Flexing your empathy

Our world is a dichotomy: news and opinions are more present than ever, yet people feel more distant and less connected. Faced with an onslaught of information, we often either push back or turn inward.

One of the many reasons I love improvisation is that it forces me to engage actively and positively. Every word, action, and expression matters in a world that only exists because of those words, actions, and expressions. Improv demands that we listen deeply, notice nuance, and collaborate — or risk watching the world we’ve built crumble.

To be successful as an improviser, I need to bring my own perspective while also recognizing and accepting my scene partner’s point of view. Acceptance doesn’t mean agreement; it means acknowledging that their perspective is real and valid. If my only response is “no” or “I don’t believe you,” the scene stalls. It’s not fun to play, and it’s uncomfortable to watch. So even when my partner’s idea feels way out there, I have to hear it, acknowledge it, and find a way to co-create with them. What a gift that is.

And when I’m not on stage? I try to do the same. I’m not always successful, but I’m getting better every day. Some people are naturally empathetic, but for many of us, empathy is a skill — a muscle we can train and flex. Many of the exercises I use in learning and team building are designed to strengthen those muscles, building trust as a foundation for deeper collaboration.

On the flip side, improv lets me step into different characters and perspectives, forcing me to live inside their points of view. It can be freeing, eye-opening, and even a little scary — sometimes all at once — but it always helps me better understand others.

That’s the real power of improvisation: learning to listen, accept, and co-create — both on stage and off. It’s also the spirit behind Engage Unscripted. If a connection built on trust, communication, and empathy sounds meaningful to you or your organization, I’d love to help you discover how that can happen.