Valeri Lantz-Gefroh - Improving Communication

The video features a teacher and director at the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, discussing the use of improvisational theater techniques to enhance communication skills among scientists and medical professionals. The speaker explains the importance of active listening and adaptability, using the mirror exercise as an example. A poignant story of a medical student applying these skills in a clinical setting highlights the real-world impact of improv. The video concludes with a discussion on the broader societal benefits of improved communication skills.

What is the primary goal of using improvisational theater techniques in communication?

• To make scientists and medical professionals more entertaining

• To help scientists and medical professionals communicate more effectively with the public

• To teach scientists and medical professionals how to act

• To improve the humor skills of scientists and medical professionals

Who developed the improvisational technique used at the Alan Alda Center?

• Alan Alda

• Viola Spolin

• Stony Brook University

• The director of the program

What is the key aspect of communication emphasized in improvisation?

• Talking more

• Connecting with the audience

• Using complex vocabulary

• Being humorous

In the story shared, what was the medical student's main concern when delivering bad news?

• The complexity of the diagnosis

• The patient's reaction to the news

• The attending doctor's opinion

• The patient's understanding of the medical terms

How did the medical student ensure the patient understood the situation?

• By using simple language and a slow pace

• By letting the attending doctor handle it

• By speaking quickly to get it over with

• By using complex medical terminology

What does the 'mirror exercise' in improvisation teach participants?

• To improve their acting skills

• To entertain the audience

• To lead and follow in communication

• To mimic each other's movements

What is a potential benefit of improvisational techniques for policymakers?

• Improving their acting skills

• Listening to actually hear and create new policies

• Learning to speak more complexly

• Creating more entertaining speeches