Read the Room: Improv Theater Training to Develop Leadership Skills and Emotional Intelligence

Improvisational theatre, or improv, is the art of creating spontaneous theatrical scenes with no script or planning. Although often associated with comedy, improv is not about being funny but built on listening and being present. It can help practice paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues, critical skills for chief residents interacting with residents and program administration. This awareness is especially true for difficult emotions like anger, anxiety, and embarrassment. Improv teaches how to create a dialogue with others as opposed to a monologue. This workshop will focus on the skills of leading by example: active listening, emotional regulation, and team collaboration. This workshop will consist of three 15-minute improv exercises with accompanying debriefs and discussions successfully used to train chief residents. The "Hi Game" will increase self-awareness of emotional regulation and non-verbal communication. "One Word at a Time Story" will teach the "yes, and" principle and improve active listening and collaboration. The "Thank You Game" will increase comfort in addressing conflicts by recognizing, understanding, and addressing other people's perspectives emotionally and cognitively. Participants have the permission to smile, to laugh, and to be silly with one another. The wonderful thing about improv is learning useful and important communication skills in a way that is often hugely enjoyable!