ASA Traveling Course: Fundamentals of Applied Improvisation

This half-day course introduces applied improvisation as a novel way to pursue interpersonal skills as a quantitative scientist.
About this Event

The Middle Tennessee chapter of the American Statistical Association (ASA) is hosting this half-day course with the Department of Biostatistics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Instructor:

Richard C. Zink, PhD

Adjunct Professor, Department of Biostatistics

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Leadership and Practice

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Title:

Quick-thinking, Confident, Communicative, and Collaborative: Fundamentals of Applied Improvisation for (Bio)statisticians and Data Scientists

Abstract:

(Bio)statisticians and data scientists are technically proficient. This should come as no surprise, since their education focuses on developing quantitative scientists of the highest order. However, this leaves little opportunity for the development of interpersonal skills which are often just as important to one’s success, particularly in a multidisciplinary environment. Ironically, many of the skills leading to technical success, such as planning, meticulousness, and specificity, can stifle innovation, limit awareness, and inhibit communication. But all is not lost! Applied improvisation is a novel (and fun) way to pursue and practice interpersonal skills that are un- or under-developed.

Applied improvisation, the application of the principles and tools of improvisational theater in non-theatrical settings, has been used for decades in business schools to assist students in developing and expanding quick thinking, confidence, communication, and collaboration. Similar training is used to help clinicians, healthcare workers, and scientists better engage their patients, collaborators, and non-technical colleagues. Improvisation skills aid leaders to be eager servants to their team, exhibit vulnerability, communicate more effectively, and create an atmosphere where individuals can think and share freely.

This professional development course introduces individuals to applied improvisation from the perspective of a fellow quantitative scientist. Through several physical and verbal exercises, participants explore interpersonal skills such as creativity, spontaneity, adaptability, courage, and storytelling. Briefings examine how exercises reinforce various competencies and how they relate to everyday workplace pursuits. Resources for further reading and training are provided.

There is no requirement to be funny, though funny often naturally happens! No experience is required, just an open mind, an eagerness to participate, and a willingness to take risks in a supportive environment. If you want to increase confidence, react more effectively to unexpected events, engage your colleagues with active listening, and build ideas through sincere collaboration, then this short course is for you!

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize how applied improvisation develops and reinforces interpersonal skills appropriate for the workplace.
2. Summarize the skills various physical and verbal exercises emphasize and how exercises can improve communication, collaboration, and spontaneity.
3. Implement feedback and peer evaluation to improve listening, support others, and communicate more effectively.
4. Critique the effectiveness of individual physical and verbal exercises for personal skill development.

Participants:

1. Bring a water bottle! You may get thirsty.
2. Bring a notebook! You may want to take notes.
3. Wear comfortable clothes! Layers are helpful to adjust if the room is hot or cold.

Day of:

Lunch and parking are included with registration.

Know Before Sign-Up:

Space is limited to 20 participants. If we reach 20 sign-ups, we will open up an additional afternoon course, from 1:30-5:30pm.

Members of the ASA Middle Tennessee chapter receive discounted registration—visit the ASA Chapters page to join the local association. Please purchase your ticket with the same email used for your ASA membership account. There will be a chapter meeting immediately following the course.

Register by July 22 for a 10% early bird discount!