A Lesson on Improv Technique, with Chris Gethard | Big Think

A Lesson on Improv Technique
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It's easy to treat performative disciplines like improvisational theatre as something people do outside their routine activities - meetings at work, talks with friends and family, romantic encounters, etc.
But New York City improv coach Chris Gethard says that grasping some basic improv skills will improve your performance in all areas of life.
That's because the principles of improve are fundamental: slow down, listen, have integrity, and be positive.
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CHRIS GETHARD:
Christopher Gethard is an American actor, comedian, and writer. He is the host of The Chris Gethard Show, a talk show based out of New York City which currently airs on Fusion, and the podcast "Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People," in which he talks to one anonymous caller per episode for one full hour hour and cannot hang up first. Chris has also acted on Broad City, Inside Amy Schumer, Parks & Recreation and more. And he’s the author of the comic memoir "A Bad Idea I’m About to Do."
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TRANSCRIPT:
Chris Gethard: I think the key to improv is always listening. It’s embracing. It’s positivity. It’s hearing things and not shutting them down. It’s trying to find ways to make them work. And in the business world I would imagine that’s very invaluable, the idea that it’s very frustrating just to be told no all the time. Improv really revolves around the idea of like whatever you come at me with I’m going to say yes to it. That’s our reality. Let’s get to work. Let’s start there. So just the idea of saying yes to each other and not shutting down ideas, seeing if there’s way to make ideas workable, making that your default setting of like I really want to respect what you’re saying. See if there’s a way to take it somewhere else versus here’s all the things that are wrong with it. I think it’s just a very positive mentality. So I think a lot of people that come across it get very addicted to it because it does feel different, especially the New Yorker. We’re just used to a world where everybody’s kind of grumpy all the time and moving fast. They don’t want to deal with each other. The idea of showing any emotion in public, not good. The idea of slowing down to deal with someone else’s ideas and emotions, not good. Like we’re New Yorkers. We want to get where we’re going. So I think improv really looks at a side of life that’s like well what if we let all that go for a little while and just really work on sort of positively embracing each other’s ideas and really listening hard to what other people have to say. So it’s a pretty beautiful thing when it’s going right.
Very often what you’ll see happen in improv class is when people get nervous about how it’s going is they’ll start saying hey when dad gets home he’s going to be really mad. Or they’ll say like hey, when we get to Reno stuff’s really going to hit the fan. And they start saying like hey this thing that’s going to happen or this thing like hey, remember when you did that thing back then? I’m really made about it. I think one of the things about listening is that it’s always at its most powerful when it’s present, when it’s right here, when it’s right now. And that’s a lesson about improv that I think just made me a much more social person. Like it just made me like when I would go have pitch meetings I was just able to have it better even in my personal life.
I got - when I started really thinking hard about these improv lessons not to get weird but like my dating like just got so much better because the thing I always stress that I think applies to just any conversation I always ask people to answer these three questions when they’re improvising. Why these people? Why right here? Why right now? I always just drill that. Why these people? Why right here? Why right now? Meaning if you’re in a scene and there’s two people and you’re talking about people who aren’t here like they’re not here. They probably aren’t the most interesting thing for an audience to hear about. If you’re talking about a different location than the one the scene is taking place in then why isn’t the scene unfolding there? It sounds more interesting. Why are you teasing an audience? So and another thing to people will often go like hey, you’ll never believe what’s inside this briefcase. And it’s like well that’s invisible. Let’s just talk to each other - us, things we can find common ground whether that’s positive things, disagreem...
For the full transcript, check out bigthink.com/v...

[@bigthink]

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[@cowbless]

I just wanna Gethard, if I'm being honest.

[@zepp8806]

Improv always stresses me out because I always feel like I could never come up with something that was actually good.

[@N3rdarific]

Then how about coming up with something to give to your scene partner? That might take some of the "heavy lifting" off of you. That way you'll make your scene partner look good and in turn, your scene partner will make you look good. TADA!!!

[@jasonlatimer55]

It's not about saying something good. It's about letting your mind go free and saying whatever you think of first. Worrying about saying the "right" thing is the biggest block to creativity.

[@jannikschmidt8511]

SAD and GAD gang?

[@zm4362]

That’s the exact mentality that LIMITS U!!! It’s the fearful mentality that u don’t see ur value and therefore u don’t ever come up with anything... and the cycle continues. I think like this too😂 but in reality, WHO GIVE A FUCK ya know? I think u can start improv on ur own like -meditating and having a journal of random thoughts -freestyle rap {Doesn’t have to rhyme, get creative} -having challenging 5 minute prompts for drawing or writing {u don’t have to be good at it} -freestyle dancing also stimulates in-the-moment thinking -just don’t suppress any thoughts in ur daily life LIKE THIS ONE, if ur scared of failure U ADMIT IT but u keep pushing past it, ya know {Ik they aren’t related to acting or anything but they’re simple and ur able to do it on ur own at any time}

[@WarpCOm61]

Because you cant

[@monsterbash9758]

I'm trying to pick up some improv skill because I'm the DM for a D&D group now so I play every non-player character. I've always had social anxiety but I'm trying!

[@rqneo5361]

I've got that too and I'm about to head to an improv rehearsal to push myself but I'm way too nervous

[@thegreatgamers9812]

@@rqneo5361 I'm trying out for a school play version of clue, it would be my very first time acting and I nailed the scripted acting, now it's time for improve and I'm going to compete tommorw around 4ish. I'm really nervous, so, I hope I do well. Good luck.

[@MrSlimJimProductions]

I'm in the same exact boat with my group. Picked up a lot of good stuff from Matt Mercer, and trying to follow his advice on seeking out improv lessons.

[@joshholland90]

@@MrSlimJimProductions I'm here for the exact same reason as you two! I'm going to dip my toes into DMing by running a one shot two weeks from now. I'm also following MM's advice and trying to get a crash course to up my game a little bit before the big day!

[@neimnewasd2842]

I thought i was the only one but theres a lot of dms here. improvising talks is hard sometimes but it's necessary to give life to the characters and make them belivable

[@atty1337]

This feels like a life lession. Stay present, focus on the people you are with, where you are and what you are doing. You will be more a positive and intresting person.

[@MusixPro4u]

Dude should give a class called "How to be genuine 101".

[@Prim3Pursuits]

+John Ny good point that would be a very suitable title

[@nickfcarter]

John Ny it's called "The Chris Gethard Show" and its on TruTV

[@maxwellcooper2]

I've never done improv before but this was kind of inspirational. I really like hearing this guy talk about this stuff.

[@onlyupformhere]

He's got the talent

[@julietcoates8561]

Ive just taken improv up, I really can't express how fun it is, try it x

[@insertyourfeelingshere8106]

Summary Accept ideas, the more you say yes the better Stay in the present don't dwell on the future, only focus on the why and ignore what the audience cannot directly see Actively focus on the audience, "slow is fast"

[@Idiosyncfilms]

This is great! I think a lot of this advice can be applied to writing and other creative crafts as well.

[@undermoonlightglow]

+Sleepy Shorts Me too.

[@andycollier1268]

I was going to leave a comment just saying how much this guy looked like Jimmy Neutron, but he actually said some really insightful and informative things.

[@sigmacronos9382]

Andy Collier Terribly considerate of you not to mention how he resembles Jimmy Neutron.

[@AussieGirl235]

Improve: - Agree with all statements no matter how absurd and take them further - Don’t worry about logic

[@kinseymiller3979]

Bro I hate it when you’re in an improv scene and the other person just isn’t saying anything it’s so awkward.

[@lm4414]

Kinsey Miller you’re

[@camtudo8366]

I KNOW and then people start saying that you need to involve everyone and you're just like bro I tried but they're not cooperating

[@angelie1875]

I’m the other person lol. I SUCK AT IMPROV !! when I’m put on the spot I just can’t think of anything haha it’s not that I’m trying to be uncooperative but my brain just freezes. Usually I’m a pretty quick thinking // witty person. I just can’t

[@Roro_lavender]

​okay kruger

[@JohnDoe-qq8et]

You can personalize it with them by saying something like, yeah, I like quiet too. Alot of people feel awkward when quiet but its comfortable to me.

[@mussonman]

Gethard is a personal hero of mine. He's been a real inspiration for my improv show on youtube

[@brothermanv]

4:17, "Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast" is an old military quote

[@wizardofki]

Good communication skills that are useful in any aspect of life.

[@jesusofsuburbia8825]

This helped me in my dnd campaign thanks

[@yunusquddusofficialactor]

Love improv...so freeing

[@BrickOffAnimations]

This is absolutely brilliant. Applicable to pretty much any facet of life.

[@emilyphoenixbloom]

good advice! i just signed up for an improv class

[@Embryo7Music]

@ChrisGethard...Thank You! This is SO helpful. I'm a Nyer & you broke it down in a way I can clearly understand....

[@MusixPro4u]

Jimmy Neutron in tha house.

[@MonotoneLP]

+John Ny Discount johnny knoxville

[@silverh77]

@aeon I agree lol XD

[@matsh5633]

Haha thank you! My 1st thought

[@ScaryKidnapper]

LMAO

[@JohnDoe-qq8et]

The name of this channel is... Think... Think.. THINK... I've got it! Its Big Think!

[@bulletproofblouse]

Just lean in real close and whisper "I've got a gun".

[@NathanRiveraMelo]

@Meat eating Plant Sorry dude - those jokes don't fly anymore

[@quenchedcactus9551]

@@NathanRiveraMelo especially after 9/11

[@slappedbygas6500]

I said that on the plane to 9/11, never saw her again

[@OG_PG_]

Boom Detective Michael Scarn

[@brugmajr870]

Michael no

[@user-mq3pu3gh4k]

"Slow as fu..... Slow as fast"

[@St4ticScratch]

What a strong opening. Great video, probably one of the smarter big think vids to be published in a while.

[@jennygw1883]

Mosy businesses I have been a part of need to learn this way of communicating. So many great ideas never get heard because of fear of rejection or drown in a sea of negativity.

[@Menaceblue3]

I'm John Wayne on the first thanksgiving. happy thanksgiving pilgrims!

[@gracekrotine7841]

Ya John Wayne Gacy

[@arvindao6241]

family guy ayy

[@cityzenjane2]

I used to live around the corner from Upright Citizens...took a few classes. I used to see Chris on Herold night every week...he was always wonderful at it.

[@MrFawiggles]

Awesome awesome awesome basic intro and fundamentals talks from an unsung master!

[@broadwayinstrumentals]

Extremely helpful video. Thank you!

[@wishicouldthinkofacreativename]

I have an improv audition after school this is really helpful

[@katlarabi-tchalaia2264]

Took me the entire video to realise that this wasn't about music improv but theatre improv (was wondering how you could communicate something about Canada to the audience with music lol). Everythink you say still applies though!

[@natelevy1040]

O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all of us command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

[@gusforyou]

Basically, connect ideas continually and avoiding blocking other ideas

[@chrisbyerly]

This guy reminds me a lot of my step dad. He was such a great guy, always used to bring out extra large cheese pizzas whenever my friends were over. They all loved him for it. Was really bummed when he sent my mom home in an ambalance though.

[@jacobts]

Thank You Chris!

[@roo.pzz4380]

Improv is really fun to me, it’s an interesting and exciting hobby

[@tranz4mdone]

brillant. thanks for sharing this video. so rich and insightful.

[@thefrankbaca]

This was very informative! thank you and we also got to learn this guys dating despite having a wife, interesting.

[@pikkuadi]

Awesome talk Hugh Jackman

[@vb7089]

Love.

[@perseveresomniverse7719]

this was very helpful, thank you

[@ArmenAgaronian]

Hi I'm from Mexico Excellent video

[@Prim3Pursuits]

+Armen Agaronian I am from Canada! I find it good as well :)

[@thomasl1061]

Good for you!

[@krimsonre27]

How to improv a movie scene? Where the actors shut each other off, but actors still follow objective and try different tactics to get objective. As there's lot's of movie scenes improved, including monologues.

[@KatrinaKaily]

do you have any worksheets for Imporov, we can practice.

[@VOXindie]

This man probably improvved the whole video.

[@ri-ch-es]

Jimmy neutron would never say something so important and informative

[@donfrommars4166]

Always a big fan of hugh jackman

[@MonolithproductionsT]

Came for improv advice and got dating advice

[@Ndo01]

Damn real good advice.

[@aluumina]

Summary: Why these people? (who are you talking about? Why not just the people in the room?) Why right here? (What location are you talking about? Why not right where you are?) Why right now? (Are you talking about something in the scene, right here right now?)

[@unusualmayonnaise9062]

Heres a question though... What if the character your playing is an evil queen? How do you both shut people down but also say yes...?

[@aaronraglin605]

That hair style is a Improv 😮

[@D00NBU66Y]

02:46 I can understand not RELYING on or ALWAYS GOING FOR the imaginary prop because that’s difficult to maintain for long term improv, but I don’t think you should COMPLETELY them rule out. I’ve never done improv on stage and would love someone to explain this more in depth to me if I’m not perceiving it correctly towards improv

[@EdselsBakedGoods]

What he's saying is the scene shouldn't just be about the prop. The focus should be the characters, while props are nice additions. Even a movie with cool props is bad if it has bad characters.

[@Crimmmz]

Jack Jacks all grown up

[@nicolemillercomedy]

Great info

[@EricHowl]

Kool dude

[@alexman17C]

Gethard!!!

[@MisterStifler]

I can't Gethard... But I liked the video. hehe.

[@x3naurus]

more lessons for you lol

[@itsmebougie]

slow is smooth and smooth is fast

[@LyingPrauses]

Gethard... GET HARD LOOOOOOL

[@tomkelly00]

The Chris get hard show?

[@Bluzigo]

I cheat at improv because I have adhd

[@DrywallJackson]

can you imagine that this guy's name on lists would be a simple command? "gethard, chris"

[@norbzt]

What about the ideas that have absolutely no hope? You say yes to them, too?

[@deaddead698]

Jimmy Neutron at age 50

[@dumpsterpossum]

Edit out the first 1:15 seconds. I changed my mind this whole video needs to be edited to like 5 seconds

[@emilygunning2350]

Lisa Gilroy brought me here

[@MsMRkv]

Hi

[@kodycrowe5134]

you kinda look like that old man off meet the robinsons I ain't gonna lie

[@caseyrayharris.esquire489]

But the consequences of what happened in Canada could be so absurd that not knowing becomes what's funny. What lead them to the current outrageous situation

[@meateatingplant4830]

Are 'New Yorkers' a different species?

[@dead_again9839]

they live on planet buisness 'time is money' kind of people

[@meateatingplant4830]

*shrug* Sounds like a lonely and selfish place.

[@Morgantheturtleman]

+LyingPrauses omg 😂😂

[@dead_again9839]

+LyingPrauses and hotdogs

[@lm4414]

Why did you put an apostrophe on that? Really?

[@santinoalvarado4193]

I can’t concentrate with the hair thing

[@spishrl]

anyone else think this guy looks like and talks like fuckin Toby from The Office?

[@dat.one_lightskin6218]

I came here to learn how to roast my friends

[@ryanr4845]

Nice hair do

[@alukew10]

3:20

[@JaredKaiser24]

isn't this the guy who tried to knee cap oscar ?

[@mikeydaone]

jimmy neutron haircut

[@camunoz2]

The best way to do improv is start with a gun, because nobody can top it.

[@eyesyt7571]

People who talk like this in their daily life annoy me. I work and think in allegory, it's more efficient. When people only talk about what is in front of them, it bothers me.

[@boaz.bananas]

Will Chris Gethard?

[@WestHaddnin]

it has improved your dating life but you have a wife? haha

[@drdisrespect5318]

!exactly thoughts My

[@cweeeds]

LMFAOO

[@tyroneanderson5619]

His last name is Get hard? LMAO

[@TaliiPlays]

Bro I have no idea what this guy is saying wtf 😳

[@fofocasdocumbemoz2717]

Wait Are we Tryin to Improv On This Comment???

[@ScaryKidnapper]

Why Are You Typing Like This?

[@conxoraddonahue9956]

@@ScaryKidnapper y r Yu typing like det?

[@sophmoney7665]

Why is he using New Yorkers for an example? 😕🙄😑😠😖

[@conxoraddonahue9956]

New yorkers suck ass

[@emptyxsuit]

There's no doubt in my mind that this dude is not a native New Yorker. The fact that he perceives them that way and has the audacity to count himself amongst them is comedy for sure.

[@SideshowCris]

+Morribb Tyler Lehrer You're right, he was born in West Orange, NJ. He only moved to NY 12 years ago, so he has basically never even heard of New Yorkers or grown up near them or spent 1/3 of his life as one or anything. Or maybe he has a different perspective and experience from you.

[@realMelonTusk]

People with his haircut shouldn’t give advice about ANYTHING

[@chrisdundon6229]

Epic Times ad???? Not watching this if you let that rag advertise.

[@mamodokod]

This isn't supposed to be a commentary on the social emotional wave length, tell me how to be funnier chuckle nuts!

[@donniemoder1466]

Not what I was looking for. Not structured. I don't think he knew the topics he was supposed discuss before he started.

[@nathanpen1031]

I thought the secret to improv was having a hair style that you will really regret in a few years ... yeah wow man look at this hair doo ... I'm cool ...

[@ProNorden]

Hi