Four very funny rules, for work, for life
May I start by saying I have never seen a single episode of 30 Rock? I’m not sure why that’s so, or even that it’s relevant here. (And I’m certain it makes me look stupid rather than discerning—even more reason to simply not mention it.)
And still I couldn’t wait to read Tina Fey’s book, Bossypants. I love the name.
It is a fantastic read, start to finish. Funny as all get-out. And smart, as in “I-need-to-remember-this” smart. For instance, I was struck by her rules for improvisational comedy and immediately vowed to remember them anytime I am involved in a creative meeting. (And aren’t they all?)
Tina Fey’s “Rules of Improvisation That Will Change Your Life and Reduce Belly Fat”
Improv Rule 1: Always agree.
The magic of improv is making do with what you are handed, no matter how ridiculous it might be; opening yourself to accepting what comes your way without judgment or editing. I think of it as truly looking at things through someone else’s lens. Tina’s example:
Actor: “Freeze, I have a gun!”
Bad improv response: “No you don’t. You’re pointing your finger at me!”
Good improv response: “The gun I gave you for Christmas? You b@#**#@!”
Rule 2: Say “Yes, and. . .”
Think of the new places you’ll go if you not only accept what you are handed, but you add to it. Take the outrageous and make it outrageous-er; push it someplace farther.
Tina’s example:
Actor: “I can’t believe it’s so hot in here.”
Bad improv response: “Yes, it is.”
Good improv response: “Yes, and this can’t be good for the wax figures.”
(As Tina says, now we’re getting somewhere.)
Rule 3: Make statements instead of asking apologetic questions.
It’s difficult to get any traction when every idea is preceded with a disclaimer. Instead, go boldly. Then everyone is clear about where the idea stands.
Tina’s example:
Bad improve: “Where are we?”
Good improve: “I told you we shouldn’t have crawled into this dog’s mouth.”
Rule 4: There are no mistakes, only opportunities.
Go with it. Whatever happens in the scene—props that misfire, lines that get misinterpreted—great improv actors just work with what comes along, and the scene gets richer and funnier.
When reading Bossypants, I spent a lot of time thinking about improv and the many similarities it has to creative brainstorming (or creative conversations of any kind, really.) We highly efficient humans are quick to apply “yes, but” to ideas that are simply in their infancy. I made a vow then to remember this lesson from the very funny, and very courageous Tina Fey, who reminded me that by giving an idea an unfettered moment to grow and change, greatness might just emerge.
