03 Feb proper presentation pressure: Over-inflated; post #3, The Improv Myth
by Shawn Ritchey. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB_M-f_aU1lrkPTBYl514fw
This article is also featured on OneAccord blog: https://www.oneaccord.co/blog/great-presentations-improv-myth
Previously I’ve shared the idea that presenting or speaking is similar to tires in that both can become over-inflated or under-inflated frequently causing a negative outcome. I view over-inflation, when relating to speaking, as having a misguided attitude. Examples already offered are:
Rethinking K.I.S.S. https://shawnritchey.com/rethinking-k-i-s-s/and Forgetting the value of 1 https://shawnritchey.com/forgetting-the-value-of-1/. Today’s example of over-inflation is succumbing to The Improv Myth.
Most of us have seen improv on TV, in a club or even participated ourselves. Improv can be amazing and unpredictably funny. During good improv we marvel at the quick-wittedness of those participating, eager to discover where the scene will go. But bad improv falls flat with no connection or energy. We sit uncomfortably – partly sympathetic to and partly embarrassed for – as we watch the performers struggle. I would suggest that most people who bomb at improv are ill-prepared. The Improv Myth falsely believes that improv is only about improvisation. But folks good at improv practice and are well versed. They regularly practice improv games and research literature, music, theatre, movies, tv, history, current events, etc. They have a plethora of tools in their toolbelt for whatever scenario.
For Presenters the Improv Myth can happen one of two ways. One, we put all our hope in the material or product, thinking it should sell itself, but have little understanding beyond the material/product. Or we don’t practice, thinking “I can wing it”, and fall flat as we stumble our way through. In both scenarios it is more likely we dilute the impact of our message due to our lack of preparation. Mark Twain said, “It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech”. He was well-versed and quick-witted!
Life can certainly cause unexpected circumstances that force us to wing it on occasion. But let us recommit to the habit of careful thought and skillful practice before we speak or present, so that we may cultivate the optimal impact of what we share.
Now, let’s consider misguided actions, or under-inflating, as a Presenter: Movement is Good, Unless it’s Not.
Hope and peace to you.
Shawn Ritchey L.I.V.E. Corporate Storyteller https://shawnritchey.com/corporate-storyteller/
Shawn Ritchey L.I.V.E. Inspirational Storyteller https://shawnritchey.com/storyteller/