Improvisationand the

Entrepreneurship Classroom

Ray Smilor, PhDNeeley School of Business, TCU

and

Senior Fellow, CFE

Agenda: Improvisation

• I. What it is• II. Why it is important• III. How it works

I. What it is

•Create or perform spontaneously•Deliver without preparation•Arrange from whatever materials are readily available

I. What it is

•Both an attitude and a behavior

*The ability to make up something positive as we go along

I. Why it is important

• Assists in dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty • Provides more creative solutions to problems• Recognizes and takes better advantage of opportunities• Improves communication skills

I. Why it is important

•Essential for an entrepreneurial mindset•Key to entrepreneurial success•Compliments other forms of experiential learning

I. How it works

•Listen actively•Pay full attention•Focus on details•Seek to understand

I. How it works

•Stay in the moment•Respond to what you have just heard•Do not jump ahead•Do not anticipate you answer

I. How it works

•Respond positively•Eliminate “no”•Avoid “but”•Provide support and assistance

I. How it works

•The Power of “Yes…and”•Affirms and adds something new•Trusts others•Makes connections•Creates positive climate

Improvisationinspires

learning and teachingin the

entrepreneurship classroom