In life, most of us are highly skilled at suppressing action. All the improvisation teacher has to do is to reverse this skill and he creates very 'gifted' improvisers. Bad improvisers block action, often with a high degree of skill. Good improvisers develop action.
In the book "Blink," Malcolm Gladwell explores the idea that many individuals are adept at holding back their instincts and actions. This tendency to suppress one's innate responses can hinder creativity and spontaneity. The role of an improvisation teacher, then, is to help students break free from this inhibition, enabling them to take action more freely and expressively.
According to Gladwell, the difference between poor and skilled improvisers lies in their ability to embrace action rather than block it. While bad improvisers often excel at avoiding risks and spontaneity, effective improvisers tap into their instincts, allowing for more genuine and dynamic performances. This shift in mindset is crucial for developing the skills necessary for successful improvisation.