The power of yes
The first rule of improvisation is agree. Always agree and say yes. ~Tina Fey The good things that have happened tome is because I said, “Yes, please.” ~Amy Poehler Saying yes begins things. Saying yes is how things grow. Saying yes leads to knowledge. ~Stephen Colbert It’s important not to pre-­‐determine what you’re going to say. If you’re pre-­‐determined you’re not connecting. ~Steve Carell Ask Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell about the rules of improvisation and they talk about agreement and the power of yes. The success of a scene relies on the players staying in the moment and saying yes to whatever comes their way. Improvisation is not just for the stage. The skills needed to successfully improvise are the same skills needed to succeed in the workplace and in life. Theatre Games are a process applicable to any field, discipline, or subject matter [that] creates a place where full participation, communication, and transformation can take place. ~Viola Spolin-­‐Author of Improvisation for the Theater Communication & Listening
• Repeat what someone says to you in your own words to ensure you understood them. Once you are sure you comprehend, add directly to the information you received.
• Throw away your agenda. Let the other person lead the conversation.
• Add to the conversation by making statements rather than asking a bunch of questions. Presentation skills
•
•
•
•
Position your feet in second position. This prevents wandering back and forth. A wandering person is a wandering message. Establish eye contact with various individuals in the audience. Connect with them frequently as you speak. This prevents scanning the audience in a non-­‐specific manner. Practice make perfect. You must rehearse. Do a trial run for a co-­‐
worker or friend and get feedback. Try these tongue twisters for good articulation. Red leather, Yellow Leather/Blue Blood, Black Bug/Unique, New York Repeat each phrase one after the other as fast as you can. Hit the consonants at the beginning and end of each word. Handling anxiety
•
•
•
•
Take at least 10 deep cleansing breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Continue the deep breaths until you feel calm. Create an empowering mantra that you can repeat in your head to help calm yourself down. For example: “I am an expert in my field. I have confidence in my skills.” Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know. Let me get back to you on that.” Be prepared. Pocket Reminders
Communication and Listening •
Repeat what the person said in your own words then add directly to what they said. •
Throw away your agenda. Let the other person lead the conversation. •
Make statements instead of ask a bunch of questions. Presentation Skills •
Stand with feet in second position. •
Establish eye contact with various individuals while you speak. •
Rehearse for feedback. •
Tongue Twisters Red Leather/Yellow Leather, Blue Blood, Black Bug/ Unique, N ew York Handling Anxiety •
Take at least 10 deep cleansing breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Repeat until you calm down. •
Create a mantra. (write it below) •
_________________________________________ •
Be prepared. Tania Richard-­‐Owner/Lead Trainer Tania Richard taught in The Second City Training C enter for ten years. She also performed with the Second City Main Stage, e.t.c. and touring company appearing with Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Horatio Sanz and Rachel Dratch. Her training of professionals includes work with The American Bar Association, IICLE, CPEC, The Herman Agency, Horwood, Marcus and Berk, Neal Gerber and Eisenberg, Northwestern University Law School, Joseph, Lichtenstein & L evinson, and Sheehan and Sheehan, P.A., among others. She has been a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild for over twenty years. She has appeared in numerous commercials for brands such as Mc Donald’s, Ameritech and AARP as well as film and television roles. Tania teaches Acting Techniques for the Filmmaker in Columbia College Chicago’s Film Department. She has a B.A. in Theatre from Illinois State University. Her stage credits include Broadway, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Goodman Theatre and The Second City. She is exclusively represented by Stewart Talent. contact
Tania Richard www.improvdelivery.com [email protected] www.taniarichard.com 708-­‐466-­‐6839 Notes