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

#557: Overcoming Adversity and Setbacks in Speaking with Stacey Chillemi
“When you are speaking and you’re in front of people and you give them the momentum to look at life from a different perspective or do something they don’t have the courage to do, you could help change...
#556: The Hard Truths and Rewards of Speaking with Chase Livingston
“When you understand going into [speaking] that it’s going to suck for a while, it’s going to take longer than you think and it’s going to be harder than you think. When you know those things up front,...
#555: Finding Value in Your Story with Kimberly Clark
“I got to the point where if I was going to [be a speaker] I have to be serious about it and I’m going to have to invest in myself. I had to get to the ‘I’m worth it’ mindset, and The Speaker Lab [helped...