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\"Ein<\/p>\n

Improvisation<\/h5>\n

Be Connected by Bettina Bonkas \u2013 Improvisation Builds Confidence, Creativity & Group Dynamics<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Improvisation \u2013 an important key to strengthening lived resilience<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Improvisation<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Improvisation means creating or producing something without preparation, spontaneously and in the moment. In everyday language, improvisation also refers to the spontaneous, practical use of creativity to find solutions to problems as they arise. (Source: Wikipedia)<\/p>\n

The Coronavirus Pandemic<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

The coronavirus pandemic showed us, in the most powerful way, that we need both. Almost overnight, we had to respond (pro)actively and adapt to sometimes completely new circumstances: being unable to work in our usual way, working from home, severely restricted social lives, no childcare and much more.<\/p>\n

At the same time, we had to be creative on the spot and find solutions: working from the kitchen table, doing yoga online, or setting up a mulled wine stall in the garden with a fire barrel and friends.<\/p>\n

Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zone<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

There is a German saying, \u201cNot macht erfinderisch\u201d<\/em> \u2013 necessity is the mother of invention \u2013 and it\u2019s true. But to be inventive, we have to step outside our comfort zone.<\/p>\n

Yet we are often reluctant to do so. We have become comfortable in our comfort zone and are not necessarily keen to leave it. But if we are completely honest with ourselves, that doesn\u2019t mean we are actually happy with everything.<\/p>\n

Perhaps we sometimes get frustrated with ourselves because we don\u2019t dare to speak up for fear of creating an uncomfortable situation. Deep down, we may realise that we have become too comfortable \u2013 and that stepping into something new therefore makes us feel uneasy, or even afraid.<\/p>\n

Many years ago, I took part in an intensive improvisation course in England called \u201cDrama Techniques in the Classroom\u201d<\/em>, led by an Australian actor. We were a group of teachers from all over Europe. I was immediately captivated by the sense of ease and the feeling of togetherness.<\/p>\n

On the final day, there was going to be a show. Our group was expected to perform in front of the entire institute. We were staying on the large University of Cambridge campus, so there would be quite an audience.<\/p>\n

Almost everyone in the group was keen to take part, but a few of us had our doubts \u2013 all of us German participants, myself included.<\/p>\n

What if we got stuck and embarrassed ourselves? Should I really take part?<\/em><\/p>\n

Then Antonia, an Italian participant, said to me:<\/p>\n

\u201cBettina, it\u2019s just a game.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

And I suddenly realised how right she was. I took part, and we all had so much fun during the show. For me personally, it has become a wonderful memory of wonderful people.<\/p>\n

\"Die<\/p>\n

Yes to Mistakes, No to Perfectionism<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

This experience made me realise once again just how much our perfectionism can get in our way. Quality matters and is important, but everyone makes mistakes. Speaking English is a very good example.<\/p>\n

As non-native speakers, we cannot avoid making mistakes. English is a means to an end \u2013 nothing more, nothing less. And in our professional and personal lives, we will make mistakes time and time again.<\/p>\n

The important thing is to learn from them. When we are comfortable with making mistakes, we are much more willing to try something new.<\/p>\n

And this is what improvisation is about: developing greater ease and composure, while also remaining professional and being willing to engage with the unknown and with other people\u2019s ideas. This helps us develop greater agility and the ability to improvise in everyday life.<\/p>\n

Rules of Improvisation<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Let\u2019s start with the fundamental principle of improvisational theatre:<\/p>\n