Speaker
Description
This presentation outlines improv principles and skills that are powerful communication tools for second language learners. Skills include learning to communicate in real-life situations without hesitation. Key principles such as “There are no mistakes” and “Yes, and” are introduced to reduce students’ fear of making mistakes. Students are taught not only to accept what others offer, but also to build on those offers. Improv activities and the use of spontaneous improv scenes will be demonstrated.
Special scheduling requests
Would prefer to present on Saturday. I am coming from Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture.
References
Bedore, B. (2004). 101 improv games for children and adults. Hunter House.
Halpern, C., Close, D., & Johnson, K. (1994). Truth in comedy: The manual of improvisation. Meriwether Publishing.
Leonard, K., & Yorton, T. (2015). Yes, and: How improvisation reverses “no, but” thinking and improves creativity and collaboration—lessons from The Second City. HarperBusiness.
Keywords
Improv, Real Life Communication
Abstract
While university students have many years of learning English as a second language, many say that they are either too shy or do not have the confidence to speak in English in spontaneous, real-life situations. The purpose of this presentation is to outline how the principles and skills of improv, which are already being applied in many fields of work and study (Leonard & Yorton, 2015), can serve as powerful tools for helping teachers equip EFL students to become better, more confident, communicators in real-life conversations. The presentation will explain and demonstrate sample activities that help students practice key communication skills, including taking initiative, responding spontaneously, and sustaining conversations. Classroom improv principles such as “There are no mistakes” and “Yes, and” will also be introduced to show how they help create a safe and enjoyable learning environment in which students can overcome their fear of making mistakes in a second language (Halpern, Close, & Johnson, 1994). The value of this presentation lies in providing teachers with practical activities for building students’ confidence in EFL communication. These activities help students overcome shyness and hesitation, enabling them to engage in longer and more enjoyable conversations in English (Bedore, 2004).
The value of this presentation lies in providing teachers with practical activities for building students’ confidence in EFL communication. These activities help students overcome shyness and hesitation, enabling them to engage in longer and more enjoyable conversations in English. (Bedore, 2004)
Short summary
This presentation outlines improv principles and skills that are powerful communication tools for second language learners. Skills include learning to communicate in real-life situations without hesitation. Key principles such as “There are no mistakes” and “Yes, and” are introduced to reduce students’ fear of making mistakes. Students are taught not only to accept what others offer, but also to build on those offers. Improv activities and the use of spontaneous improv scenes will be demonstrated.
| Scheduling preference | Special request (enter below) |
|---|---|
| Title | Improv Principles and Skills for Spontaneous Real-Life Communication |