Whose Line Is It?The Business of Improvisation Applied to Library Instruction

Susan Gardner Nikki Julian

Felicia PalssonNorah Xiao

University of Southern California (USC) Libraries

http://libguides.usc.edu/improv

What is “improv”?

“Humor” vs “improv” – Categories of Humor

• Low Humor (acting stupid; pranks; slapstick)

• Nonverbal (voice pitch; tone of voice; body language)

• Impersonation (impersonate; imitate; act out)

• Other- Oriented (notice reactions; wait for listeners)

• Expressiveness (outgoing; casual; friendly)

Booth-Butterfield, S. & Booth-Butterfield, M. (1991). Individual Differences in the Communication of Humorous Messages. The Southern Communication Journal, 56 (3), 205-218.

Categories of Humor

Categories of Humor

What is “improv”?

Surprises in the lit review:• More written on humor in library instruction

than improv• Improv methods compare to acting/drama• Acting methods used in a variety of

classrooms, (language, genetics, communication) less so in library instruction

Improv Coach

Focus on communication skills:

• Eye contact

• Listening

• Paying attention

• Reacting/being responsive to the other person (vs. focus on self)

Videos

• The Fight

• Pocket Sentences

Improv CoachLife lessons, not just for teaching!

• Self-acceptance: like yourself and they will like you

• Be human, be the brunt of the joke• Build relationships• Collaborate with your audience, keep

them involved

Applications

Felicia

1. Let the students set the agenda

• (let go of control)

• (accept that mistakes will happen)

Norah

2. Use exercise or physical movement

• (inserts a natural break when you need one)

• (gets attention & restores focus & energy)

Susan

3. Role playing

• (Multiple viewpoints/perspectives)

• (Simulation based)

Videos: Catalog Demo and Different POV

Nikki

4. Respond with “yes, and…”

• (always be encouraging)

• (show you are listening)

• (makes them feel safe)

Questions?

http://libguides.usc.edu/improv