In a burst of inspiration (some might call it unthinking stupidity), I recently signed up to do a ten-week improvised comedy course.
If you’ve ever seen ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, improvised comedy – or impro – is rapid-fire, unplanned, unscripted, spontaneous group performances that (hopefully) make people laugh.
There’s something fascinating about a group of people being silly on stage, especially when they’ve probably all got mortgages and serious jobs. That something was the reason I signed up; even though idea of being silly on stage myself felt utterly terrifying.
While it was utterly terrifying at first, it’s also turned out to be one of the most fun, exhilarating, and wildly creative things I’ve ever done. It’s not often that you step into a room where, idea-wise, absolutely anything goes. I basically get to be a kid for two hours every week, playing made-up games with some really lovely people.
But anyway.
There are certain rules when it comes to impro, and it occurred to me that some are similar to the rules that make good copy and content writing work.
So for fun and posterity, here they are.
Yes, and
I mentioned that absolutely anything goes at impro. And so it does. It’s a cardinal sin to look askance at your scene partner, as they suggest that you’re both riding skittish camels through the High Street.
You just have to accept the idea, and go with it.
But you also have to build on it. That’s what “yes, and” means. So you might have one of the camels smashing through a shop window next, for example, and you deciding to dress it up in a lovely fur stole.
(I told you it was silly).
You can use this technique to great effect in copywriting, for example. Every time you write a line, think about how you could build on the idea, and make it more entertaining. “Red Bull Gives You Wiiings!” is a great example of a built-upon idea that then became a slogan.
Who, what, where
One of the first lessons we learned in impro was that the audience is more likely to laugh if the scene you’re doing has been properly set up.
In other words, they need to know who you are, what you’re doing, and where you’re doing it.
If you take this principle into your writing, you’ll set a vivid scene and be better understood from the get-go. This instils trust in whatever you’re going to say next, so readers can simply relax and enjoy the ride you’re taking them on.
Sharing ideas (without caring whether or not they’re stupid)
It’s mandatory to look like an idiot during an impro session. The last one I went to kicked off with a game that involved holding our fingers up, then making them talk to each-other, in random settings that included a crowded tube train, a tennis court, and Southwark.
Games like these are actually designed to make you look like an idiot, so you feel easier about coming up with, and playing out, madder and sillier ideas later on.
It’s always tempting to approach writing topics in the same linear way, dismissing anything that seems a bit “off the wall”, or that doesn’t make sense immediately.
Next time you’re writing a blog post or a piece of web copy, why not try to add a more creative spin on your original idea? What would give it an injection of life?
I’m not saying you should run with everything your brain comes up with. Just that if you can trust it to run wild every now and then, you’ll give it the chance to create magic.
I'm a friendly and professional writer, reviewer and editor who works with warmth, humour and flexibility.
Good listening is more than just letting people talk.
Read moreStrategies to beat your writing monster into submission
Read moreLet me take you back in time…
Read moreHow not to drown in other people's opinions.
Read moreHow to entice readers into joining your wordy world
Read moreNobody else can tell a story in quite the same way you can.
Read moreIn these unprecedented times, words count.
Read moreMaybe you haven’t done anything with that idea yet, because it’s just too vague.
Read moreExplaining what’s blatantly obvious to you, could turn out to be advertising gold.
Read moreWhat's your personal soapbox topic?
Read moreDon't let spelling and grammar fears stop you from writing.
Read more"You can’t be on somebody’s side, if you don’t know what they think or how they feel".
Read moreNo matter how scary it seems, learning from difference will benefit you much, much more than the comfy mediocrity that similarity brings.
Read moreHow do you make people feel safe about working with you?
Read moreThere’s something fascinating about a group of people being silly on stage, especially when they’ve probably all got mortgages and serious jobs.
Read moreStruggling with writing a novel? Find the courage (and the effort!) to really get to know your work.
Read moreThis is a blog post unlike any other.
Read moreReviews get read, because people assume they might be useful. Don't disappoint them!
Read moreDon't write for search engines, write for people.
Read moreThere's a magic ingredient that will help you start a new writing project, and see it right through to its rewarding end.
Read moreIf you've always wanted to write a book, but were put off by the people who already have - help is at hand!
Read moreBeing original is easy as pie.
Read moreHow to sell your amazing ideas to a brand-new audience.
Read moreI’ve gathered together some of my most-read blog posts, tips and tools to help you get writing.
Read moreIt takes time to craft compelling
"SEO" is an often confusing term for those not well-versed in website maintenance. In reality, it's not quite as confusing as you might think!
Read moreWriting short copy is often much more frustrating than long tomes! Get started on something short and snappy with these tips.
Read moreTrusting someone else with your words can be one of the best things you do for your business - but it has to be done properly!
Read moreAre you reading this over coffee, or maybe as you wait for a late train? Blogging for business is a handy way to keep in regular contact with your followers and show them the human side of your company, but it can be difficult to keep it going once you've started. It's worth it, though - so here are a few tips to keep your blog posts consistent and entertaining.
Read moreLooking for ways to sound consistent and authentic in your written communications? Here are a few tried, tested and original ways to do just that.
Read moreEverybody's busy these days - far too busy to read all the words that come their way. Get the right people to read YOURS by honing in on your ideal audience and creating compelling copy that will get them hooked.
Read moreAre your online profiles a bit lacklustre? Don't waste a perfect opportunity to speak directly to the boss or partner of your dreams - use the power of personal copywriting to describe what makes you, you - and get ready to reap the rewards!
Read moreRegular blog posts - especially if you run a business - can drastically increase your following, as well as helping you beat the competition by describing how you do things your way. Read on for a few more great reasons why you should join the blogging revolution!
Read moreSpeaking up in networking groups used to bring me out in a cold sweat. So I sought out the people I really wanted to talk to and introduced myself in the way I'm best at - in writing.
Read moreGetting the tone of a letter right - especially when you're writing to someone you don't know - can be difficult. No matter whom you're writing to, here's how to get started on a letter that's relevant, informative and authentic.
Read moreThe thought of telling stories about a loved one for the last time can be daunting. But you can create the most special memories by recalling all the details that made them human and real.
Read more