“Yes, and…” Improv skills for intercultural communication

Improvisational theater, or improv, is a form of live theater in which the plot of a scene is unscripted and made up in the moment. You may be familiar with the format from populair tv shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway. With its emphasis on spontaneity and adaptability, improv can teach us a great deal about navigating day-to-day interactions, and specifically intercultural encounters.

In this article, I list some key lessons that I learned in my own improv classes that can help us become more effective and empathetic communicators in intercultural settings.

Yes, and…

In improv: One of the fundamental principles of improv is the “Yes, and” mindset. This means that when one actor presents an idea, the other actor accepts it (“yes”) and then continues to develop the scene by building upon that idea (“and”). Responding with a “no” or “yes, but” stifles the advancement of the scene. This principle encourages collaboration, open-mindedness, and creativity. “Yes, and” means that you receive everything your fellow performer offers as if it were a gift.

In intercultural encounters: In intercultural communication, adopting a “Yes, and” mindset means acknowledging and respecting the thoughts and experience others share with us, even if their views differ from our own. Instead of shutting down conversations or dismissing unfamiliar opinions, acknowledge them (“yes”) and then contribute your insights or ask questions (“and”). By saying “yes” to the experience and “and” to seek understanding and connection, we can create opportunities for learning and meaningful dialogue.

Active listening

In improv: On stage, improv actors must listen attentively to their fellow performers to respond appropriately and keep the scene flowing. In my classes, I have had to learn to make a conscious effort to stop being in my head trying to come up with a witty remark, while missing the point of where the scene is going. Instead, I have to just listen when others are speaking, be present, and respond in the moment. And it’s painful to realize how difficult that is: most of us tend to listen to reply, not to understand.

In intercultural encounters: Active listening is a cornerstone of effective communication, and it is all the more important in intercultural encounters. People from different cultural backgrounds vary in the ways they use and interpret words, intonation, body language and emotion. It is essential to be present and fully engaged with the conversation to be aware of those differences and try to understand the other. Even though we may still misinterpret and misunderstand, we can build trust and rapport by demonstrating that we are truly interested in what others have to say.

Adaptability

In improv: Improv actors are masters of adaptability and embracing uncertainty. They must be ready to change direction at any moment based on the actions of their fellow performers and contributions of the audience. Maybe your scene partner suddenly tells you that you are a 5-year-old PhD student or that their pet giraffe just passed away – everything can happen in improv theater and performers are trained to receive every new idea as if it were true. This spontaneity is what creates engaging and unpredictable performances.

In intercultural encounters: Similarly, being adaptable and comfortable with uncertainty is crucial in intercultural communication, where unexpected differences or misunderstandings can arise. Adaptability means being able to adjust our communication style, expectations, and behaviors to accommodate the cultural norms and preferences of those we interact with. And crucially, adaptability also means being open to learning from others and putting our own cultural beliefs and customs into perspective.

Relationship building

In improv: Scenes in improv theater often start with minimal information, such as a location or an object, and it’s up to the actors to build a coherent narrative. One important technique is defining or exploring the relationship between the characters you’re playing. You’re long-lost childhood besties? Fellow inmates? Teacher and bully? Stamp collectors? Woo! Once a relationship is established or common ground is found, this provides instant inspiration for all kinds of possibilities and story lines.

In intercultural encounters: When engaging with people from diverse cultures, we may start with limited knowledge of each other’s backgrounds. However, seeking common ground can be a powerful way to bridge cultural gaps and nurture relationships. Shared interests, values, experiences or goals create a foundation for meaningful follow-up questions and authentic conversation. Exploring commonalities or unexpected relationships allows us to connect on a human level and build trust, making it easier to explore and appreciate our differences.

Divergent thinking

In improv: Divergent thinking is about exploring many possible solutions and generating creative ideas. It is an essential skill in improv, where actors are encouraged to think outside the box, react in unexpected ways, and explore the endless potential of a given scene. And an improv show is (usually) a collaborative effort: improv thrives on the unique contributions of the different performers and each individual’s ideas are accepted and valued. Diversity of thought is key to successful co-creation on stage!

In intercultural encounters: Embracing divergent thinking in intercultural communication means being open to various perspectives and approaches, even those that seem unfamiliar or unconventional. It encourages us to explore the diverse ways in which people from different cultures perceive and solve problems. By embracing this mindset, we not only broaden our own horizons but also create a more inclusive space for creative and rich cross-cultural interactions.

Lessons from improv theater can help us bridge cultural divides, foster meaningful relationships and become better communicators overall. So, the next time you find yourself in an intercultural encounter, remember these improv-inspired strategies for building connections that transcend cultural boundaries.