What are people most afraid of? Answer: the unknown.

And what are we dealing with when we improvise? Exactly: the unknown.

Overcoming our fear, turning it into something positive, leaving it behind us, and focusing on improvising – these are the challenges that we face again and again. We have to leap head-first into the scene with a resounding inner cry of “Woo-hoo!”

Our fear of the unknown often disappears if we simply act as though we’re not afraid. It may be an old trick, but it’s tried and true: As everyone knows, whistling past the graveyard will drive the evil spirits away.

A deep-seated reflex makes us skeptical, makes us say no and retreat when we encounter the unknown. Say yes. Move forward. Run the risk of happily crashing and burning.

But remember, beginners aren’t the only ones who have to deal with fear.

Fear of Others Judging You

At some point in our lives, we all worry about looking awkward in front others. Even professional improvisers occasionally fall into the trap of playing it safe when some big shot is sitting in the audience whose opinion they value or fear. But a game dictated by fear will come across as deliberate and dull. You’ve got to shake your fears – and your own high expectations at the same time. Only play that is freed from its constraints will charm your audiences.

Fear of Your Own Judgment