Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

108. All In: How Improv Helps You Show Up and Communicate Well

Sep 26, 2023

Join Adam Tobin, a senior lecturer at Stanford specializing in film and media, and Patricia Ryan Madsen, a professor emerita from the Stanford Drama Department and author of Improv Wisdom, as they explore the transformative power of improv in communication. They discuss how stepping into uncertainty fosters genuine connections and celebrates mistakes as opportunities for growth. With insights on balancing preparation and spontaneity, this engaging chat reveals that embracing the moment can lead to more authentic and effective conversations.

34:16

Creator website

Episode guests

Patricia Ryan Madson

Adam Tobin

AI Summary

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Creating a safe space is crucial for effective communication, allowing for exploration, collaboration, and vulnerability.

Embracing the unknown and getting lost in communication can lead to growth, risk-taking, and embracing unexpected experiences.

Deep dives

Building a Safe Space for Communication

The podcast highlights the importance of creating a safe space for effective communication. Improv teaches individuals to construct a space where both presenters and listeners feel comfortable, allowing for exploration and discovery. Collaboration, active listening, and embracing vulnerability are emphasized to foster a supportive environment for communication.

The Power of Being Interested and Eliciting Stories in Small Talk

01:23

The Music Continues

01:21

The Power of Collaboration and Building a Safe Space

01:21

Intro

3min

Creating Safe Spaces Through Improv in Communication

2min

Embracing Uncertainty for Growth

5min

Embracing Mistakes: A Lesson in Resilience

2min

Embracing Failure Through Improv

10min

Balancing Preparation and Spontaneity

11min

Key Ingredients for Effective Communication

2min

If you’re reading from your notes, you're going to miss the magic of the moment. That’s why Adam Tobin, Dan Klein, and Patricia Ryan Madsen bring improv techniques to all their communication.

Communication experts in their respective fields of media, performance, and drama, Tobin, Klein, and Madsen all see the immense power of improv in helping us communicate more freely. As Tobin says, "You do the preparation so that you are expert in the material. And then you let go of the specific delivery of the information in favor of being aware of what's going on now." Madsen agrees, explaining that we don't need all the answers, we just need to show up. "Step first," she says, "then see where you are."

In this celebration of the 100th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the three guests join host Matt Abrahams to discuss how improv can transform our communication in everything from small talk to work presentations, and help us create space where we feel safe enough to show up as our most authentic selves.

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

********
Get $50 off coaching today at Strawberry.me/tfts
Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

108. All In: How Improv Helps You Show Up and Communicate Well

Episode guests