Finding the unusual thing (and communicating better in scenes) - Ep #12

Last week I promised an episode about finding the unusual thing: how you find what’s weird at the top of a scene when you’re setting up the base reality that leads to the game. And here is that episode.

Communication is a challenge in improv, especially when we have different neurotypes playing together (which is probably… always). Our cognitive wiring is a fundamental difference between us, and at times it can lead to communication challenges especially when we need to agree on something important (like what’s weird!) to drive a scene forward. Finding the unusual thing, then framing the unusual thing, so everyone is on the same page and can move forward.

And… what’s WEIRD anyway? We usually know, but sometimes it might be a mystery. Because of our wiring and lived experiences. Then what?

This episode includes examples of communication between scene partners. I’ll mention a bit of science about communication in a group situation, and provide real life examples of communication breakdown between neurotypes. But mostly I talk about about improv.

Even if you’re neurotypical, hopefully this ep will help you with noticing the unusual thing in a scene and framing it. And some things to try if and when that’s hard

Hopefully - for all neurotypes - this episode will help you effectively communicate with your scene partners at the top of a scene. So we can all move together efficiently, and on the same page, for the rest of the scene.

And I missed a lot, for sure, so let me know what I missed at FlatImprov.com/substack.

About this podcast & an improv class

This podcast is hosted/produced/whatever by me, Jen deHaan. You can blame me for the whole thing, it’s my fault. You can submit your questions, heckles, comments, blame, more heckles, or even a voice note on the website. Find the contact form for this podcast at FlatImprov.com/substack. See the site for other shows and podcasts and stuff.

You can also subscribe to this podcast where you get your other podcasts - Apple, Spotify, Overcast, Castro, etc. If you like it maybe rate it if you’re on there? I’d appreciate it!

IMPROV CLASS: I have an improv class series starting Feb 28th with WGIS. This class is an improvised morning show. We’ll learn and practice the form for six classes, and then do a four show series delivered both to video and podcast. WHAT YOU LEARN: Character development, sustaining characters, world building, details, clean edits. FUN! Join us! Info here.

TALK AT YOU NEXT WEEK, IMPROV NERD FRIENDS!

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