Buzz
There’s nothing worse than awkward silence in a conversation. Improv comedy principles can be surprisingly helpful in everyday situations, and they’re no different when it comes to socializing. Conversations are, in essence, like an improv performance.
Even the smoothest of interactions can turn into a frantic internal dialogue of "Please, someone speak! Anything at all!" If you find social situations challenging, reigniting the flow of conversation can feel even more daunting. John Freund, from the blog Dumb Little Man, shares a time-tested improv strategy: the "history/philosophy/metaphor" rule.
...imagine you and a partner are riding a roller coaster in an improv scene and suddenly, you’re at a loss for words. Don’t panic! Just fall back on the trusty HPM:
HISTORY – This reminds me of the last time I was on this roller coaster...
PHILOSOPHY – I can't stand roller coasters, man! All those crazy ups and downs make me feel like I'm going to vomit. But I ride one every day to prepare myself for the twists and turns that life throws at me.
METAPHOR – Roller coasters are like cigarettes...
This technique works in real life too! The next time you're struggling to find the right words while meeting someone new, don’t ask a question! Questions are BORING. Instead, share an HPM of your own.
While this example may seem a bit extreme, the HPM rule can be applied to anything: a random observation, something someone just said, etc. Rather than asking personal questions, try telling a story from your life, sharing your viewpoint, or coming up with a creative description for something. Talking about these things gives you a chance to reveal more about who you are, and it might even help you connect with others in the same way. People might even find you more charming. So, the next time the conversation starts to falter and head toward that awkward silence, revive it with a little HPM.
Photo by Beatrice Murch.
