Talking Improv

Quick Improv Thoughts #3

When you’re in a scene (in either a long or short form show) and you say:

“This/that is the best ____ ever!”

What you’re really saying is:

“I have no opinion and am totally disconnected from what’s going on right now.”

If you’re a frequent or even semi-frequent user of this line, it’s okay. It happens and will probably happen again. Nobody’s perfect.

Why is it bad to use this line? It’s just…well…blank. You could have described ____ in a million different ways using a million different emotions. Anything like that could give the scene some spice and your scene partners a chance to see what your character is thinking or feeling.

In using this line, you use a boring, generic qualifier that nothing has, nor ever will be, better than ____. So just don’t be so bland. You know that it’s not the best thing ever. You don’t, your character doesn’t (unless they’re a simpleton), and the audience sure doesn’t think that it’s the best thing ever either. I wouldn’t even want to say this in real life. It’s just too final and too absolute. Boring and absolute? You bet it’s possible.

Instead, say what you’re really feeling. Say what you’re really thinking. Say something that’s really going on in your head. Even saying “I have no idea what to think about ____” is perfectly acceptable. You can at least build off of that.

Saying that it’s the best ever is like overselling a boring product that nobody wants. You’re also selling your creativity short. We all can do better than that.