What can actors teach you about listening

Improv is about listening and responding. It’s paying attention to what’s going on around you and responding to it. Improv focuses on affirmation and elevation.

Jen Brown is a world-class improv performer and teacher. Being in theatre and improv, Jen was trained to listen. Being a good actor is being a good listener.

She teaches improv to professionals to improve their listening, communication, connection, and creative skills.

Jen shares what she thinks are the four points needed to be present to move forward with everyday listening:

1. Who you are
2. Where you are
3. How you feel
4. What you want

If something is not moving forward in improv, or life, then you are probably missing one of these four things.

Listening is a skill we underestimate. Choose to be present and listen actively, don’t be thinking about your next move.

Tune in to Learn

• Jen’s role models and how they were able to zone in on conversations
• Jen’s stories about her first improv audition and teaching session
• Tips and techniques to clear your mind and be present with what’s in front of you
• Admit and acknowledge how you feel and move on to what you should be doing
• Stories about trying something different and how there’s no success or failure
• Listening for progress and gifts
• Listening for the “want” has a big impact, but paying attention to feelings and emotions is just as vital
• Every way we positively and negatively interact is tapped into listening

Links and Resources:

Jen's TedXTalk

Jen on Twitter

Jen on LinkedIn

The Engaging Educator

Book: Improv(e): Using Improv to Find Your Voice, Style, and Self

Oscar Trimboli’s books

 

Quotes:

I want to strive to be so intentional and connective when I am listening and attending to people. - Jen

Hearing happens. Listening is a choice. - Jen

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If you have any suggestions, questions or recommendations for people to interview for podcast please email podcast@oscartrimboli.com.

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