Principles

Listening and Communicating. It is the very first rule of improv and of
any encounter. Missing what the other person says leads to
communication breakdowns that could cost a sale, lead a co-worker on
the wrong path, or develop unnecessary animosity.

Lessons include:
- Recognizing and identifying verbal and physical communication traits.
- Exercises in actively listening and observing others.
- Examination of own physical and verbal traits and what they convey.

Adaptability. In any situation, you must have the ability to adapt to a
change in the environment and to quickly think of new approaches in order
to function in the new setting. Ultimately, you want to achieve a comfort
level to sustain this through any encounter.

Lessons include:
- Expanding one's creativity.
- Breaking patterns.
- Improving quick and flexible thinking techniques.
- Assessing the situation and making changes.

Teamwork (serving the "scene"). The improv performer's main objective
is to serve the scene. This means staying true to the moment and
supporting their partners. Scenes, just as in business, often go astray when
one person dominates over everyone and everything else. The goal is to do
all you can in support of the given project, and many times that might mean
making others look good.

Lessons include:
- Utilizing the rule of "Yes, and…" instead of "No, but…"
- Determining one's role in a given situation.
- Trusting and supporting your fellow "player."
- Techniques in presenting as a team.
- Overcoming real and perceived obstacles.

Preparation and Analysis. Even the greatest of improvisers would have
a difficult time coming on stage without a little bit of warm up. Also, they
always seek areas for improvement after a performance.

Lessons include:
- Techniques on how to prepare one's head and body for a meeting or
presentation.
- How to critique oneself without being critical.