Improv & Internships Personal Introductions Alison Lintal, Director of Career Services & Internship Programs Leah YOung, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid

“So often lawyers are tempted to read some theoretically perfect ‘script’ they have written in advance, but they cannot possibly read something they wrote earlier because events in a courtroom unfold unpredictably in real time — the entire trial is a giant improv around their client’s unfortunate theme.” -Marsha Hunter, co-author of “The Articulate Advocate”

The Research: Fundamental Lawyering Skills MacCrate Report (1992) Skill 1 – Problem-Solving (identify and diagnose, generate alternative solutions and strategies, keep the planning process open to new information and ideas) Skill 5 – Communication (assess the perspective of the recipient, and use effective methods of communication – oral and written)

The Research: Fundamental Lawyering Skills Foundations for Practice/IAALS (2016) Top 10 Foundations Categorized as Necessary in the Short Term Emotional and Interpersonal Intelligence (91.9%) - Treat others with courtesy and respect Communications (91.5%) - Listen attentively and respectfully Communications (91.0%) - Promptly respond to inquiries and requests We also know that only 14% of malpractice claims are for failure to know or apply the law. The majority of malpractice as well as state bar disciplinary claims are for communication failure, failure to follow-through, failure to follow client instructions (active listening), etc.

The Research: Fundamental Lawyering Skills Foundations for Practice/IAALS (2016) Skills necessary in the short term Professional Development Adapt work habits to meet demands and expectations (70.8%) Qualities and Talents Integrity and Trustworthiness (92%) Stress and Crisis Management Exhibit flexibility and adaptability regarding unforeseen, ambiguous, or changing circumstances (58%) Exhibit resilience after a set-back (56%) Working with Others Work cooperatively and collaboratively as part of a team (73%) We also know that only 14% of malpractice claims are for failure to know or apply the law. The majority of malpractice as well as state bar disciplinary claims are for communication failure, failure to follow-through, failure to follow client instructions (active listening), etc.

The Research: Fundamental Lawyering Skills Neil Hamilton – Roadmap – Professional Competencies Important to Employers (2015) Very Important to Critically Important Integrity/Honesty/Trustworthiness Good Judgment/Common Sense/Problem-Solving Effective Written/Oral Communication Skills Dedication to Client/Responsiveness to Client Commitment to Firm/Department/Office, and its Values Initiates and Maintains Strong Work and Team Relationships We also know that only 14% of malpractice claims are for failure to know or apply the law. The majority of malpractice as well as state bar disciplinary claims are for communication failure, failure to follow-through, failure to follow client instructions (active listening), etc.

The Research: Fundamental Lawyering Skills Marjorie Shultz & Sheldon Zedeck 26 Effectiveness Factors Creativity/Innovation Listening Ability to See the World Through the Eyes of Others We also know that only 14% of malpractice claims are for failure to know or apply the law. The majority of malpractice as well as state bar disciplinary claims are for communication failure, failure to follow-through, failure to follow client instructions (active listening), etc.

The Foundations of Improvisation

Communication

Collaboration

Active Listening

Resilience

Present Moment Awareness

Exercises

Exercise: Idea Generators

Debrief

The concept of “Yes, And...” Basic Tenet of Improv. Promotes agreement and building on the idea. True collaboration is not just agreeing, but adding to the conversation as well

Exercise: Character Walk

Debrief "It is said that of the messages we receive we understand 55 percent of a message from body language, 38 percent from tone of voice, and 7 percent from the actual content of words – Albert Mehrabian – Silent Messages

Exercise: The Last Word

Debrief

Exercise: Pointing Circle

Debrief

Exercise: Panel of Experts

Debrief

Student feedback "Talking in front of people is not my favorite thing so learning better communication through improv was a big confidence booster." "In class I am pleased to have learned the value of improvisation and communication. I struggle with the inherent contradiction of tone versus content." "After than class I saw how beneficial improv can be for a litigator." "Lawyers should be able to think on their feet, adapt quickly, and be creative to solve problems their clients face. Additionally, it is important to not take yourselves or life too seriously. As lawyers, we often get wrapped up in our work and forget to enjoy life; it is important to remember [to] laugh often and sometimes at yourself."

Putting it all together Because improv provides a communications-based set of tools and techniques that forces you to be present and in the moment, listen intensively, respond candidly, consider the thoughts and needs of others, and adapt to unexpected challenges and opportunities...The tenets of improvisation are techniques to develop mindfulness and self- auditing...Improv also strengthens the skill sets necessary for teamwork, creativity and innovation, collaboration and ideation, situation assessment, crisis management, adaptive problem-solving, conflict management, engagement, and influence. In fact, improvisation strengthens all of a leader's soft skills, which often turn out to be hard skills after all." Bob Kulhan, author of Getting to Yes And: The Art of Business Improv

Questions? Alison Lintal Leah young Afl2@psu.edu Leah@psu.edu (717) 241-3518                         (717) 240-5297