Improv Gifts for Facilitators

With a session titled ‘Improv Gifts for Facilitators’ I just had to give participants a gift to help them remember these great improv principles. They’re a constant reminder to me too. Here they are (in no particular order):

Do something…

Solutions lie in action – move! Try something. If it doesn’t work, stop it and try something else. Follow your instincts and your body. Get people to use their whole body, not just the part that sits on their shoulders.

Accept offers…

Say ‘Yes, and…’ instead of ‘Yes, but…’ Let the other know that they have been heard. ‘Yes, and…’ doesn’t presume agreement – it’s about acknowledging and building on the offer. Offers can come from anywhere – the group, the venue, yourself.

Let go…

Be comfortable with uncertainty. Share the control with others. See where it goes. And also, and insight from this week’s workshop: let go of the ‘what ifs’, especially when planning.

Be present…

Show up and be attentive, alert, listening, feeling…

Make mistakes…

Try something new. Take risks. Acknowledge and celebrate your mistakes. Take a bow, and move on.

Be average…

Do the obvious – don’t try and be exceptional. Say ‘yes’ to yourself and don’t block or censor tour ideas.