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!


6 Proven Steps 2 (Phone Wallpaper) — The Speaker Lab

Ready to build a real speaking business?

Take the free Speaker Business Assessment to see exactly where you are and what to do next. 17,000+ speakers have built paid speaking careers with SPEAK in the Age of AI.

About Mike Ganino

Episode Resources

Share This Episode 

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Email
Reddit

Explore Recent Episodes

#600: Value Over Volume: Why the Best Speakers Lead by Giving with Michael Hidalgo
“When you’re late, you tell people you don’t care. I didn’t agree with it at the moment. But then I started really just disciplining myself. And it is hard work for me every single...
#599: How to Turn Free Talks Into Paid Speaking Gigs with Dr. David Chastain
“I didn’t get paid to go to Seattle, but I made a good connection there that I will be paid for.” Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni Spotlight episode, host Dan Irvin...
#598: The Ugly Start: Why Momentum Beats Perfection with Chris Jackson
“It’s never gonna be right. It’s gonna be good enough to get started. You have enough to get started — just get started.” Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni...