Dan O’Connor is a multifaceted actor, writer, and director, known for founding Impro Theatre. In this engaging conversation, he discusses the importance of presence in conversations and how active listening can transform interactions, especially in sales. O’Connor emphasizes that genuine engagement fosters deeper connections and storytelling builds relationships. He also shares insights on the improvisational principles of making others look good and embracing the 'yes and' mindset, which enhances collaboration and creativity in any environment.
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insights INSIGHT
Relationships as Stories
Every relationship is a story; we exchange narratives when we connect.
Be curious about others' stories, and they'll become more interested in yours.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Unscript Your Life
Challenge the scripts you've been given and choose your own authentic narrative.
Embrace improvisation as a core life skill to adapt to change and unscript your life.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Be Present in Meetings
Practice active listening in meetings; avoid thinking about your response while others speak.
Create safe spaces for team members to share ideas, especially in hierarchical settings.
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Life Unscripted offers practical tools from improvisational theater to help readers break free from predetermined scripts and enhance their relationships, creativity, and personal fulfillment. Drawing from neuroscience and psychology, the authors provide exercises like 'Yes, And' and 'Mistakes as Gifts' to foster a more spontaneous and meaningful life.
Dan O’Connor: Life Unscripted
Dan O’Connor is a multi-faceted actor, improviser, writer, and director. He is the founder and Producing Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed Impro Theatre. Dan is the author, with Jeff Katzman, of Life Unscripted: Using Improv Principles to Get Unstuck, Boost Confidence, and Transform Your Life*.
Key Points
When we meet someone for the first time, there is a narrative that happens between us.
“If you’re interested, you’re interesting.”
Oftentimes, people in meetings aren’t engaged in the conversation and are only waiting for the other person to stop talking.
If you make the effort to really listen to your customers, you’ll be able to engage in customized sales because you’ll truly understand what their needs are.
Resources Mentioned
Life Unscripted: Using Improv Principles to Get Unstuck, Boost Confidence, and Transform Your Life* by Jeff Katzman and Dan O’Connor
Dan O’Connor
Impro Theatre
Book Notes
Download my highlights from Dan’s book in PDF format (free membership required).
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The Four Critical Stories Leaders Need For Influence, with David Hutchens (episode 148)
How to Increase Your Conversational Intelligence, with Judith Glaser (episode 271)
How to Close the Power Distance Gap, with Jordan Harbinger (episode 343)
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