Lesson from Improv Comedy: Be Yourself!
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One of the most powerful lessons an improv comedy performer will ever learn is to be himself. Early in a performer's career, he may try to emulate other, more senior performers. He may try to change his performance to please an audience or fit in with a group. Or, in the worst case, a director may try to force the performer to conform into the director's image of what a good performer is.
Improv comedy is a very personal art. Every individual on the stage has some responsibility towards creating the show. One of the great things about a group show is that the combined efforts of various performers create a show that no one would have come up with alone.
It is vitally important, therefore, for a performer to stay true to his personal style. The performer must get in touch with whom he is on the inside, and let that come through in all of his performances.
The challenge here is that sometimes that style and personality may in fact not fit in with the group or audience. In these cases, unfortunate though it may be, both the improviser and his group would be happier and better off if he left and sought out a group and audience that he fit in with better. In most cases however, the improviser's differences should be used to complement and benefit the group.
Consider this in business. If you work for a company, there are probably many people who have the skill to do your job. The only truly unique thing you bring to your employer is yourself. You are doing a disservice to yourself and your company if you try to stifle your personality and try to be ‘like the company wants.'
For the self employed, this is even more true. Trying to adjust your personality to fit your own business is almost always a losing proposition in the long run. You would be much better served to start a business that lets your personality shine through.
Take a look at the major things you are doing in your life (work, relationships, etc.) Are you able to truly be yourself in those things? If not, you must either find a way of being yourself, or find a more compatible situation. Not only will you be more effective, but you will ultimately be more successful.
Avish Parashar is a dynamic professional speaker who shows organizations and individuals how to get what they want using the Art and Science of improv comedy. He weaves together humorous stories, witty observations, and interactive exercises from improvisational comedy to get people laughing, learning, and motivated! Avish is most commonly called upon to deliver programs on Motivation, Sales, and Communication
For more free articles, downloads, and resources, visit http://www.AvishParashar.com
To learn how to apply the powerful principles of improv comedy to your own business or life visit http://www.ImprovforEveryone.com
