Welcome to One Word Suggestion.
Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.
One Word Suggestion: Authenticity.
You can always tell when you see or meet someone who is truly authentic and living comfortably and openly with who they are.
Sometimes it’s obvious just by their behaviour, other times it’s more of a gut feeling, but either way, you know it when you’re around people who are living their truth.
And usually, they’re our most favourite people to be around. Because there’s no pretence, no BS, so self-inflated ego, exaggeration or misleading behaviour.
Mike Robbins, author of Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken, says in his TED Talk that authenticity is different than honesty or expressing opinions. It’s about being willing to be vulnerable and let others know who you really are and what you really feel – instead of worrying about how you look or come across.
It can take a long time to truly discover and get comfortable with your authentic self. I’ve been big into the self-improvement space for over a decade and I think I’m just now, finally, maybe getting to grips with who I am.
Vulnerability and also confidence are definitely part of the equation so if you haven’t already, check out episode two for more on this.
Mike’s analogy is that people are like icebergs. We often just see the tip, but underneath the surface, there’s so much more of what makes us who we really are that rarely gets seen.
So, if you’re an iceberg and you want to get more comfortable sharing your authentic self, then you gotta learn to lower your waterline. And for a lot of people the first time they get comfortable with this is through improv training.
At LMA we’re awesome at creating a safe, warm, and welcoming environment where anyone can learn, play, take risks, fail gloriously – and succeed hilariously, and ultimately become more authentic human beings, unafraid to share their soul.
The strong friendships our students make, in every class, are based on genuine human connection. Not on the type of work people do, where they went to school, or how much money they make, or where they were born. The glue is authenticity.
And as scary as it may sound to show the whole iceberg, that’s when the magic happens. The more “you” you are, the more people will embrace it.
Because authenticity is powerful – it liberates us and it touches and inspires the people around us.
Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.
Or better yet, listen to the podcast.
And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.
You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au
Eran Thomson is the Founder of Zuper Superannuation, Laugh-Masters Academy, PowerProv, Comedy & Co, and the Australian Improv Festival.
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.
Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.
- 🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
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Like what you hear? Listen to Eran’s guest appearances on other people’s podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.
Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.
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