Improv Tip of the Month: Listening!

by | Nov 18, 2011 | Improvisation

This month’s improv tip is from Barry Edwards, Improv Contributor and Consultant:

One of the main tenants of performing improv comedy is listening. What? LISTENING! If you’re not listening to your improv partner, the scene will most likely go downhill and the audience will know. The same thing happens at work. If you’re not listening to your manager or client, the conversation will most likely go downhill and they will know.

Did you know there are two types of listening? What? LISTENING! Level one and level two listening*. Think about the times someone in the office is talking to you and you’re thinking about what to say next. Or were thinking about where to go for lunch. Or relating the topic to yourself. You were probably in level one listening*. You’re hearing the person but not truly reacting to what they are saying. This is probably most of the conversations you have.

Level two listening* is when you’re focusing 100% on the speaker. Think about the times when you want the speaker to know they’re being listened to. When your manager is giving you important information. Or when a client is telling you what they need. Try the following: react to what the speaker says, be curious by asking questions, engage non-verbally by nodding, and repeat/paraphrase the thought or idea. This may result in more productive conversations.

Have you been listening? What? LISTENING!

*Source: Co-Active Coaching: Changing Business, Transforming Lives

Originally published by BossaNova Consulting Group, Inc.
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Barry Edwards

What gets me out of bed in the morning is the opportunity to really engage people—whether I’m coaching an executive, leading a workshop, or facilitating a meeting. That’s because I believe engagement is the key to workplaces that make a difference. I’m also an improvisational comedy performer, teacher, and overall enthusiast. I’ve led dozens of workshops (and written a series of blog articles) on how to bring the art of improv to the business world.

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