Yes, And... Your Brain — How Improv Enhances Neuroplasticity

I was first introduced to the concept of neuroplasticity through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. Central to DBT’s approach to emotional regulation is neuroplasticity—the brain’s remarkable ability to learn, adapt, and build new neural pathways. As the Cleveland Clinic’s Grace Tworek, PsyD, puts it: "An internal rewiring process that allows your mind to grow and meet new and increased demands."

You can strengthen your mental resilience just as you would build physical muscle—by challenging the mind with new experiences.

Improv training for go-to-market (GTM) teams offers a powerful way to enhance neuroplasticity. Through social interaction, creative thinking, and quick problem-solving, improv stimulates brain reorganization. A study published in NJ: Drama Australia Journal found that "improvisation training can mitigate acute social stress and enhance interpersonal confidence, particularly amongst less confident individuals."

In 2021, Mary DeMichele and Scott Kuenneke conducted a qEEG study published in NeuroRegulation that provided even more compelling evidence that improv is far more than "just" a fun team-building activity. The study demonstrated that improv significantly affects neuroplasticity, showing that "brain function became more integrated and effective," which is vital for high-performing salespeople.

DeMichele and Kuenneke attributed this to improv’s foundational rule of "Yes, And"—the act of unconditionally agreeing (Yes) and building upon the offer (And).

This approach fosters trust, acceptance, focused attention, and spontaneity, essential qualities for sales success.

One of improv’s most impactful benefits on neuroplasticity is its ability to break habitual thought patterns. Improvisation demands real-time creativity, forcing the brain to generate spontaneous ideas and adapt to new situations, which builds and strengthens neural networks. Over time, this practice reorganizes brain structures linked to cognitive control, emotional regulation, and memory recall (Huberman Lab).

Let's not overlook how the social nature of improv plays a crucial role in neurogenesis—the creation of new neurons. Social interaction and collaboration increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports the growth and survival of neurons, further enhancing neuroplasticity. As noted by Huberman Lab, "Low-stakes play and tinkering can broaden and shape your future capabilities."

"There is a correlation between the formation of habits and the pursuit and achievement of goals" (Huberman Lab). Making new habits stick depends on connecting them to a larger purpose or desired outcome. In fast-paced sales environments, where teams are often “coin-operated,” essential skill development can take a back seat to immediate results. Incorporating improv into enablement programs not only enhances brain function but also equips GTM teams to handle stress and embrace lifelong learning. Improv continually forges new neural pathways that align directly with the ultimate goal—closing deals.

References:

Arns, Martijn, et al. "Outcomes of Neurofeedback, Pharmacotherapy, and a Self-Management Intervention in ADHD: A Naturalistic Study." NeuroRegulation, vol. 3, no. 3-4, 2016, pp. 111-132, www.neuroregulation.org/article/view/21231/13975. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.

"Neuroplasticity and Behavior Change." Huberman Lab, www.hubermanlab.com/topics/neuroplasticity-and-behavior-change. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.

Ratey, John. "How Do Neuroplasticity and Neurogenesis Rewire Your Brain?" Psychology Today, 26 Feb. 2017, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201702/how-do-neuroplasticity-and-neurogenesis-rewire-your-brain. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.

Seppänen, S., & Toivanen, T. (2023). Improvisation in the Brain and Body: A Theoretical and Embodied Perspective on Applied Improvisation. NJ: Drama Australia Journal, 46(1).

Tworek, Grace. "Neuroplasticity: How You Can Benefit From Your Brain’s Ability to Adapt." Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, 5 Aug. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/neuroplasticity. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.

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