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: Parachute.
What’s the thing that scares you most?
For a good friend of mine, it was heights. So we did the obvious thing: we went skydiving.
I was nervous. My friend even more so.
But we committed. We got on the plane. Jumped out into the unknown. Pulled a ripcord. And watched our parachute billow up as we floated down. Screaming and laughing the whole way with relief, joy and exhilaration.
As soon as we were safely back on terra-firma we immediately signed up to go again.
That’s how quickly something that at first terrifies you can become a thing you love.
For me, my biggest fear was deep water, so in university, I learned to surf, scuba dive and sail. Activities I still enjoy to this day. And for this and many other reasons, I’m a big fan of facing your fears.
There is a saying in improvisation, attributed to the legendary improv teacher Del Close:
Follow the fear.
According to a Huff Post article by Mike Bonifer, Del didn’t only say this to neophyte improvisers afraid of performing without a script. Del taught the best there was. Bill Murray, John Belushi, Tina Fey, Gilda Radner, Mike Myers – his former students are the improv comedy hall of fame.
What he said is that you can use your fear as a kind of divining rod. Do what makes you uneasy, he taught. Do the thing that scares you most. There, Close told his students, you will discover new worlds.
For a very large percentage of the population, their number one fear isn’t deep water or heights, it’s public speaking. Being centre stage. But despite living in a world where everyone wants to be famous for nothing (thanks Paris Hilton) our classes and workshops are full of people who think they could never stand up in front of a group and say anything that makes sense.
But just like jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane, once they realize they can. They sign up for more.
Because its exhilarating, fun, and confidence-boosting. And because the experience, is proof of their personal growth.
And that’s why I often refer to improv as “mental skydiving.”
If your fears are deep water or heights, I encourage you to jump right in, or out, as the case may be.
But if your fears are presenting, selling, or speaking confidently in front of a crowd, then get yourself or your team into an improv class or workshop.
And follow the fear. Out of it, you will grow.
Plus, won’t need to wear a helmet or silly goggles, and I promise you will be 100% safe.
Safer, in fact, than any activity that requires you to wear a parachute.
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.
April 22, 2016 · Season 1 : One Word Suggestion · Episode 38
One Word Suggestion: Parachute
By Eran Thomson
Use your fear as a divining rod. Do what makes you uneasy. Do the thing that scares you most, and discover new things about yourself. Just do it safely.
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