Episode #138

Using Improv to Be a Better Speaker

With Mike Ganino

When you think of improv do you think of sketch comedy, Saturday Night Live or do you think of becoming a better speaker? It can be all of the above! So says our guest for episode 138 of The Speaker Lab, Mike Ganino.

Mike is a former self-proclaimed restaurant guy with an interest in theatre and in improv. After leaving the restaurant biz he became a consultant and learned to use his improv skills to help his clients become leaders. Soon he found his niche speaking about building organizations for the present and the future, and working with public speakers with Michael and Amy Port.

On today’s show, we dive deeper into his personal story, as well as how to use improv to improve your speaking skills and why improv doesn’t always mean funny. You’ll learn about that and more in this edition of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What is blocking, and why should you avoid it?
  • How much improv training should you take?
  • Why improv isn’t the same as “winging it”.
  • A few things you can do to practice by yourself.
  • What’s the only cure for “bombing” on stage?
  • What is the “last word first word” technique?
  • Why the time you put into rehearsal is so critical to your success on stage.
  • Is improv always funny?
  • And so much more!

Want to know exactly how to find and book more paid speaking gigs?

Download our 18-page guide to the 6 proven steps you can use to book more paid speaking gigs in 2024!

About Mike Ganino

Episode Resources

Share This Episode 

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Email
Reddit

Explore Recent Episodes

#580: How Speakers Can Book Association Opportunities with Erick Rheam
“When you go to these associations’ websites, they don’t have robust staff…it’s not hard to find them. You can directly engage with them and talk to them about an event that’s coming up. You can identify,...
#579: From Free Gigs to Paid Speaking with Dr. Yvette E. Pearson
“Everything [The Speaker Lab] does is very intentional drive, step driven, process driven, and it can fit whatever time that you can give it…So time is less relevant. Consistency is more relevant.” Welcome...
#578: Finding Your Message and Your Why with Marcy Grossman
“I’ve been a caterpillar. You know, what do caterpillars do? They collect, they eat, they stock up, they build up until they get a calling that says build yourself a chrysalis. And that [chrysalis], for...