Written by: Lisa David Olson, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Kids do this – animals do, too. They are easily able to add fun to whatever task they have before them. A child may spin in circles and sing made-up songs while getting dressed. A pet may get the zoomies before settling in at the window to keep the scary mail carrier away.
I’ve been writing sketch comedy for two decades. I’m also an improv ninja. Quick thinking, infusing humor and practicing adaptability was key to making this hobby into an award-winning group in La Crosse, WI.
The art of improvisation is a fine recipe for stage, consisting of; active listening, building on what you hear, and never closing an idea down. Using this magic formula under a spotlight, we can trade thoughts, create even fresher ideas, and go anywhere in the universe! Consider what can happen when we reel it in a bit and make this new creation tidy for real-life use. What I’ve learned about this hobby of performing for laughs and applause, is that it can also be utilized off the stage.
Consider tapping into your creative outlet and see what parts you can apply to your regular workday. Here is what I came up with, when thinking of my learnings from performing and writing comedy, and how I can (and do) apply it to the other areas of my life:
1. When you’re stuck with a project or deadline, it helps to have a Bouncy Buddy.
This is not one of those inflatables seen flailing in front of car dealerships – but rather a friend or family member you believe gets your style of writing (to bounce ideas from) and can tell you when an idea is close… but not quite there.
It’s important to verbalize goals instead of staring at an unfinished idea. Experimenting with a fresh viewpoint allows you to step back a tad and see the flow from another angle. It’s like when you drop your hairbrush, and while down on all fours you finally find that other sock. You win an ‘a-ha’ moment just because you changed your viewpoint.
2. Write down all your inspired thoughts. Even if they seem lame.
It may not make sense at the moment, but sometimes two unrelated thoughts can connect down the road as a new cool one. Some of my punch lines become sketches, and the opposite – some well-thought-out sketches turn into one little punch line. And I am finally okay with that (after two decades of sketch writing). Never believe the lie “I don’t need to make a note. I’ll remember this for sure.”
In today’s point-and-click world we simply can’t hold onto a fleeting thought, and that could cost us a chapter or an entire book idea! Most phones have a handy app to add notes while we are on the go. I prefer paper lists to see all the ideas laid out at the same time. Try both methods! Secret: most of my wilder ideas are noted just after that middle-of-the-night potty break. I write them all down. And of course, not all of them make sense in the morning. That’s the time a brain isn’t bombarded with two screens and other people around to block creative thoughts.
3. Listen to hear, not waiting your turn to speak.
In your next conversation, see if you are hearing what the other person is saying. Could you repeat what they just said? What about asking follow-up questions to show you were engaged in the interaction? Chances are you were waiting to add your spin or share your thoughts and not really, truly listening.
Deep breathe while listening and allow new thoughts to swim into your cranium pool. I constantly work on this, and on the good days, I find I learn a lot more and have a better acceptance of new ideas. That’s a darned good thing to have as a writer. Bonus: you’re really neat to talk with!
4. Find your best time.
When are you most energetic and mentally available to work on your hobby or project? Where are you when ideas strike? The shower, the car, and in-line at a store are the most popular answers I’ve heard. Try this: don’t plug in earphones on your next walk. Drive in silence. Try meditation, even if you fail at it. Try it. Let your brain wander and listen to where it wants to go. Don’t drown out your thoughts! You are bright and worthy of sharing what makes you ‒ YOU.
‒ The Business Side ‒
As a comedic performer and interactive speaker who also creatively collaborates with those wanting to be a speaker, I learned many aspects of running the business. From marketing to producing a show to creative ways to make sure there were ‘butts in seats’ (you know, ticket sales). When we are getting a project off the ground, the last thing we can anticipate, or fathom is the crash afterward; the extra time we suddenly have after our goal is reached. It’s a mix of exhaustion, relief, and even (weirdly) missing our project mates.
Learnings from past projects and ideas going forward:
Keep a pocket journal to capture thoughts on what made moments of success along the way. Also, jot down what NOT to do on the next one. If this latest work was a solo effort: CELEBRATE! Get the massage, eat the ice cream for dinner, dance around the produce department at the local grocery store. Check-in with your Bouncy Buddy to go over any joys, concerns, and what is next.
If the completed project was a group effort:
Celebrate, of course. Then schedule to have your group members meet and discuss how to look at the project from a new angle, inviting creative ideas where anything is possible, the wilder the better. We build trust in groups by celebrating all ideas, no matter how colorful or nearly illegal they seem. By splitting the team into smaller groups for short talk bursts, you will hear freer thoughts. This tactic is sure to change the dynamic of the conversation to invite everyone to share openly. Gather again as a full group. Listen to learn why (or why not) your team is invested and then encourage them to offer new content. It’s a trust-builder and safe meetup where wacky thoughts are celebrated and then toned back just a tad... to be used in the latest project plan.
Want more improved ideas for writing or business? Do you need a boost with your next talk or need tips on getting ready for the stage? Reach out! I do Creative Collaborating via Zoom, phone, or in person.
I’m Lisa David Olson, a comic, voice talent, author and keynote speaker.
I have a book out in print and on audio, called Laughs On Wry; an improviser’s memoir. My journal with creativity tips is “What Ifs & Why Nots” and is available through me.
I’m a two-time TEDx Speaker seeking my third. The ideas are like eating popcorn, I just can’t stop. I’m a mom of 5 shared sons and have a very patient husband.
Lisa David Olson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Lisa David Olson is a humorist speaker, author, podcaster, and performer who shares how humor saved her life. Her interactive style and improvisation-for-real-life flair demonstrate how humor is a genuine connector. Olson’s two decades of improvisation and performing are pivotal to coaching workplace teams or play-shops for adults.
