3. Make everyone else in your group look good.
How It Works: Here’s what you learn in improv: You’re nothing without somebody else. There’s nothing to improvise without someone to improvise with. The more you trust others to be your props, the more you invite them to shine, the stronger you get.
Sammy Buck, a 39-year-old UCB student and a writer said he was astounded at how much satisfaction he feels when playing a supporting role in a scene. “In improv, I’ve learned I’m as happy to help move things forward as I am to take the lead,” he says. “Maybe even happier.”
How to Make It Work for You: In any situation, practice acknowledging the others in your group (the “yes”) and always make an effort to promote their ideas (the “and”). It quite simply makes for better conversation. For instance, you’re at the first meeting of a newly formed book club. You’ve read the book. You’ve even made notes about what you liked and didn’t like. You’re really prepared to look smart. But that’s not what you’re here for, is it? So when the host asks, “What did you think of the book? Did you like it?” instead of running through your list of critiques, you say, “Yes, I loved it. I thought it was so touching, especially at the end. But I was really impressed when Lydia told me how she thought the ending could have been different. I’d love to hear her talk more about that.” It’s such a relief — and so much more enjoyable for everyone — when you don’t have to prove yourself to be the smartest person in the room.
It’s so easy to incorporate these improv techniques into your life. And, with a bit of practice and observation, you’ll be winging it like a pro before you know it. Whenever you have a chance, watch improv artists at work and learn from them. Catch Larry David on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, which uses dialogue that is largely improvised. Or rent any Robin Williams movie. Boy, talk about tapping into your intuition! Nobody does it better or has more fun with it. Better still, consider taking an improv class yourself. Check the listings for local acting schools or community centers. Bring a friend with you. Let yourself go. And, hey, you might even move your own scene forward in ways you never dreamed you could.
