By Poornima Vijayashanker Last Saturday my good friend Maria and I met up in SF to film an upcoming mini-course for Femgineer. In February, …
By Poornima Vijayashanker
Last Saturday my good friend Maria and I met up in SF to film an upcoming mini-course for Femgineer. In February, we sat down to write the script, then spent a couple days rehearsing. We also met up early on Saturday to rehearse one more time.
Once we were done, we helped the videographer setup the studio, and finally got to filming.
As the videographer called action, I jumped into saying my lines… And started to trip up over and over again. It was about 15 minutes before I could get anything right!
I just felt so unnatural.
I felt like I was letting Maria down. But she and the videographer were kind hearted people, and suggested we take a little time out.
During my time out I took some deep breathes, and realized what the problem was…
I am not a person who can memorize a script!
I love to adlib and do improv, it’s how I maintain a conversational tone with my audience.
If I have to go by a script then it constrains my thought process, and forces me to keep thinking about what’s coming ahead instead of presenting in the moment.
I put the script down, and instead focused on what I wanted to say to the audience. As a result, I was clearer and more confident.
You might think improvising sounds scary!
It can be if you haven’t practiced.
But improving your improvisation skills actually makes you a more authentic and well-rounded speaker. It’s how I’m able to switch from presenting 1-1, to a group meeting, to an auditorium of hundreds of people. I quickly get a pulse of the audience, and from there I’m able focus on what matters to that audience rather than going off some canned script that will hold me back.
You might still be on the fence about improvisation. So here are a few suggestions for how you can get started practicing:
Cold calls. I don’t mean get on the phone and do sales. I mean make it a habit to reach out to one new person, in-person, everyday. You can do this while you’re waiting in line or at an event. By doing this you begin to build up confidence in front of strangers, because through the act you realize that the person on the other end is human. Doesn’t matter what you talk about. Start simply and then just let the conversation linger.
Play charades. Yes this seems really silly and you’re not saying anything! But you’re practicing how to think quickly on your feet! Play it the next time you throw a dinner party or even if you’re just at home with your family take some time out. You’ll be in a safe environment with people who know and love you. Plus you can be as silly as you want!
Speak up in a meeting! This might be a little bit scary, because all eyes are on you. But the next time something isn’t clear or you have a question, take a deep breath, then just take a minute and say your question. Little acts like this go a long way to gaining confidence speaking up.
As you practice, do not judge yourself! It is OK to meander, the key is that you’re just getting used to speaking without a script, and seeing how natural you can be.
Now if you’re still feel like you need someone to help guide you and improve your improvisation skills, then check out the upcoming Confident Communicator Course learn more here.
