On being Improvisational
Posted by Andrew 9 July 2007As my good friend, Izzy Gesell CSP has told me, there are 3 foundational qualities that form the basis of the improvisers’ success, and thanks to Izzy, today’s blog post is a contribution from him. Thanks again Izzy!
There are 3 foundational qualities that form the basis of the improvisers’ success. They are the qualities of presence, Acceptance & Trust. These qualities also serve the public speaker. The quality of presence allows the improviser to say focused in the moment, neither anticipating the future nor judging the past. The quality of acceptance allows the improviser to distinguish between acceptance and agreement. He or she may not agree with what is given but recognizes that what is given is what must be used. In other words, improvisers deal with reality as it is, not as they would like it to be. Finally, the quality of trust allows the improviser to focus on process rather than outcome. By trusting process, eventually he or she begins to trust him or herself. It is this comfort with uncertainty that allows the improviser to step into the unknown over and over again without needing to be perfect or certain of success.