When I was 19 years old, (gosh that was a long time ago!) I ran a 6 week summer Theatre Camp based almost entirely on improvisation. Improv for short, we would develop our listening skills to learn excellent communication and performance skills. Sound like Fun? For those that are unclear as to what Improvisation actually is, the University of Chicago, one of the leading Improv Institutions, defines it like this: (Improv) “is a live performance in which the actors make up scenes, dialogue and characters on the spot (sometimes incorporating suggestions from the audience). It’s often comedic, though not always.” Sound slightly familiar? How about this definition: “to make, invent, or arrange offhand” (Merriam Webster) In competitive, public speaking, Impromptu is a category where we often do all of the above.
In breaking down the 2 chosen definitions one might agree about the similarities of Improv to Impromptu but what about the differences? While many leagues offer the category of Impromptu, I’d like to share my experience. In general, speech and debate students are not considered performers, but competitors. But if we are being honest, there is an element of performance in every speech as competitors perform for an audience of 3 judges who will listen and rank us against our fellow competitors. Continuing with the differences, the Impromptu category is not generally considered humorous, though it can be for sure! One of my favorite speeches given by an impromptu student had me in absolute stitches in 2018! Think of that! I still remember an impromptu speech from SIX year ago! Talk about a Lasting Impact! 😉 Having said that, laughter is a fantastic way to connect, and when appropriate is an amazing tool! Other differences are fairly obvious: characters and scene work are not generally used in impromptu though perhaps with the exclusion of a very specific story. Because we know how being able to tell stories is crucial as a speaker.
As for the awesome similarities of Improv and Impromptu? After selecting a topic, students absolutely arrange (and outline) invent (stories and examples) and make a category, a word, a phrase, an idiom… they breathe life into 2 min of prep and hopefully deliver 5 min impactful speech that just maybe, the audience of 3 judges will enjoy. That is definitely an element of IMPROV! If this terrifies you or you just want to get better at speaking off the cuff, if you find yourself lost for words, or need help articulating your thoughts- this class is for you!! Understanding the similarities and differences between impromptu and improv can maybe connect the dots for you to become a better overall speaker!
Lasting Impact has opened it’s doors to allow me to teach an Impromptu class that will run up to Thanksgiving week just in time to prepare you for the season ahead by building confidence and learning a few fun things along the way using improv techniques, voice techniques, listening skills including the ‘yes, and’ along with just how do you use your prep time and so much more! Join me in the Zoom Room on Friday mornings 9CT. Not the best time? Jot a note in the message box and name a day and time! And don’t forget… all classes are recorded.
Please be committed to be part of the class as you WILL be speaking EVERY time we meet. Check out the link to sign up. We begin Friday Sept. 6 at 9CT but it wont be too late to join next week!
Lynda, best known as Mrs D, is a committed speaking coach hoping to share her passion for finding your voice with students across the country. She has coached many seasoned speech and debate students to the very top of the Impromptu stage over her nearly 10 years coaching. Sign up from Impromptu Club here – https://lastingimpact.info/product/club22509/
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University of Chicago is well known for improvisation and one of their alumni, Mabel Lewis, AB’23, said “Often the best improvisers are really good humans who listen, and care and want to give their scene partners or life partner gifts.”
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