What improv can teach you about risk-taking | Sehar Manji | TEDxSherbrooke Street West

Core Argument - The core argument is that incorporating play, specifically improv, into life can foster creativity, resilience, and adaptability by providing a safe space to experiment and fail without real-world consequences [3][24][39] - The speech emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty and the unknown, as it is in these spaces that new opportunities and personal growth can be found [36] - The speech advocates for a shift from a mindset of resistance ("yes, but" or "no, but") to one of acceptance and building ("yes, and"), which can lead to better collaboration and innovation [17][19] Improv Principles and Applications - Improv's core principle of "yes, and" encourages building upon ideas without judgment, fostering a collaborative and creative environment [4][5] - The speaker uses improv exercises to demonstrate how the mind-body connection can be leveraged to create vivid experiences and enhance performance, similar to mental imagery techniques used by athletes [26][29][30] - Improv can be a valuable tool for developing skills such as lateral thinking, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving, which are applicable in various professional and personal contexts [31][32][40] Real-World Implications - The speech suggests that a supportive environment, similar to the "yes, and" principle, can encourage risk-taking and innovation, as evidenced by Canada's high early-stage entrepreneurship rate of 182% [20] - The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how improv has helped overcome shyness and embrace new opportunities, leading to a fulfilling career in the arts and performance [34][37] - The speech highlights that embracing play and uncertainty can lead to unexpected connections and opportunities, ultimately shaping one's life in unforeseen and positive ways [36][38][40]