3 improv lessons that made me a better community manager
With brands like Wendy’s constantly “winning the internet” with clever social content and humourous banter with users, it’s becoming increasingly important for community managers to bring a level of wit and quick thinking to the job.
To sharpen my wit and perfect my ability to create content that resonates with target audiences, I spent 6 weeks taking improv classes, and I think anyone in the creative industry should do the same.
In case the idea of attempting to entertain a room full of strangers triggers your anxiety, here are 3 key takeaways I can share for anyone to apply to their day jobs.
- Let go and commit
In improv, the best performances are the ones where the actor fully goes for it. Hesitation or insecurity is obvious to the audience and can hinder the performance. As a creative thinker, when working on your next big idea, it’s best to stay away from the “but” and focus on the “yes, and” (a rule-of-thumb for improv). When you don’t focus on potential limitations or obstacles, it’s easier to elevate your ideas.
- Act naturally
On the first day of class they say, “don’t try to be funny.” It may sound counterproductive, but it makes a lot of sense. It’s a lesson in being natural. Consumers can often tell when a brand is trying too hard to be “relevant”; the best content fits naturally into a brand’s voice.
- On the other side of panic is somewhere you really want to be
Just like improv, the creative industry is a fast-paced, ever-changing environment that can get overwhelming. Feelings of panic can impact the way you perform – but if you can ride the waves, push through the panic, and give your best effort without fear, the outcome is worth a standing ovation.
Amanda Carreiro is a community manager at ruckus Digital. Need help with your social media approach? Drop us a line.