Inquisitive Report 11/52

Week Ending April 13th, 2018

Content Covered: Improv

I recently signed up for a Stanford Continuing Education class on Improv. For those of you whom may not be as familiar with the Improvisation methodology:

Improvisation is creating or performing something spontaneously or making something from whatever is available. Improvisation, in the performing arts is a very spontaneous performance without specific or scripted preparation.

But more so, the skills of improvisation can apply to many different faculties, across all artistic, scientific, physical, cognitive, academic, and non-academic disciplines. This branch of Improvisation is known as Applied Improv.

It is with this intent that I signed up for this course. Though the content of my workshops, at this moment, varies quite a bit – I’d like the primary focus to forever and always remain on Improv.

Why? Because the foundation upon which the Improvisation Framework is built focus on several primary skills necessary for all individuals whom choose to communicate, collaborate and express themselves.

Today, I’ll introduce the most popular theory of Improv: “Yes, and”.

“Yes, and” is not only a form of communication rapport but also a method of thinking. Essentially, starting conversation with “Yes” invites us to find out what is right about the situation, what is good about the offer, what is worth in the proposal. Exercising the “Yes” muscle builds optimist.

Now, starting with “Yes” doesn’t mean you agree with everything that is said, it means that you acknowledge what the other person has said – and it asks that you look for a part that you do agree with – AND then build from there.

Acknowledging the others point by agreeing with it, only does so much so as affirm what has already been done or said – we don’t go anywhere; the conversation doesn’t progress. “Yes” without “And” is incomplete.

The methodology behind Applied Improv is truly incredible – and it is my vision to bring this information to College Students as a framework for professionals personal development.