Let's consider the following: meeting new people, public speaking, or introducing yourself in a room full of strangers.
I've just described a few events that cause 10% of us to lie awake in bed dreading the coming event. Conversely, these events also cause another 10% of us to go to bed filled with excitement and anticipation. For the rest of us, it is just something we've got to do. It will most likely induce some butterflies in the stomach, or a case of dry mouth...but we'll soldier on and endure because our jobs or professional obligations require it.
How Improv Comedy can Boost Your Confidence
8 years ago I started taking improv comedy classes in Columbus, OH and I was immediately addicted. I can't say enough amazing things about my experience learning improv, and would encourage everyone to give an improv class a try. Not because you always dreamed of being funny on stage, but because it will give you the tools and confidence that will stick with you for life. Improv classes will also give you a safe space to practice these skills.
Here are 3 ways improv comedy classes can boost your confidence:
Learn to Be Present in the Moment with Improv Comedy Classes
One of the first improv lessons you learn in improv comedy is to be present in the moment. We are all guilty of spending a lot of the present moment thinking and worrying about past mistakes or future moments.
Have you ever been introduced to someone by name, looked them in the eyes, shook their hand, and almost immediately forgot their name? The most common excuse is, "Oh, I'm just bad with names." No, that's not the problem. The real problem is that your mind is elsewhere, and not in the moment.
Improv comedy classes help you learn to be present for situations just like this. So when you are meeting someone new for the first time, try really being focused on them and being present in that moment. I guarantee a person that senses someone they are meeting for the first time is actually taking an interest and is engaged is far more likely to open up to you.
The same principle applies on stage: be present, listen and take an interest in your scene partner. When we are both doing this for each other, it boosts our confidence in ourselves and our performance.
Learn the Principle of “Yes, And” in Improv Comedy Classes
Human beings don't always agree...agreed? When listening to other's ideas, sometimes our natural reaction is to think of why that person is wrong or misinformed, rather than why that idea or thought makes sense to them.
The idea of "Yes, and" in improv comedy means you accept what others around you are saying and you add to it. You can validate another person's idea, and yet not agree with it. Yes, your idea has merit, and I would like to add my own thoughts. A much better way to handle tough conversations, especially when you are meeting people for the first time. Negating a person immediately creates tension, and potentially sets the tone for future interactions.
Learn to Expect Anything with Improv Comedy Classes
I've been in enough meetings, met enough new people and been in hundreds of work related social engagements and there is one thing I know: anything can happen. You should always go in to meeting prepared, but you should also go in understanding that all your preparation may be for naught. Lying in bed the night before your presentation worrying about what might happen in that dreaded public speaking moment is time poorly spent.
I assure you, you're never gonna know exactly how it will go, so why try to play out scenarios on an endless loop in your brain. Improv comedy teaches you that if you expect anything, then everything will always go according to plan. When you expect anything (and everything goes to plan), you have confidence in knowing things will turn out okay (or even better than you hoped).
Be More Confident with Improv Comedy Classes
These were a few simple lessons that resonated with me from my improv class experience. I can't encourage you enough to try improv classes yourself. Improv classes might not cost too much money, but the experience and the friendships you'll gain along with way will be well worth the investment. Who knows, as you are gaining confidence in your day to day life, maybe you will also find that you don't mind standing on stage for a show and having some fun too!
Improv Classes and Workshops in Columbus Ohio
Hashtag Comedy offers adult improv classes and workshops in Columbus, OH. Our goal is for students to experience immediate and long term takeaways that positively affect their lives, both on and off stage. Take a look at our upcoming improv classes right here in Central Ohio, or contact us with any questions.