: “Thank goodness you found that fountain of youth.” [You look amazing and here’s why]
Also fantastic for off-stage conversations: “Yes, and”. Simple agreement shows a colleague you agree. If we start with a bad response (verbally or physically), the other person becomes protective. Even in short discussion, remark, “Yeah, I know,” or “Yes,” to establish and create trust. You could hear this at work:
Coworker: “I hear we’re getting a new copier.”
You: “I know, I saw them take the old one away.”
Coworker: “That old copier never worked right.”
You: “Yeah, I’ve wasted so much time clearing those jams.”
This doesn’t mean you have to agree to everything or become a “yes machine,” but agreeing at the outset of a conversation—about a common objective, project aim, or even the meeting itself—can help you relax into the issue. You may be returning to your team’s workstations following a meeting with multiple departments:
Colleague: “I think that meeting went really well.”
“Yeah I know, everyone seemed to be on the same page.”
Colleague: “Finally. I think Jim shoots everything down.”
You say, “Well, he’s just being cautious.”
If you agree that the meeting went well, it’s simpler to dispute on Jim without losing sight of your aims.
4. Find Common Ground
Comedy improvisers start with realistic situations, not jokes. If your companion doesn’t get a joke’s punchline, the situation fails. This may sound like:
Did you hear about the dog that entered a bar?
Improviser B: Yes, and…
But starting with a place or situation your spouse can connect to makes it simpler to build:
Improviser A: Nice to meet you. You resemble your profile photo.
Improviser B: You too. I’ve heard this place is excellent.
Improviser A: Yes! You hear waiters sing.
You’ve probably been on a first date, so you know what to say. It may be tougher to picture that dog telling a bartender.
A break room conversation or casual talk before a meeting are similar. Discuss common hobbies or interests or familiar situations like commuting, meetings, and “work stuff”. Being honest and relatable helps you bond with coworkers. Share just what you’re comfortable with in this vulnerable zone.
Start with acknowledging a common experience if you’re discussing a project. As an example:
You: How’s your team handling this project’s new challenges? We find them difficult.
Colleague: The recent events surprised us.
Starting on similar ground makes it easy to speak and react, like improv.
5. Face the Unknown with Confidence
Performers never know what to expect while improvising. Seeing anxiety, doubt, or terror will make the audience and other performers lose trust and detach. To keep audiences interested and situations exciting, improvisers display confidence. Even when terrified or unsure, they stay calm. It takes years of experience and adjustment to uncertainty to achieve this talent.
Shows include seasoned improvisers giving humorous talks and singing spontaneous tunes. When I complimented them after the concert, most said, “Thanks, I had no idea what I was doing.”
You must understand that you don’t know how things will turn out while discussing ideas at a meeting, delivering a presentation, projecting long-term strategy objectives, or having a brief interchange. Learn to accept not knowing, realize that others probably feel the same way, and trust that you’ll find a solution together.
6. Resilience
Improvisation requires continual adaptation to new scene information. They’re resilient if thrown off. A performer’s recovery may enhance audience and peer trust and demonstrate adaptability. A situation may go like this:
Improviser A: “The first level has hardwood floors. Three bedrooms, two baths.”
Improviser B: “Mom, I know our house looks like.”
Improviser A: “Scott, I need to practice to be the best real estate broker in town!”
Improviser B: “Ugh, OK. Repeat about the breakfast nook.”
Improviser A played real estate agent and Improviser B played mom. Improviser A had to adapt when the situation didn’t go as planned.
Sometimes a discussion or encounter goes in unexpected directions. Pause and breathe in these situations. Don’t withdraw. If we see the circumstance as something we can conquer, we get stronger for the next time. Say a colleague approaches you in the breakroom:
Colleague: “What did you do this weekend?””
I watched the latest Marvel movie. Was great.”
Coworker: “Oh, I hate superhero movies.”
Their response may surprise you, but you may respond:
You: “They’re not for everyone. Movies you like?”
fresh subject, fresh chance to establish common ground. The same mindset may assist in high-stakes scenarios. Imagine presenting to a customer and not getting the reaction you wanted:
Client: “That’s great, but any other questions?”
Did you think of something? We have a few ideas, but we want to offer you what you want.”
Clarifying with the customer and inviting participation might help you recover. Avoid being defensive in any scenario.
7. Do Not Judge
In improv, judging your own or your partner’s concept halts the action. Judgement swiftly breeds negativity, mistrust, and criticism. Three variants of the same back-and-forth—the first two include judgement, whereas the third has no judgment and an easier route forward:
Improviser A: This trip will improve our marriage. That’s foolish. I mean this cruise is wonderful.
B: Yes?
Improviser A: This trip will improve our marriage.
Improviser B: Ugh, cruise? OK…
Improviser A: This trip will improve our marriage.
Improviser B: I’m delighted we’re following Dr. Monroe’s suggestion.
Your improv buddy has no reason to support your hated concept. Your spouse will feel insulted if you evaluate their suggestion. Follow the scenario and see what happens.
If a coworker presents an idea, don’t judge right away. Instead, recognize their opinion, ask questions, and get a comprehensive picture before deciding. As an example:
Colleague: How about utilizing last year’s slides?
You: It may work. Why did those slides stand out compared to this year’s?
Starting with “That might work,” or “Interesting,” shows your colleague you want to learn more. Hearing someone out helps them feel appreciated, but you don’t have to follow through.
Be confident in your concept suggestions. When you believe what you say, others will too. Reserving judgment in the present allows us to accept and adapt.
Meeting someone in person might be intimidating or uncomfortable. However, these basic improv tactics might boost your communication confidence. Take it slow, trust yourself, and have fun while practicing communication.
