Have you ever walked into a group space to find out you’ll be participating in experiential learning? Look around the room at the faces and the body language. Do you see clenched fists? Maybe people have started to grind their teeth a bit. Perhaps there’s even a sudden line at the rest rooms. Believe it or not, the first night of a level 1 improv class can be like this.
Why?
Because people don’t always trust others when it comes to group experiences. Watching a presenter, taking notes in a class, attending training online is safe. However, when it comes to getting into the space, interacting as a group and pushing the comfort zone boundary, the stakes are higher. Whether you have an active role in leading the group, or whether you are a participant, practice these four pieces of improv wisdom to ease discomfort:
1. Show up – Yes, this seems so obvious that it’s almost a waste of space to even mention, right? Not necessarily. When we talk about showing up, we really mean having a presence. Be in the space. Be with the group. Actively listen and engage. Stay off of electronic devices and instead make eye contact. When you’re completely in the moment, you’re more likely to be supported and more readily able to offer support. When I host Yes Minglers, which are playful events to get people intentionally connecting, I often collect cell phones at the door. Why? To reinforce the idea of being “here now.”
2. Communicate – If you have information that would benefit the group, share it. If you have experiences the group would be interested in, share them. If you have neither, ask the group an open ended question and use it as an opportunity to get people sharing, and, most importantly, connecting. One of my favorite camp counselors has a wonderful question he uses to get people interacting, “Can you share one highlight of your travels, your work, your summer, etc.?” It works every time.
Earning trust at the 2017 Applied Improv Network Conference’s Yes Mingler Hosted by Breakthrough Play & The Adventure Project
3. Be approachable – A smile goes a long way. I recently attended the 2017 Applied Improvisation Network World Conference and at the opening session, a new person to the event approached me to be her partner because I smiled at her when she walked into the room. Bam! A friendly face on a stranger enables a newcomer to seamlessly transition into unfamiliar territory. No matter your status, be open to engaging.
4. Walk the talk – Once we settle into the shared group experience and come out on the other side with more knowledge and connection, don’t put it in a box and set it on the shelf – use it. Whether we are attending a corporate training or a personal development retreat, we must use what we’ve experienced. Only then can we start to see positive changes in our work, in our communities and in our world. So I ask you …
What’s one positive experience you’ve had since last Labor Day weekend that you can share to make the world a better place?
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND YOUR IMPROV WISDOM:
Level 1 improv class
Classes:
Level 1 – Improv Basics
Tuesdays, August 29th – October 3rd
6:30 – 9 p.m. at Limelight Theatre
Throughout this introduction course, students will explore the basic concepts of improvisation in a warm, safe and supportive environment. The class is designed to build self-confidence and explore creativity using the fundamentals of improvisation.
Level 2 – Advanced Improv
(Prerequisite: Level 1)
Wednesdays, August 30th – October 4th
6:30 – 9 p.m. at Limelight Theatre
San Juan del Sur views
Play Retreat:
1st Inaugural Playscape Retreat
Sunday, March 4 – Saturday, March 10, 2018
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Early Bird: $1,350 (ends December 4th)
Regular: $1,550
A small group “playcation” for you to disconnect from devices, dive into an adventure and connect to other like-minded people while in the comfort of an eco-retreat designed to bring you back to the natural environment — and yourself.
Please visit The Adventure Project’s calendar and the play retreat pages for more details as well as tickets and registration.
