Exercise: Not So Hot Potato

Slow it down, Spud.

A challenge for all improvisors, particularly greener ones, is moving slowly enough that we hear, see, and process everything (or as close to everything as possible) that is happening onstage. New improvisors speak quickly for a combination of reasons; sheer panic, the desire to speak as quickly as veteran improvisors, a misunderstanding of how important it is to catch what’s happening, they’re trying too hard to be funny. All improvisors, at our worst, are too quick to speak, too fast to react; all gas, no breaks. We could all use a reminder to slow down and listen. So, here’s an exercise!