I have been fortunate enough to do some improv classes recently. Improv is short for Improvisation, and usually refers to comedy sketches that are not scripted.

When two people do an improv routine together, one sets up a little bit of a story, the next fills in more detail, then they both keep inventing story information until they come to a conclusion. What’s fun is that since it isn’t planned in advance, the story can run anywhere, with lots of crazy twists and turns.

While it’s fun to watch improv routines, I’ve also had lots of fun learning about how to do good improv. Here are a few points that make a good improv session:

• Be prepared for anything… that doesn’t mean you have to be able to do everything; just that you be willing to change, to adapt. Have a plan of action, but be willing to change it quickly when it looks like another plan is better.

• Keep it positive – whatever is thrown your way, make the most of it! Emphasizing the positive aspects of each situation makes each scene much more enjoyable.

• Focus on building your partner up, not putting the focus on yourself. Always support your partner, setting him up to succeed. This allows him to do the same for you.

Do you notice how all these points could apply to “normal life”, whatever that is? And really, isn’t life kind of like improv anyway? We really never know what’s coming next, do we?

Maybe this little note doesn’t seem to be about dentistry, but we treat people, not just teeth. And maybe we all can learn to enjoy our life as improv!

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