4 ways young PR pros can apply the rules of improvisation

Student-run agencies and improvisation are not as far apart on the spectrum as one would think.

In 2011, comedian Tina Fey wrote “Bossypants”—a bestseller on a plethora of lists including The New York Times’ and Wall Street Journal’s . In it, Fey shares her success story, thoughts about the internet and essays about unrealistic standards women face—while making the reader fall on the floor laughing.

Fey also explains four simple rules that push an improvisation scene forward. Improvisation is exactly how it sounds: Two or more people work together to create a scene by making up the premise, scenario and dialogue as they go along.

The four principles transcend improvisation, applying to the world of PR and student-run agencies. Here’s what young communicators can learn:

1. Say “yes.” Agreeing with whatever your partner has created is an important element of improvisation. The magic word means you will remain open-minded.

Student-run PR agencies work the same way. We are in the business of saying “yes” because we are here to serve clients in the community. Fey explains that you can’t always say “yes” in real life, but shutting the door completely can push your client to go elsewhere to meet their needs.