Mind Goes BLANK On Stage? Use This 3-Step Improv Reboot

Ever have your mind go completely blank during an improv scene? You're not alone. In this episode of Your Improv Brain, I explain why your brain freezes on stage, and it's not because you're bad at improv. It's a common biological response called cognitive load.

By the end of this episode, you will learn a simple, practical 3-step system to reboot your brain when it crashes. This technique helps you get out of your head by focusing outward, connecting emotionally as your character, and re-engaging with your partner and the scene.

If you're an actor, improviser, voice actor, fitness instructor, or any performer who has ever feared those times you go blank on stage, this episode will give you a concrete tool to use in your next practice, jam, or show.

IN THIS VIDEO:
03:00 Why Your Brain Goes Blank: It's Cognitive Load
06:09 The First Fix: What to Do If You Didn't Hear Your Partner
07:46 Why Pausing is Good Improv
09:05 The 3-Step Reboot System Explained
16:40 The Final Safety Net: Trusting Your Partner

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
In this episode, I refer to an earlier episode called "A Source of Great Improv Ideas (bonus: Get Out of Your Head)". This was episode 26.
-- Find the YouTube here:    • Stuck In Your Head? How to NEVER Run Out o...  
-- Read and share the article and find the podcast here: https://improvupdate.com/?p=153832655

#ImprovTips #ActingTips #StageFright #PublicSpeaking #ImprovComedy #CreativeBlock

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About
This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. All creative graphics made (by a human!) Jen deHaan.

This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com.

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This show was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.

00:00 Intro: The Fear of Your Mind Going Blank
01:42 Welcome to Your Improv Brain
03:00 Why Your Brain Freezes: It's Cognitive Load
04:20 A Real-Life Example from Performance
06:09 The First Thing to Check: Did You Hear Them?
07:46 Step 0: The Power of a Deliberate Pause
09:05 Step 1: Force Your Attention Outwards
10:37 Step 2: Add an Emotional Reaction
12:15 Step 3: Make a Statement or Ask a Good Question
13:12 Clarifying the "Don't Ask Questions" Rule
14:18 How This System Makes Scenes Richer
16:40 The Final Safety Net When All Else Fails
18:19 Outro