Training to Imagine : Practical, Improvisational Techniques to Inspire Creativity, Enhance Communication and Develop Leadership

by Koppett, Kat

• ISBN13: 9781579220334
• ISBN10: 1579220339
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-05-01
• Publisher: Stylus Pub Llc

Summary

In today's fast-paced, "right-sized," competitive environment businesses increasingly need staff who are creative, think on their feet, take the unexpected in their stride, and work effectively in fluid teams. How can they instill and develop these critical skills? The answer may be to improvise! Improvisational actors make up scenes, dialog and entire plays on the spot. They work collaboratively in front of paying customers who expect to be entertained and amazed. Improv actors use no script, cannot predict what will happen next, and have no chance to go back or rewrite. They rely on their knowledge, practiced skills and their colleagues. This book is the first to apply the improv methodologies of the theater to developing the business skills that are in high demand. Kat Koppett--a professional trainer, management consultant and professional actor'demonstrates to trainers and managers how they can effectively transfer improv training techniques to their day to day business environment. Training to Imagine translates the theories and exercises of improv into straightforward and practical guidelines and training activities. This book is written for trainers, HR personnel, managers and team leaders who are interested in increasing their tool kit, and enhancing the impact, fun and retention levels of their workshops. It assumes no previous experience with improvisation or performing, offers all the needed background and provides clear and practical instructions with a range of simple and effective exercises. Trainers and managers may find the book improves their own presentation and teaching skills.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. vii
Foreword	p. ix
Introduction	p. xv
Principles
An Overview	p. 3
Trust	p. 13
Spontaneity	p. 21
Accepting Offers	p. 33
Listening and Awareness	p. 51
Storytelling	p. 65
Non-Verbal Communication	p. 79
Activities
Introduction	p. 93
50 Activity Breakdowns
Accept This!	p. 95
Ask a Silly Question	p. 97
Awareness Quiz	p. 99
Ball Ball	p. 101
Ball Toss	p. 103
Blindfold Walk	p. 105
But vs. And	p. 107
Character Creation	p. 109
Circle Mirror	p. 113
Classic Mirror	p. 115
Color/Advance	p. 117
Conducted Narrative	p. 121
Conversation Weave	p. 125
Declare Yourself	p. 127
Elimination Lists	p. 129
Emotional Meeting	p. 131
Expert Interviews	p. 133
Gibberish Press Conference	p. 135
Giving Gifts	p. 139
Group Counting	p. 141
Hum Circle	p. 145
I Failed!	p. 147
Idea Circle	p. 149
Invisible Balls	p. 151
Neutral Status Scene	p. 153
One-sided Scene	p. 157
One-Word-at-a-Time Exercises	p. 159
Paired Drawing	p. 161
Picture Math	p. 163
Picture Poetry	p. 167
Safety Zone	p. 169
Slap Pass	p. 171
Speaking in Unison	p. 173
Speech Tag	p. 175
Spontaneous Marketing	p. 177
Stats	p. 179
Status Cards	p. 181
Status Demo	p. 185
Status Pass	p. 187
Story Exchange	p. 189
Story of Your Name	p. 193
Story Seeds	p. 195
Story Visioning	p. 197
The Story Spine Story	p. 199
True or False	p. 201
Vision Weaving	p. 203
Warm-up: Physical and Vocal	p. 207
Word Drill	p. 211
Word Patterns	p. 213
You're Out	p. 215
Appendix
Activities/Improv Topics	p. 218
Activities/Training Uses	p. 221
Endnotes	p. 227
Bibliography	p. 229
Index	p. 230
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