Improv Nonsense

You’ve got an idea in mind, but your partner implies something else. Your first instinct should be to go with it.

• Improviser 1: Thanks for stepping into my office. I just wanted to tell you that you are a terrible employee and I think you’re a jerk.
• Improviser 2: Okay, you know what? I’ve had it with this place. I quit.
• Improviser 1: What, are you going back to your band?
• Improviser 2: It has nothing to do with that! You just insulted me, that’s why!

The final line rejects an offer, even though it’s being faithful to reality and the momentum of the conversation. Better would be this:

• Improviser 1: Thanks for stepping into my office. I just wanted to tell you that you are a terrible employee and I think you’re a jerk.
• Improviser 2: Okay, you know what? I’ve had it with this place. I quit.
• Improviser 1: What, are you going back to your band?
• Improviser 2: You’re damn right I’m going back to my band! The reggae world never disrespected me like this.

It’s obvious when I’m presenting these examples but in the heat of a conversation, when you’re committing to your emotion, it takes training to remember to say yes to what’s offered to you.