Improv, is the spice of life…is what I firmly believe these days.And slowly but surely, my sneaky suspicions that most of whom we look up to are simply winging it most times are starting to come true….”Improv” or the ability to pretend one is calm and serene and “ohh so knowledgeable” when one is very close to shitting bricks is a fantastic trick to put up your sleeves. This particular power, if you happen to have it, should be what you are most proud of…more proud than if you were to have Magneto’s skills. Remember that glazed look that sometimes happens to flash (barely for a second) on the faces of bosses or teachers, or those pesky relatives who consider themselves “all knowing”, or even you yourself when faced with daunting questions from the neighborhood auntie’s irritating 2 year old?? Well, that look right there…is the tiny gears in their head turning and looking at breakneck speed, trying to come up with an intelligent answer.
And that’s exactly what I had to deal with not very many months ago. (Not complaining though, quite an important life skill it is proving to be!!). You know how it is..Newly started teaching, and too short. Not a very desirable combination!!!The seed of “thinking on your feet” were sown in my young mind very many years ago, in 1st standard at annual class “show and tell” to be precise. (You show some object and talk about it…very lame!!) I remember the brave little me, standing with my old “mobile shaped” pencil box, staring at the sea of expectant faces, having completely forgotten about this scheduled”show and tell” business. Staring at others who had had enough sense to rehearse and get pretty stuff like fluffy penguins and sock puppets and barbie dolls. And there I was, that pathetic pencil box in hand, already having taken the liberty to tear off all its “numbers” and scribbling with purple crayon on the “speaker”. And what a fantastic show and tell it was…I didn’t win of course, I simply showed and told…about the torn numbers and the crayon scribbles!!On the spot!! which was a very big deal for my 6 year old self. I told myself I would never forget this particular lesson and promptly did just that once I returned to my seat.
Until I was again faced with a similar expectant sea of faces. And despite being thoroughly prepared, I didn’t feel much different than the “show and tell” of all those years ago. There it was..Just the 2nd or 3rd lecture, 35 odd people looking at me… Few paying attention, quite a few nodding, and a heartbreaking few trying not to sleep [Hey, I blame the boring subject!! :)]. And then when I am almost done and flooding with relief comes a Question. An intelligent question. (Translation: something I cant answer on the spot).
Immediately all the tiny little voices in my head set to work (Not a Schizophrenic). Panic stricken, of course goes into a panic, Shouting unintelligible profanities and repeating “I told u so” time and again. Evil voice of course lends the characteristic cackle. There’s one though, which keeps saying “Say IT” “say IT“…”Say what?? Say it…Say ..what?? Okay….
And then it comes out like this,’Umm are you asking blah blah blah or are you trying to say blahblahr blah?”(Yayyy enough time bought) Now to formulate the answer. Its situation like these that the inbuilt Improv voice takes over, confidently surging ahead in the best impression of a particularly impressive former professor. Improv voice digs out facts makes up theories, logically sound theories, a little rearrangement and…violaa!! Heads nod…slowly then fervently. Doubt answered. Check!!! And then, just for added effect…” Have I answered your doubt? and then the sweetest smile to follow” And done!!!
And so it is with everything. Facts and theories and memorized answers and pointless rules and the gems of your own experience sometimes all go out the window. And that’s when you have to go with the flow. And see what leads you where. Because there’s always always room for Improvization. Smart, intelligent improvization.
Even if you happen to draw a fat Pegasus on the wall with a permanent marker…you can still turn around the situation by drawing a tiny tribal lady Body shaming the Pegasus!! Not a pretty situation, but you can always pretend that the ultimate goal was to draw a fat Pegasus!! Who’s to know :)!! Go ahead…Improv!!! Life’s Best moments are unrehearsed anyway!!! 🙂 🙂
The Merry Dilettante 