Breaking the Ice: How Improv Can Help You Conquer Social Anxiety

Pt. 2: Simple Improv Exercises to Help you get Started

You don’t need to be on stage to start reaping the benefits of improv! Here are a few simple exercises you can try on your own or with friends:

1. One-Word Story

Take turns telling a story one word at a time. Each person adds one word, building on what the last person said. This helps you think quickly, stay engaged, and let go of the need to be perfect.

2. “Yes, And” Conversations

Practice having a conversation where each person responds with “Yes, and…” before adding something new. This keeps the dialogue going and encourages positive interactions.

3. Gibberish Conversations

Have a conversation using only made-up words and gestures. This helps you get comfortable with expressing yourself nonverbally and reduces the fear of “saying the wrong thing.”

4. Character Swap

Pretend to be someone completely different—an astronaut, a famous musician, or a superhero. Stepping into another persona helps you step out of your own self-consciousness and experience social interactions from a fresh perspective.

Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Permission to Play

Social anxiety thrives on self-criticism, but improv is all about self-acceptance. When you stop pressuring yourself to be perfect and start embracing spontaneity, social interactions become easier—and even enjoyable. Whether you join an improv class, practice exercises with a friend, or just adopt an improv mindset in daily life, these skills can help you feel more confident, connected, and free.

So, why not take the leap? Say "Yes, And" to stepping out of your comfort zone—you might just surprise yourself!