OK the title to this post may not be 100% true. The Washington Improv Theater has a fantastic WIT On The Job program. Our instructors will come to your business or organization and teach how Improvisational skills will help you improve public speaking, communication, leadership, working as a team and executing plans. This week we received a call from the Robert H. Smith School of Business. The MBA program at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building is a satellite location of the University of Maryland. One of the courses they teach is Implementing Strategy, which involves improvisation in business.
As I am an alumnus of the University of Maryland, I felt it was my duty to give back to the academic community. Last night, I led the class through an Ice Breaker and two Improv games that focused on listening, team work, recognition and imagination. The first game called Story Telling started with the director(myself) saying, "Once upon a time..." and then pointing at a student. That student then begins telling a story. The director then points to another student who has to continue the same story. This exercise is great for listening because you have to listen to what your fellow students/coworkers are saying in order to tell the next part. The second game called Yes And begins by having one student tell a second student a declarative sentence. The second student has to listen to the sentence, agree with it, then heighten the statement. This exercise benefits business managers who must listen to the suggestions of coworkers, understand the suggestions and then offer constructive criticism/implementation. For example:
Student One: "You are wearing a lovely shirt"
Student Two: "Yes it is lovely, and it only cost me $10,000.00!"
I love watching people go through Improv exercises in a format outside of a traditional acting class. There are some students who are ready to break out and really go for it, while others tend to stay in their shell. (UMD Terrapin pun, anyone?) Regardless of the immediate comfort level Improv training teaches fantastic lessons for business professionals. If your business or organization could benefit from better communication while having a fun time, contact me over email for more information about WIT On The Job.
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