we16 - 4 ways improv can improve your career
TRANSCRIPT
4 Ways Improv Can Improve Your Career
Introduction to Speakers
Amber IraetaMechanical EngineerBio-Rad Laboratories
Jessica KieferHardware Engineer
Cisco Systems
What is Improv?
Improvisation(Noun)
‘The art or act of improvising, or of composing, uttering, executing, or arranging anything without previous preparation.’
Source: "improvisation". Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc.
Learning Goals
1. Take risks and not be afraid of failure
2. Collaborate effectively
3. Become a better listener
4. Let go of judgement
Yes, But…
• Find a partner
• Assign partner “A” or “B”
• Follow our example, but describe a kitchen
• Remember to always say “yes, but” before anything else
Yes, And…
• Find a partner
• Assign partner “A” or “B”
• Follow our example, but describe a bike
• Remember to always say “yes, and” before anything else
Recap: “Yes, but” and “Yes, and”
This was a lesson in accepting offers• Being a supportive team member
• Being collaborative in a positive way
• If people are positive, offers get more daring, people will take bigger risks and move forward faster
The Circus Bow
Learn and practice the circus bow!
Any time you make a mistake or the team messes up, remember the bow
Mirror Exercise
• Find a new partner
• Assign partner “A” or “B”
• Person “A” mirrors person “B” while person “B” tells a story about their day
• Switch
Recap: Mirror Exercise
• We do this because it’s not easy. There is no way to get it perfect
• Don’t be afraid of failure
• Practice listening both inside yourself and outside yourself at the same time
• Be fully present in the moment
Collaborate Exercise
• Find a new partner
• Back and forth, one word at a time to create a story
• Try to go as fast as possible, don’t censor yourself
• Take a risk and see where the story goes
Recap: Collaborate Exercise
• Small contributions can change the story in a big way
• Active listening
• A single partner didn’t have complete control and you had to work together as a team
Status
Status is how you carry yourself and how you are perceived by those who interact with you
Status Exercise
• Everyone stand up
• Shoulders back, chin up, make eye contact
• Greet those around you with high status
• Your confidence will help give others confidence
Summary
1. Take risks and not be afraid of failure
2. Collaborate effectively
3. Become a better listener
4. Let go of judgement
Summary
1. Take risks and not be afraid of failure
• Circus Bow
• Celebrate taking a risk
• Learn from failures
Summary
2. Collaborate effectively
• Active listening
• Not blocking others’ ideas
• Taking care of your partners/team and ensuring they look good as well
Summary
3. Become a better listener
• Be in the moment and don’t let your mind wander
• Others will want to open up more when you give them your attention
• Sometimes you don’t need to say anything: just listen
Summary
4. Let go of judgement
• Be willing to change. Don’t hold on to your own ideas—also listen to other’s
• Don’t censor your own ideas—have confidence in your abilities and intelligence. Be willing to fail!
Thank You!
Thank you for coming to 4 Ways Improv can Improve your Career
If you would like to learn more or have further questions, feel free to email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]