Sparking Creativity and Connection: A Dive into Improv

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of offering an improv session at the T.A.L.K Toastmasters club, held at the Miami Civic Center in Milford, Ohio. It was a delightful experience that reminded me of why I fell in love with improv in the first place.

A year ago, a fellow club member suggested trying improv in one of our meetings. "Sure, I'll do it!" With my background in training at Second City and the Annoyance theaters in Chicago, I could be ready at any time. Improv has been more than a skill for me; it's been an obsession, a source of joy, and a tool for building confidence and strong connections.

Improvisational theater, or improv, is a form of live performance without a script. The "Yes, And" rule in improv encourages performers to accept their scene partner's ideas ("Yes") and build upon them with new contributions ("And"). This fosters collaboration, creativity, and spontaneity in creating scenes on the spot.

One of the things I cherish most about improv is the kindness and camaraderie it fosters within a community. Through laughter and shared experiences, we quickly develop positive rapport. In just a short period, we learn about each other's vulnerabilities, authenticity, silliness, and humor. It's incredible how much we can connect with someone in a matter of minutes through mindful improv exercises.

In my professional life, I've often found it challenging to truly get to know colleagues, especially those outside my immediate circle. Factors like different grades, levels, schedules, and lunch times can create barriers to meaningful connections. However, with mindful improv, those barriers dissolve. We get to know everyone on a deeper level, breaking down walls and fostering genuine understanding.

I've participated in numerous team-building activities over the years, from corporate-sponsored events lasting days and costing a significant amount. Yet, nothing compares to the effectiveness and sheer fun of improv. It's the fastest and funniest method I've encountered for building strong teams and creating lasting bonds.

During the session, I was delighted to see visitors eager to explore improv for the first time. What started as curiosity quickly turned into laughter-filled moments of creativity and connection. From passing imaginary balls to spontaneously acting out scenarios like The Unfortunately and Fortunately game had everyone fully immersed in the play. "Unfortunately, my car broke down, and I can't afford to fix it!" "Fortunately, you're a car mechanic and had it back on the road in no time!" Laughter filled the room at the quick wit and spontaneity. Every interaction was met with laughter and quick thinking.

Improvisation isn't just about being witty or entertaining; it's about learning to think on your feet, embracing spontaneity, and fostering a positive environment. Guests admitted to feeling apprehensive initially, fearing being put on the spot, but found that it wasn't like that at all, learning, and connecting in ways they hadn't expected.

The beauty of improv is its ability to break down barriers, spark creativity, and bring people closer together. It's a reminder that laughter, vulnerability, and authenticity are powerful tools for building strong communities, both in and out of the workplace.

The beauty of improv is its ability to break down barriers, spark creativity, and bring people closer together. It's a reminder that laughter, vulnerability, and authenticity are powerful tools for building strong communities, both in and out of the workplace.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to share the magic of mindful improv with the T.A.L.K Toastmasters club and look forward to many more laughter-filled sessions ahead. Here's to building connections, embracing spontaneity, and finding joy in every mindful moment!

#Mindfulness #Improv #TeamBuilding # #Laughter #Toastmasters #Spontaneity

About the author

Leila Kubesch, a storyteller and photographer, merges speaking with photography, infused with mindfulness, yielding joyous narratives. Her journey took a thrilling turn when she discovered improv, and ever since, she's been obsessed. Learning to take risks in every aspect of her personal and professional life through improv feels like playing a fun game, where each spontaneous moment becomes a canvas for creativity and growth

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