A Secret Success to Business: Improv in Junior High?

I just attended my first ever "junior high back to school night" this week, as the oldest of my four children entered the ultimate domain of awkwardness, seventh grade. I had two big takeaways from the experience. First, despite the amazing advances in all aspects of society since my public middle school time, many decades ago, we somehow have managed to keep the tradition of forcing these kids to wear ill-fitting, polyester-ish gym uniforms every day in PE class (how is that possible?). Second, there is at least one class where kids are learning a skill that I believe may singularly differentiate them in the "business world" more than any other: Intro to Theater.

 I'm serious. The reason for this is because a huge focus of the class is on Improv. So often I am asked by students or young professionals what class they might take to, "get ahead." Invariably, I surprise them with the answer "take an Improv class." And it's actually for the same reason that the over-eager seventh grade teacher shared with all of us parents the other night. Improv, in his words:

 1- Helps the kids think on their feet

2- Helps the kids discover what's appropriately funny and what crosses the line

3- Helps the kids with staying "in the moment" and active listening

4- Helps the kids with being very articulate and making a point with just a few words

5- Overall broadly helps the kids with public speaking

 How brilliant. Because if I substitute “the business person" for "the kids," those are precisely the attributes I believe most differentiate those professionals that consistently make the highest impact in group interactions, presentations and discussions relative to others.

So many times we are so focused on what we are about to say in a meeting or presentation that we miss what is transpiring before our eyes/ears in the moment. A change in someone's body language or vocal intonation, a surprising word choice or interjection by someone else, an overall need in the room for more or less energy, etc. Improv helps you stay in the moment, react smartly to these changes – and overall have a more consistently positive impact on the dialogue.

 One quick aside; often I hear people describe Improv as "winging it." In other words, people who don't prepare or rehearse but rely purely on real-time intuition to guide the dialogue. That is a pretty dangerous mischaracterization. Terrific, in-death preparation is absolutely worth the time and energy in advance of a big moment. But what Improv helps us understand is that we can apply that preparation with different word choice, different tone, different style, etc. depending on the moment as it unfolds.

For me personally, one way I work on my "Improv" craft is through play-by-play sports broadcasting – a fun hobby. The best moments are when strong preparation finds its way into the call of an unpredictable moment that transpires in real-time before my eyes on the soccer field. When it goes well, the words are clear, memorable and descriptive.

 I also find that thoughtfully observing others in the moment of "real time", unscripted situations also is worthwhile. In a meeting, who is able to change the direction of a fluid conversation where they want it to head, and how did they do it? Attending a conference and listening to yet another multi-person panel discussion on stage, who is engaging in a way that actually connects and keeps the attention of the audience versus sending them scurrying to their cell phones to evade boredom? In a press conference after a big game, how is the coach or athlete navigating the tough question?  In a political debate, who is utilizing their time the most effectively, responding to the comments of others, and what techniques are they utilizing? By observing and experimenting, each of us- regardless of personality/style- can absolutely become more effective in "real time".

So...have a spare moment, why not try an Improv course?

 Dan Helfrich, Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP

@dhelfrich21