What a lucky day it was when that fantabulous, get-sh*t-done woman walked into the classroom. And how fun it was to watch your 🙄expression with every reminder that there’s no destination and nothing to get done since the job of an improviser is to be. What a gift it is to be your friend and scene partner when you help me re-remember these lessons. 🩵💚💛🩵💚💛🩵💚🩵
I really enjoyed reading this! Public speaking can feel so intimidating, but I love how you’ve embraced it as a hobby. It reminds me of something I’m reading in “Yes, And,” about how improv can help us stay present and rethink challenges. Also, I love Chinese Farmer story… such a great reminder to stay open to how things unfold. Thanks for sharing this!
This is one of the best things I've read in a long time. Maybe. (Just kidding.) However I can't fathom a Sally who isn't a fabulously magnetic public speaker. When I first learned that you loved improv, it made complete sense. Next time you're in Chicago, we'll get you on stage somewhere.
Thanks for this lovely story! Brightened my morning.
I have anxiety and serious public speaking fears (among others!). I took a virtual public speaking class during the pandemic and it was okay practice but I vowed I would take an improv class eventually — your experience definitely gives me hope! I'll have to see what's offered near me. :)
Just signed up for a beginning improv course (six classes) nearby! Thanks for the push. I am……..nervous. But maybe it’ll be the start of something great. Starting 12/4!
Ah, so that's how you got into improv. Your lessons on "maybe" are very wise, second only to your mantra of "it depends," another truism in life. I relate! When I first started out, any public appearance (or even a radio show) would send me into a tailspin of fear. I would literally have to fight fainting. Once I actually fainted. The only way to overcome fear of public speaking is to keep doing it (aside from your helpful suggestions of improv or Toastmasters). Eventually, our brains learn that there's no need to go into fight-or-flight mode. Now, I don't get nervous (or hardly) before appearances of all types because I remind myself that my audience has chosen to spend their valuable time with me, whether in-person or virtually. And that I don't do it because I enjoy the limelight (I still don't) but because I truly want to share my passion and knowledge about the subject at hand. Thank you for today's post, it will resonate with a lot of people!
You fainted?! Oh my!! Yes, our fear is so powerful. So is our resilience. I still get nervous when I step out on stage or before an interview. But I have a different way of metabolizing that fear now.
Yes, I literally fainted. It was beyond embarrassing! But I kept showing up to things after that, hard as it was, and eventually it got easier ... I've heard you speak on podcasts, Zooms, etc. and you never seem nervous from the outside. Your knowledge and enthusiasm always shine through.
What a lucky day it was when that fantabulous, get-sh*t-done woman walked into the classroom. And how fun it was to watch your 🙄expression with every reminder that there’s no destination and nothing to get done since the job of an improviser is to be. What a gift it is to be your friend and scene partner when you help me re-remember these lessons. 🩵💚💛🩵💚💛🩵💚🩵
Thank you for having my back over the years. I am honored to improvise with you and call you my friend.
I really enjoyed reading this! Public speaking can feel so intimidating, but I love how you’ve embraced it as a hobby. It reminds me of something I’m reading in “Yes, And,” about how improv can help us stay present and rethink challenges. Also, I love Chinese Farmer story… such a great reminder to stay open to how things unfold. Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you!
This is one of the best things I've read in a long time. Maybe. (Just kidding.) However I can't fathom a Sally who isn't a fabulously magnetic public speaker. When I first learned that you loved improv, it made complete sense. Next time you're in Chicago, we'll get you on stage somewhere.
I would be SO nervous to get on a Chicago improv stage. That is the OG. Would love to. :)
Maybe ❤️
Love this story and the gift of improv!!!
Thanks for this lovely story! Brightened my morning.
I have anxiety and serious public speaking fears (among others!). I took a virtual public speaking class during the pandemic and it was okay practice but I vowed I would take an improv class eventually — your experience definitely gives me hope! I'll have to see what's offered near me. :)
Oh, I can't wait to hear what you find! You are brave for stepping out into your fear. It is SO HARD.
Just signed up for a beginning improv course (six classes) nearby! Thanks for the push. I am……..nervous. But maybe it’ll be the start of something great. Starting 12/4!
this is so exciting! please keep me posted. you rock!
Improv is THE BEST. I took 16 months of class at Improv Asylum in Boston and I agree that it is transformational.
Whoa!! You have to come visit us at Happier Valley Comedy. We are in Hadley. What are you doing this Saturday at 7?!
Ah, so that's how you got into improv. Your lessons on "maybe" are very wise, second only to your mantra of "it depends," another truism in life. I relate! When I first started out, any public appearance (or even a radio show) would send me into a tailspin of fear. I would literally have to fight fainting. Once I actually fainted. The only way to overcome fear of public speaking is to keep doing it (aside from your helpful suggestions of improv or Toastmasters). Eventually, our brains learn that there's no need to go into fight-or-flight mode. Now, I don't get nervous (or hardly) before appearances of all types because I remind myself that my audience has chosen to spend their valuable time with me, whether in-person or virtually. And that I don't do it because I enjoy the limelight (I still don't) but because I truly want to share my passion and knowledge about the subject at hand. Thank you for today's post, it will resonate with a lot of people!
You fainted?! Oh my!! Yes, our fear is so powerful. So is our resilience. I still get nervous when I step out on stage or before an interview. But I have a different way of metabolizing that fear now.
Yes, I literally fainted. It was beyond embarrassing! But I kept showing up to things after that, hard as it was, and eventually it got easier ... I've heard you speak on podcasts, Zooms, etc. and you never seem nervous from the outside. Your knowledge and enthusiasm always shine through.
I have always loved that story as well, and learned time and time again how true it is.