#3 Take an improv class

This was it…an experience I set out for. Something where I was finally nervous and excited. I set out by myself this time, partially because it’s easier to plan when it’s just you. But it also forces you to connect with new people. I didn’t have a safety net to default to or some little click to hide away in. There was only me and 13 new strangers. 

I’m glad I went and I’m surprised the class surpassed my predetermined expectations. I was fully expecting it to be me and a couple of art school dropouts wearing berets and tight black clothes. Instead I was pleasantly surprised to meet mostly older women in their 40s taking the class to gain confidence. They wanted to learn how to speak in front of people and more directly. Or build confidence in tackling a new management position they received. Whatever the reason people were there we all had one thing in common. We wanted to push ourselves past our own comfort zones.

The first thing was no big surprise, everyone stands in a big circle and says their name and why they’re here. What was a surprise was the round of applause I received for explaining my 30 during 30 for my being there. It felt good to have that support and we were off to a good start. No more than an hour before I was filling my head with hundreds of reasons not to go. I worked too late that day, I had to review interviewee paperwork for my new hire, it’s too hot. I pushed through all of the self doubt and excuses then received accolades for doing so. 

Although it was hot in there, really freaking hot. All the nerves and that pint I drank before hand didn’t help. There was one tiny oscillating fan in the corner that didn’t really help much either. I was nervous and sweating then becoming more nervous because of the sweating. Luckily I was wearing a quick dry golf shirt that didn’t pit out or anything. Not that I couldn’t stop thinking about that. 

The lesson for the night was to work on listening. To not wrap ourselves up in what we’re doing but rather “listen” for another’s queue. We played a bunch of fun games. First up was your standard improv set you’d see anywhere. Two players get up on stage and the group decides your relationship and a setting. I went first, lets get this going. I had a cute partner and the group decided we should be brother and sister on the beach. Rats! The point of the game was to feel each other out and try to get an idea of what you are both doing without communicating or speaking any lines of dialogue. It took a minute but I finally figured out that she was making a fire. Not my first thought at a beach activity but it’s ok we got on the same level. 

The teacher did a good job at selecting other games that played well into the nights theme. There was a group game where only one person had focus and the others were frozen until they passed the focus onto you. A similar game without any words but you passed a clap amongst each other. The point of the game was timing and being aware of the group as a whole. Another game where the group writes a story one person and word at a time. We played an interesting game where we were all in a tight circle looking down at the floor. You had to count down from twenty all the way to one without looking or physically giving any directions. If two people said one of the numbers at the same time you start back at twenty. It goes like this until you hit one. That was pretty cool trying to feel everyone’s vibes on when to speak. 

However, the most memorable game and probably the one I got the most out of was a stand up comedy type game. This was the only game where we actually utilized the stage in the room. Half the group went up on the stage the other half was the audience. The point of the game was to avoid hesitation and deliver a punchline with confidence even if you knew it was no good. But no matter how bad it is you have your group cheering you on after each punchline. 

Setup goes like this - Audience selects blank - 99 blanks walk into a bar - bartender says we don’t serve blanks - blanks say “punchline". 

I’ll admit I held back until I had something I felt would work. But even with your group backing any bad joke it was hard to spit something out there with confidence. 

Overall, this was a really fun experience and I'd definitely do it again.

Matter of fact I am planning to do it again. Anyone that wants to join me the next class is on the 15th of July. 

Come get some mojo! 

-Vito

Things I learned today

Learn to listen and feel others energy before speaking.

Let go of expectations and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. 

Doubt is wall you build in your mind.

Confidence is created by letting go of reservations about yourself. 

The hardest part in anything is taking the first step.