“Pearson has managed a feat here by succinctly building on Klein’s earlier definition but expanding it to include a range of conscious activity that can be performed on and around the unconscious activity. Malcolm Gladwell famously called our subconscious ‘the locked door,’ but on Pearson’s account, there might be a few ways to slide some paper under the door, or to put an ear to the door for some helpful signals.”
According to Preston Smith (no relation), the core aspects of comedy improv include:
1. Listen – As simple as this seems, it is probably one of the most difficult skills to master. Listening will free you from having to think of what you are going to say a head of time.
2. Agreement (Yes, And…) – Assuming you have listened, you will be able to agree with what was said AND add information. Agreement is what allows a scene to progress!
3. Team Work (Group Mind) – Improv is a vast mechanism of give and take and support. The group mind is greater then the individual.