This is a guest posting by Mary M Harvey, owner of Buzz4Biz, and a member of Halton-Peel Communications Association.
Learning the skills of improvisation can empower you to respond in the moment — in an inventive way by using heightened listening skills. You can learn to use spontaneity to enhance creativity. Improv exercises provide a structure (although it is likely an unpredictable and unplanned framework) in which to be creative. The restraints are similar to what you find in day-to-day business. Businesses are constrained by budget, time, logistics and personalities. And yes, we have to work with what we have. During improv exercises participants act “in the moment.” You learn to be spontaneous and supportive while always keeping your goal in mind. You learn to listen interactively, and jointly advance the action of a specific task while building on the contributions of all the participants. That’s not really very different from what happens in business. Successful collaboration requires exceptional communication skills and the ability to build on each team member’s contributions.
Taking part in an improv experience can:
1. increase confidence
2. improve public speaking skills
3. enhance acting abilities
4. provide comfort in social settings
5. refine brainstorming abilities
6. improve listening and observation skills
7. enhance creative-thinking abilities
8. improve decision-making skills
9. develop team building skills
Last spring I participated in a 90-minute session with two graduates of the Second City improv program and it was a hoot. It took me beyond my comfort zone, but in a non-threatening venue. It certainly increased my self-knowledge and allowed me to explore some new capabilities. We are thrilled to have Joan Patch and Tracy Bradley return for another hilarious evening of improv.
Encore improv 3
October 12, 2010, 7:15 to 9:00
Open to the public after the annual general meeting for members at 6:30.
Location: e-Spot, 353 Iroquois Shore Road, Suite 200 Oakville, ON L6H 1M3.
Free for members. $20 for non members.
Evolution of Marketing and Publicity in Broadcast Communications
Our guest speaker, Steve Rayment, has anecdotes and stories to share about the foibles of broadcasting and the volatility and instability of this sector. Steve leads marketing and publicity efforts for TVO and is one of the most experienced and successful broadcast marketing/communications executives in Canada. For more than 20 years, he has guided the communications efforts of leading Canadian broadcasters such as TSN, Discovery Channel, History Television, HGTV, Food Network, and many more.
November 10, 2010 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: e-Spot, 353 Iroquois Shore Road, Suite 200, Oakville: Visitors welcome
Free for members. $20 for non members.
