What IDs Can Learn From Improv Comedy (Part 1)

TL:DR – Collaboration is king.

“Yes, and…” is the catalyst for improv – and for instructional design. Collaboration, quick thinking, audience responsiveness, and building on ideas in real time is at the heart of what IDs do.

Instructional Designers might not be performing under stage lights, but we can learn a lot from improv comedy. In many ways, we are improv artists.

We co-create with SMEs, respond in real time to feedback, pivot on deadlines, and, maybe most importantly, build learning experiences that work for the moment. We move fast because business moves fast.

That’s why the golden rule of improv applies to our work too:

“Yes, and…”

• Yes, and helps us collaborate instead of correct. (As we discussed here, reviews are for refining, not ridiculing.)
• Yes, and keeps momentum moving forward in meetings, brainstorms, and storyboarding sessions.
• Yes, and allows room for better ideas to emerge, because we’re building, not blocking.

In improv, performers don’t always know where the scene is going, but they trust the process and listen closely to their partners. (I know because I took an improv class once.) As IDs, we do the same with our learners, stakeholders, and teams.

We adapt.

We respond.

We build something meaningful in the moment.

And just like improv, great learning isn’t rigid—it’s responsive.

Training Tip:

The next time you’re in a meeting or mid-design, try leading with “Yes, and…” You might be surprised where the learning goes.

Collaboration (“Yes, and“) is why we started The ID Department. Our purpose is to be your best L&D partner and collaborator. Our goal is to help you reach your goals. Check us out here to see why The ID Department should be your next training – and improv – partner.

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