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Steamrolling and getting steamrolled: Three exercises for both sides

Steamrolling and getting steamrolled: Three exercises for both sides

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 Steamrolling is one of those improv topics where everyone wants to talk about the people doing it to them, and almost nobody wants to consider whether they might be doing it themselves. This episode covers both sides.It starts with what steamrolling actually looks like in a scene (and it probably has less to do with how much someone talks than you think), then gets into the reasons it happens, including some ADHD-specific patterns like verbal processing and dopamine-seeking that can lead to steamrolling without even realising it. There's also a nervous system layer here, because steamrolling can function as a fight response to uncertainty, and getting steamrolled can trigger a freeze or shutdown that makes the whole dynamic worse.The second half of the episode gets practical. If you're being steamrolled, there are in-scene tools you can try, like pointed questions and well-timed interrupts, and there are exercises to practise both of those with a scene partner.There's also a solo exercise for building the skill of shifting your character mid-scene. And if you're the one steamrolling, there's some homework about building curiosity toward your scene partners and tracking whether the other characters in your scenes are actually getting to be someone.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Steamrolling is about who controls the scene's content, and it can happen even when both people are talking equally.Anxiety and a desire to save the scene cause steamrolling more often than ego does.ADHD-related verbal processing, impulse control, and/or dopamine-seeking can create steamrolling patterns without the person realising it.Getting steamrolled can involve a freeze or shutdown response, where your nervous system deactivates and you lose access to your ideas.The single most effective focus for someone who tends to steamroll is curiosity about their scene partner's character.CHAPTERS:00:00 What steamrolling feels like from the inside01:27 Why steamrolling is about scene content, not volume03:01 How to tell if a scene was steamrolled06:10 Patterns vs. one-off big scenes07:19 Why steamrolling happens09:22 ADHD and steamrolling11:43 The nervous system perspective13:43 What to do when you're being steamrolled17:48 Exercise: the direct redirect20:41 Exercise: getting your voice in23:05 Solo exercise: the character shift monologue25:31 Homework for steamrollersRESOURCES:E46: Processing feedback/notes (referenced directly in the episode): https://improvupdate.com/receiving-improv-notes-and-understanding-how-your-brain-rewrites-the-feedback/E47: Page for THIS episode with all of those things to consider about steamrolling: https://improvupdate.com/steamrolling Downloadable Guides all about notes and feedback in improv (for students and for teachers/coaches): https://improvupdate.com/notesRELATED EPISODES:E29: Improving Communication Skills So You Can Improvise With Anyone https://improvupdate.com/improving-communication-skills-improvise-with-anyone/E28: Mind Blank on Stage? A 3-Step Reboot for Your Brain https://improvupdate.com/mind-blank-on-stage-a-3-step-reboot-for-your-brain/E33: 3-Step System & Exercise to Manage Self-Criticism in Improv https://improvupdate.com/3-step-system-exercise-to-manage-self-criticism-in-improv/E46: Processing feedback: https://improvupdate.com/receiving-improv-notes-and-understanding-how-your-brain-rewrites-the-feedback/Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://improvupdate.com/notesGet a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"Get more downloadable booklets here: https://improvupdate.com/downloadsReview the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.Apple Podcasts | PodchaserIt helps out! Thanks!Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/supportWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRSupport the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/...
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