Frequently Asked Questions About Improv for Business
Answering your most commonly asked questions about our “Using Humor for Professional Development” workshop
In our Using Humor for Professional Development workshop, corporate teams learn the fundamentals of improv comedy with a focus on skills that can be applied back to their jobs. Wondering what this requires and if the experience could work for your team? Below, we’re sharing answers to the top questions we receive from event organizers booking improv workshops.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WORKSHOP INCLUDE?
Workshops are customized based on factors such as group size, group familiarity, and overall goals. Each workshop will start off with a warm up activity–for groups that know each other well already, this may be relatively quick and geared toward getting people in the zone. For groups where everyone is just meeting in-person for the first time, this activity may be more geared toward helping everyone get to know each other’s names and get comfortable interacting. The exercises following the warmup include listening-focused games and quick team building activities. After each exercise, there is a short debrief period where team members can ask questions and discuss their experiences so far. Most workshops culminate in a longer activity incorporating group work and building on the skills and concepts that have been introduced throughout the session.
HOW WILL THIS HELP MY TEAM?
The skills practiced in these corporate training workshops include listening, storytelling, presenting, risk-taking, trust-building, public-speaking, being confident, thinking on your feet, and collaborating–all of which have applications back to the workplace.
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLE WORKSHOP THEMES?
Some teams have specific goals they are highlighting for a broader offsite event or core company values that they’d like to reference in the workshop, and we can incorporate these into the curriculum. Check out a few examples here:
WHAT IF MY GROUP IS SHY/DOESN’T PARTICIPATE?
The workshops are designed to ease people in and help them get out of their comfort zones gradually. No one is expected to come in with any sort of preparation and there is no pressure to be funny! Your instructor will also be equipped to adapt activities on the fly according to your group’s needs.
DOES THIS WORK VIRTUALLY?
Absolutely! We’re frequently working with teams looking to effectively build skills in remote settings. Improv can be a great remote team building activity as exercises can be adapted to suit virtual and hybrid needs. Check out an example here:
Have more questions? We’re happy to answer them! Reach out to our team here to set up a call.