Geoff Brown's Page

Where do you live and work? (City)

Aireys Inlet, Victoria, Australia

Professional Skills

Facilitation ... current life
Occupational Therpay ... previous life
Tennis Coach ... distant life

What is your main interest in this network?

Social, Networking, Improv Resources

What kind of person are you?

Morning

What kinds of improv-related services are you involved in?

Teambuilding, Creativity, Problem Solving, Leadership

Share a favorite 'improv epiphany'

… through a bit of improv I managed to reframe a very negative mindset this morning. I had Kinder duty and months ago agreed to come in and play some kiddy songs for the group. Woke this morning with a very croaky voice and unable to sing. Ingrid suggested I pull the pin but decided to “accept the offer” … “throw out the plan” … just do something.

At 11am Sue (Kinder Teacher) assembled the mob of 4 year olds on the mat and introduced me with my guitar. I said “Hi Kids … I lost my singing voice last night and it’s time have some fun! At that point I had no idea what I was going to do next … so I just “did something”.

I drew on some inspiration from the Wiggles, last week’s Crowded House concert and my trust in be spontaneous. Here’s what I did:

1st … I asked the group if anyone had seen my pet Dinosaur? “No!” they all shrieked. After some banter and laughter I convinced them that it was hiding inside my guitar.

2nd … I said “We had better wake him up and to do this we all need to sing … can you help me out?” … “Yeesss!” they all cheered. At this point I was away and had them in the palm of my hand.

Every step (for the next 15 minutes) was completely improvised and spontaneous. I was completely present … responded to all offers … and when faced with the unknown I just trusted my instincts and “did something”. I also “let go” of where the gig might end up and celebrated my many mistakes (including poems that didn’t rhyme and stories that made no sense) with the kids. In fact the mistakes ended up being the funniest moments.

As for the dinosaur inside my guitar, one child asked “Is your pet dinosaur awake?” I had no idea how to respond so I pretended to fall asleep myself. I began to snore. The kids were wondering what to do. The Kinder teacher finally “got it” and said to the kids “I think we better wake Geoff up” … 1 … 2… 3… “Wake up Geoff!”

As in Open Space … it’s over when it’s over. They applauded … I took a bow.

More about you: (Short Bio or any other details you'd like people to know)

Important Stuff
I am a lovinghusband and father of 3 boys aged b/w 8 weeks and 5 years. My wife and I live in Aireys Inlet and whilst I type it has started to rain ... a rare event in these days of climate change :-(

I love playing guitar and singing ... and love jamming (impro style) with the brother in law and whoever else wants to join in.

My garden is my sanctuary and provides reflective time ... I have to get dirt under my finger nails to "think creatively".
Work Stuff
I specialise in group facilitation, community engagement and in the design and delivery of community change programs.

My passion for community development and environmental sustainability has inspired him to work as a facilitator in the natural resource management, community development and sustainability arenas over the past 5 years.

Geoff designs and facilitates workshops to help organisations and teams with communication, teamwork and leadership, strategic and business planning, community development and in evaluation.

Geoff's approach to workshop facilitation enables participant creativity, involvement and relationship building. His workshops promote a sense of fun and create ownership and commitment to action.

In the development of community change programs, Geoff applies numerous approaches including the principles of Community Based Social Marketing and Participatory Action Research.

Prior to starting his own business, Geoff worked for 10 years as a trainer and facilitator in the occupational health and safety field. Geoff has also worked as an Occupational Therapist in numerous community health programs.

I need help with...

Keeping up with the washing ... housework ... enabling my children to embrace the Improv philosophy.

Work Website

http://www.tangentconsulting.com.au

Blog or other personal website

http://www.yesandspace.com.au

Skype Name (Skype.com is the most popular free internet audio/text chat and more)

geoffbrown3231

Twitter Name (Twitter.com is the most popular 'hyper blog' client, enabling instant updates)

GeoffBrown3231

Other contact info (Your choice for phone, email, facebook, myspace, etc.)

0403763660

How did you hear about this network?

Viv McWaters