My very personal improv toolbox
All the things that I've used to make good improv:
Straight man tactics:
- Status - Play high, play low, switch, switch back.
- Context - Events, events, events (what's something that's happened that relevant? what about something that's coming up? what happened between you two?), relationship, environment.
- The straight man should always also have a game. What do you want out of the absurd character? To get their act together? To ace a job interview that's coming up?
Character:
- Start with a "you" or "and" sentence.
- Start with a character noise or voice.
Scene:
- Conflict of interest - Misaligned is good, keep it up. Play with aligning (start aligned - this is actually very easy - dip toes back into alignment, etc.), but know that mis-alignment and conflict are great.
Variations on UCB's "if this is true, what else is?":
- "Fast forward" - if your character is hinting at something, jump to it being true. If a character seems like the type to do stuff without asking their partner, fast forward to them buying a house without asking for permission. Sets funny context.
- "Interesting" - if your partner does something slightly interesting, call it out and amplify it. Works well when playing with beginners; if they have a verbal tick or say something strange, make it a point of fun, not embarrassment.
Reminders:
- You are at your worst when 1) you think you are really good, potentially better than others, and 2) when you are trying to be funny.
- Edit: I take it back - the above doesn't matter. You're at worst when you don't commit. Just commit, and you will be your best.