We recently connected with Melinda Chilton and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Melinda with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My Dad was a self made man. Along with his Father, he created a family owned real estate company in the rural midwest. My Dad was very successful. When I was a kid, I would often go to work with my him. I spent many joyful hours in my Dad’s office typing, filing, and pretending to show houses. Much to my Dad’s disappointment, real estate was not my dream profession. However, what I learned in my Dad’s real estate office, became the foundation of every job I ever had. *”Stand tall. Look them in the eye. Give a good firm hand shake. Treat everyone with kindness and respect.” My Father once told me, “That’s all anyone really wants. To be treated with kindness and respect. If you can do that, you will be ok.”
My Dad made being kind look so easy. If I can be half as kind as my Dad, I will have lived a successful life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I teach improv skills as life skills. Why? Because life is one big improv and we are improvising our way through it everyday. I have studied, performed, and taught improv for over ten years. It didn’t take me long to realize that the improv skills I was using on stage, were also showing up in my life off stage. WOW! I found that fascinating and I decided to share the benefits of improv with everyone. For the past four years, I have been teaching an ongoing ‘Improv for Life’ class on Zoom as well as in person workshops. The benefits of improv are endless. Improv strengthens communication and listening skills. It is great for team building. It fosters spontaneity and creativity. It can improve self confidence and reduce stress. AND…it is fun. I most recently have used improv skills to help care for my Father with Alzheimer’s. Improv also helped me to overcome a childhood stutter.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The most valuable thing I ever did for myself was to become my own best friend. I know that may sound corny. But the truth is where ever you go, there you are. You are the one person in this life that you can not shake. So if you don’t like yourself, then you are stuck hanging out with someone you do not like 24/7 and that is no fun. It took me a while to develop a ‘BFF’ kinda friendship with myself, but I’m glad I did. Life is a lot easier when you like the person you see in the mirror.
At a young age I learned the value of a bathroom stall. LOL To this day, whenever I get nervous or anxious at a party or event, I simply excuse myself to the ladies room. It is there I can find a few minutes of privacy to take a deep breath and remind myself that I am ok, I am worthy, and I have something valuable to share. Then I can reemerge more relaxed with my head held high knowing that I am enough.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Be silly. Be honest. Be kind.” Improv has taught me how to be free, spontaneous, and play. The number one rule of improv, “Yes and”, has taught me how to accept my truth and be generous.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
I teach improv skills as life skills. I also facilitate improv parties and events. I love speaking about how improv skills can improve your personal life or help grow your business by sharing stories of how I have used improv to overcome some challenges. Challenges which include conquering a childhood stutter and recently helping to care for. my Father with Alzheimer’s. Improv is for everybody! I’m always looking for people who are willing to grow, stretch, and get outside of their comfort zones all while having fun and enjoying a few laughs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melindachiltonimprov.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melinda_improviselife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/improvforlifemelinda
- Other: TikTok. @melinda_improviselife imdb.me/MelindaChilton
