Download - Isn't It All Just Improv Anyway? Building Successful Relationships in the Workplace and Community
Isn’t It All Just Improv, Anyway?Building Successful Relationshipsin the Workplace and Community
Susan Strunk & Anthony Auston,Palatine Public Library District, IL
Richard Oberbruner, Chicago Improviser
Objective #1
Recognize & utilize the elements of improv
to enhance daily interactions
Objective #2
Make the shift from“Right or Wrong Thinking” to seeing your options as
“Better Choices & Best Choices”
Objective #3
Move toward a “Yes, and” attitude, Allow for free flow of communication
Objective #4
Explore resolution of everyday customer service scenarios
Objective #5
Discover the value of laughterwhen facing uncertainty
The 5 Elements of Improv
• Trust• Communication
• Acceptance• Building
• Spontaneity
Hand Clap Exercise
• Key Improv Element: Trust
• Clap once simultaneously with the person standing next to you. Then, that person turns and claps once simultaneously with the person standing next to them until a hand clap is passed to all participants.
Build Trust with Eye Contact
http://www.warrenphotographic.co.uk/20749-black-kitten-and-yellow-labrador-retriever-pup
Word Association Activity
• Key Improv Element: Communication
• Facilitator prompts individual or group to say first word that pops into their head(s) based on the word facilitator spontaneously says.
Dr. Know-It-All
• Key Improv Elements: Communication & Building
• Four people stand side-by-side and answer a question or explain a process one word at a time building a complete thought. The last person adds punctuation.
One Word Sentences
• Key Improv Element: Communication
• Participants build dialogue by exchanging only one chosen word at a time
Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say
“Yes, and…” Thinking
• Brings positive energy to the workplace.
• Affirms and expands possibilities.
• Endorses acceptance of what has been said.
• Moves conversation forward constructively.
• Helps create partnerships within the workplace and within the community.
“Yes, and…” Thinking
• Key Improv Element: Acceptance
• Yes, And - Two character scene where each completely agree or positively reinforce what the other is saying.
• No, But - Two character scene where each completely disagree or negatively reinforce what the other is saying.
Applying “Yes, and…” Thinking
Training a new employee
Resolving complaintsCoaching for improved performance
Working with a community partner
Introducing a service
Solving a problem
?
Brainstorming ideas
Conducted Emotion
• Key Improv Element: Building
• Four demonstrative participants stand side-by-side, each given a specific emotion with which to express themselves verbally about a given topic when pointed-to by the facilitator.
Building to Acceptance
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloom's_Taxonomy
Museum Statues
• Key Improv Element: Building
• Three participants connect physically and hold their positions for audience to interpret the meaning behind their poses.
Entrances & Exits
• Key Improv Element: Spontaneity
• Two character scene where conflict develops: one character leaves and another enters to interact with the remaining character. That character leaves when conflict develops only to be replaced by yet another character, etc.
Coping Strategies
• Pause/Stop• Breathe• Restate Scenario• Repeat the Question• Ask for Clarification• Use “I” Statements
• Suspend Judgment• Realistic Expectations• Look for Root Cause• Find the Positive• Play Along• Change the Setting
http://www.flickr.com/photos/modgirl/4795225576/
Finding a Fresh Perspective
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seeminglee/4556156477/
True in Improv, True in the Workplace:
“I made the best choice I could, next time I’ll make a better choice”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/prettyfnmess/2725674288/
Marketing Madness!
• Key Improv Element: Building
• Facilitator asks the entire crowd a series of questions, one at a time. Choosing one answer shouted out per question, the answer is repeated to the crowd which, in turn, shouts: “Yes, I love it! It's great!” and applauds enthusiastically.
Thank you!Presentation available online at:
http://www.slideshare.net/palatinelibrary
Susan Strunk: [email protected] Auston: [email protected]
Richard Oberbruner: [email protected]
Enjoy the conference!
Presented Thursday, March 15, 2012Public Library Association ConferencePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
R.O.I.
Richard Oberbruner Improv
Spontaneous team building
Stress Relief Via Laughter
Improve Communication Via Laughter
Laugh Via Laughter … What the heck
(630) 664-6616Rates that fit your budget. Seriously!