Presence


My friend invited me to a digital marketing conference yesterday (February 25th) called Podcamp Toronto.

You might be wondering what an HR guy was doing at a marketer’s event.

I surprised myself and learned something about presence.

One of the workshops I attended was called “We’re Totally (Not) OK” that was hosted by Caleigh Le Grand and Tanya Bevan.   They are professional actors who “explore the intersection between mass media culture and mental health” via their podcasts.  You can listen to their podcasts here.    

Ms. Le Grand and Ms. Bevan brought along 7 professional improvisers.

The 7 improvisers performed some improv and they were great!

By seeing these performances, you realize (a little bit more) what improv is all about.  

When you’re in a scene you have to keep in mind the context and really focus on what other people are saying (be present) so that you can say something that will advance the scene.

In the Q&A session someone asked what the difference was between improv and stand-up comedy.  In improv a community develops (a feeling of trust) where the actors support each other in a scene.  In stand-up comedy you succeed (or fail) on your own.

The improv actors made it a point to say that even though they have been doing improv for awhile, they still feel nervous before a performance.  (For me that was encouraging to hear.  I’ve been taking improv classes for six weeks now and I get a feeling of trepidation before every class.  Being present can mean putting yourself in another person’s shoes (empathy) and offering a kind and encouraging word.)  

When the workshop was over, I approached some of the improvisers.  I mentioned that I was taking introductory improv classes at the Bad Dog Theatre Company.  Oh, yes, they have all taken classes at Second City and the Bad Dog Theatre Company.  That was very encouraging to hear!

I like being present for people on LinkedIn.

I show up for people by responding promptly to all my messages and liking and commenting on people’s posts.  I make sure to reply to all those who take the time to write a comment on my post.

I met three new people at yesterday’s Podcamp Toronto event.

Yes, I focused on what people were saying.  I listened, I responded (intelligently, I hope).  I asked questions.  I tried very hard not to interrupt.  I held doors open for people.  I was present.

People ask me what I think about taking improv classes.

I find it difficult to think of something (meaningful) to say right away that would advance what someone else has said.   I learned something yesterday when the improvisers say that you don’t have to be perfect in what you say.  As an HR professional, I’ve always thought about what I say before saying it and so saying the first thing that comes to mind takes a little bit of doing. 

I learned yesterday that being present (in an improv scene) mirrors real life where in both instances you focus, you listen to what others have to say, you respond back and forth. 

Improv teaches you about being present through a respectful interchange between people.

Being present is something that we all can strive for.


Also Published on LinkedIn on February 26, 2017
Image Credit:  iStock


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