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Get Better At Series

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…Building Trust

A professional development series

Active listening is a fundamental component of effective communication, enabling us to provide our full attention, validate the thoughts and feelings of others, and establish an atmosphere of respect and trust. Here are some practical steps you can take to become a more active listener:

Provide your undivided attention: When engaging in a conversation, ensure that you are fully present and focused on the speaker. Minimize distractions, such as turning off or silencing your phone, closing unnecessary tabs, and creating a conducive environment for meaningful dialogue.

Maintain eye contact: Eye contact is a powerful non-verbal cue that signals your attentiveness and interest in the conversation. By maintaining eye contact, you convey respect and show the speaker that you are actively engaged in what they are saying.

Avoid interrupting: Interrupting can disrupt the flow of conversation and make the speaker feel unheard or undervalued. Practice patience and allow the speaker to express their thoughts and ideas fully before responding. Remember that the conversation is a two-way process, and everyone deserves a chance to be heard.

Reflect and paraphrase: Show your understanding and empathy by reflecting and paraphrasing the speaker’s thoughts and feelings. Summarize what they have said in your own words to ensure you have grasped their message accurately. This not only helps you clarify your understanding but also demonstrates your genuine interest in their perspective.

Ask open-ended questions: Open-ended questions encourage the speaker to elaborate and provide more detailed information. They show that you are actively seeking to understand their viewpoint and deepen the conversation. Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” as they tend to limit the scope of discussion.

Practice empathy: Put yourself in the speaker’s shoes and strive to understand their emotions, concerns, and needs. Empathy allows you to respond in a supportive and understanding manner, fostering a sense of trust and building stronger connections with others.

By incorporating these steps into your daily interactions, you can cultivate a culture of active listening that positively impacts your professional relationships. Effective communication and the ability to truly listen are vital skills that can lead to enhanced collaboration, increased productivity, and ultimately, greater success.

I encourage you to start implementing these strategies and observe the positive changes they can bring to your professional interactions. As we prioritize active listening, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, understood, and motivated to share their thoughts and ideas openly.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our team building services can benefit your team or organization, please let us know and we can set up an appointment time that works for you.

Using Improv for Natural Learning

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In a world filled with rigid structures and carefully planned outcomes, improvisation stands as a refreshing and invigorating art form. While it may be commonly associated with comedy clubs and theater stages, the essence of improv reaches far beyond entertainment. At its core, improvisation is a form of natural learning that allows individuals to develop valuable skills and adaptability in various aspects of life.

Embracing the Unknown

Improv thrives on uncertainty. In a performance, actors step into the spotlight with no script, relying solely on their creativity and the present moment. Similarly, in life, we often encounter situations where we have no pre-determined roadmap. Improv teaches us to embrace the unknown, to stay open-minded and adaptable in the face of ambiguity. By cultivating a mindset that welcomes new experiences, we become better equipped to navigate the unpredictable nature of life’s challenges.

Building Resilience

In improv, mistakes are not seen as failures but as opportunities for growth. When actors stumble upon unexpected twists or forget their lines, they don’t freeze; they adapt and continue. This resilience is a vital lesson for anyone seeking to learn and develop. By embracing the principle of “yes, and” — accepting and building upon whatever comes our way — we train ourselves to bounce back from setbacks and see them as stepping stones to success. Improv teaches us that failure is not something to be feared but rather a natural part of the learning process.

Enhancing Communication Skills

Effective communication lies at the heart of improv. Actors must listen attentively, respond in the moment, and collaborate seamlessly with their fellow performers. These skills are not limited to the stage; they are essential in our everyday interactions. Improv teaches us the importance of active listening, empathy, and clear expression. Through exercises and games that focus on communication, we learn to communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and collaborate more productively.

Fostering Creativity

Improvisation thrives on creativity. Without the constraints of a script, actors are free to tap into their imaginative instincts and bring forth original ideas. This process of spontaneous creation encourages us to think outside the box, explore new possibilities, and embrace our unique perspectives. By nurturing our creativity through improv, we unlock a wellspring of innovative thinking that can benefit us in various realms of life, from problem-solving to artistic endeavors.

Cultivating Trust and Collaboration

In an improv performance, trust and collaboration are paramount. Actors must rely on one another, co-creating narratives and characters on the spot. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of trust and support, where individuals feel safe to take risks and express themselves freely. In our personal and professional lives, cultivating trust and collaboration is equally vital. Improv teaches us the value of teamwork, how to build trust with others, and the power of collaboration in achieving common goals.

Improv is not only a form of entertainment but a natural learning experience that enhances our ability to adapt, communicate, create, and collaborate. By embracing the principles of improv, we can unlock our innate potential for growth and develop the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. So, whether you find yourself on a stage or in the midst of life’s improvisations, remember that learning to embrace uncertainty, building resilience, enhancing communication, fostering creativity, and cultivating trust and collaboration will serve you well on your journey to personal and professional fulfillment.

Natural Learning Availability

Learn how coaches can help you and your team embrace natural learning in a fun way through improv. Contact us today to get started.

Pride and Progress: The Role of Effective Communication in Fostering Change

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As we enter the month of June, the world comes alive with vibrant celebrations and meaningful reflections during Pride Month. This annual observance only honors the LGBTQ+ community’s history, struggles, and achievements. It also serves as a reminder of the power of effective communication in driving social change. Let’s explore the significance of effective communication and its role in promoting understanding, acceptance, and progress during Pride Month.

  • Amplifying Voices
    Effective communication serves as a catalyst for change by amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community. It provides a platform for individuals to share their stories, challenges, and triumphs, fostering empathy and understanding among wider audiences. By engaging in open and respectful conversations, we can create a more inclusive society that embraces diversity and celebrates individuality.
  • Building Bridges
    Communication acts as a bridge between different communities, fostering connections and creating opportunities for collaboration. Effective dialogue, can bridge gaps in understanding, dismantle stereotypes, and promote acceptance. Markedly, Pride Month offers a prime opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations. We can work on building bridges between LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, fostering solidarity, and creating a more inclusive world.
  • Education and Awareness
    Effective communication plays a crucial role in educating society about the diverse experiences and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. By sharing stories, promoting awareness campaigns, and organizing informative events, we can combat discrimination and promote equality. Educating ourselves and others is a vital step in creating a society that is more compassionate, respectful, and supportive of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Empowering Advocacy
    Communication empowers individuals to become advocates for change. By effectively articulating their ideas, experiences, and aspirations, members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies can mobilize support, challenge prejudice, and bring about policy reforms. Through social media campaigns, public speaking, and engaging storytelling, effective communication channels provide a powerful platform for advocacy and create the momentum necessary to drive meaningful change.
  • Celebrating Progress
    Pride Month is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Because effective communication enables us to reflect on the achievements of activists and communities, we can ensure that their stories are heard and their victories acknowledged. By showcasing the positive impact of inclusivity and acceptance, we can inspire others to join the movement and continue the work towards a world free from discrimination.

Effective communication lies at the heart of meaningful change during Pride Month and beyond. Therefore by amplifying voices, building bridges, promoting education and awareness, empowering advocacy, and celebrating progress. W we can foster a more inclusive society where all individuals are embraced, respected, and valued. As we commemorate Pride Month, let us recognize the power of our words, conversations, and actions to shape a brighter, more equitable future for the LGBTQ+ community and all marginalized groups. Together, we can create a world where love, acceptance, and understanding thrive.

So as your team works through Pride month, consider how effective communication could make significant change for your employees. To learn more about how to communicate better as a group, contact us today. If you want to gain confidence in public speaking for rallies or protests, our coaches are here to help.

Beneficial and Fun Call Center Agent Training

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Call center agent training can bring up visions of boring videos and power points. But as your company’s representatives, your agents need to be engaging and thoughtful in their daily duties. Using the basics of improv can create an environment of inclusion, collaboration and responsibility. Yes, improv training can be highly beneficial for call center employees.

Benefits of improv for call center agent training

  1. Active Listening: Improv emphasizes active listening, a crucial skill for call center employees. Improv exercises train individuals to be fully present, listen attentively, and respond effectively. By honing their active listening skills through improv, call center employees can better understand customer needs, concerns, and questions, leading to more effective and satisfying interactions.
  2. Building Rapport: Improv encourages building rapport and establishing connections with others. In a call center setting, developing a rapport with customers is vital for effective communication and customer satisfaction. Improv helps employees practice building rapport through improvisational exercises that focus on empathy, understanding, and connecting with others. This can result in more positive interactions and enhanced customer relationships.
  3. Thinking on Their Feet: Call center employees often encounter unexpected situations and challenging customer inquiries. Improv training enhances their ability to think on their feet, adapt quickly, and respond appropriately in real-time. Improv exercises provide practice in handling unexpected scenarios, helping call center employees feel more confident and composed during high-pressure situations.
  4. Effective Communication: Improv training places a strong emphasis on clear and concise communication. Call center employees can benefit from improv exercises that focus on expressing ideas, thoughts, and information in a manner that is easy for customers to understand. By developing their communication skills through improv, employees can provide accurate and concise information, reducing customer frustration and enhancing overall communication effectiveness.
  5. Dealing with Difficult Customers: Call center employees often encounter challenging or irate customers. Improv training equips them with techniques to handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism. Through improv exercises, employees learn strategies such as active listening, empathy, and finding common ground, which can be invaluable in defusing tense customer interactions and maintaining positive customer relationships.
  6. Confidence and Empowerment: Improv training helps build confidence and self-assurance. By participating in improv activities, call center employees develop a sense of empowerment, enabling them to handle a variety of customer interactions with greater confidence. This increased confidence can positively impact their performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.
  7. Team Collaboration: Improv promotes teamwork and collaboration, which is crucial in a call center environment. Improv exercises encourage employees to support and build upon each other’s ideas, fostering a collaborative and cohesive team dynamic. This collaborative mindset enhances teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills among call center employees, resulting in improved customer service and employee satisfaction.

In conclusion

By incorporating improv training into call center employee development programs, organizations can enhance their customer service quality, boost employee morale, and improve overall call center performance. Improv’s emphasis on communication, adaptability, and building rapport can lead to more positive and satisfying customer experiences. Afterwards, your team will be happier and more effective communicators, reducing turnover and excelling in your field.

Our team can craft a custom made workshop plan to answer your specific concerns within your call center agent training intentions in mind. So contact us today to get started.

3 Improv Activities for Design Thinking

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Utilizing improv theater practices can encourage and improve design thinking starting with user empathy through creating product prototypes. Not only can it improve design thinking, but the techniques can be easily learned. Therefore, let’s explore 3 improv activities for design thinking below.

Powerful Benefits that Improv Brings to the Design Thinking Process

Improvisors are characterised by quick-wittedness, listening even in high pressure situations and building on the ideas of their team. All of these attibutes are great additions for design thinkers. With an improv workshop, design thinkers can begin to:

  • Empathize more clearly with the design target
  • Increase teamwork and co-work between the participants
  • Improve moods, energy and listening skills
  • Encourage team think by removing pressure and silos

But how?! Great question.

So the good news is that to use improv activities for design thinking is a short presentation away. Most design thinkers can benefit and take away these skills from a workshop. To get started, here are 3 improv activities to use:

Improv Activities for design thinking

Never Miss a Beat

It’s amazing where our minds will wander off too. This activity is great for helping us stay present. It’s called “Zip Zap Zop”. Standing in a circle one person claps and then points at someone else in the circle saying “Zip”. That person then claps and points at someone else and says Zap, third person clap and point, “Zop”, and you bounce that around the circle. Zip, zap, zop, zip, zap, zop, etc. Then try to use your own words, use names, the important thing is you move fast!

Encourage the wild ideas

To do this we need to start saying yes to the ideas that are presented to us and supporting them. We do this with an activity called “I’m going on a picnic”. To do this activity everyone stands in a circle. The first person in the circle turns to the person on their left and says ” I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing a soda. The next person then turns to the person to their left and says “Yes, and I am bringing ice for the soda”, that third person then turns to the person to their left and says “yes, and I’m bringing a cooler to hold all the ice”, and this repeats until everyone has had a turn.

Empathize With Your Design Target

How do we practice empathy? To see life from someone else’s point of view a good start would be to take on that persons physicality. Humans are great at mimicry. To begin, start by observing someone as they are. You want someone who is unaware they are being observed. Someone outside the window waiting for the bus for example or someone in a video. Take on that persons body posture, sit how they sit, stand as they stand, walk as they walk, then ask yourself, how do I feel? What kind of person do I feel like right now? Let your new body inform your mind. Body first, then mind.

Contact us

Since these exercises help work those muscles and they’re a lot of fun to do, bring it to your team now. Contact us today to learn more about how you can use improv activities for design thinking.

7 Benefits of Improv Training in a Business Setting

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In today’s fast-paced business world, companies are increasingly turning to unconventional methods to enhance communication, collaboration, and creativity among their employees. One such method gaining popularity is improv training. Because it’s derived from improvisational theater, improv training offers a range of benefits that can transform the dynamics within a business setting. Let’s dive into the seven key advantages of incorporating improv training in a business setting.

7 reasons to bring improv training to a business setting

  1. Enhances Communication Skills

    Firstly, improv training fosters effective communication by emphasizing active listening, clear expression, and the ability to think on one’s feet. By engaging in improv exercises and games, employees develop the confidence to express their ideas, listen attentively to their colleagues, and effectively convey their messages. This leads to more productive and efficient communication in the workplace.
  2. Boosts Collaboration and Teamwork

    Secondly, improvisation is all about collaboration. Improv training encourages participants to work together, build upon each other’s ideas, and create something greater as a team. Through exercises like “Yes, and…” – where participants accept and build on each other’s contributions – employees learn to value and leverage the strengths of their colleagues, resulting in stronger teamwork and synergy.
  3. Sparks Creativity and Innovation

    As a result of improv training, individuals and teams unlock their creative potential. By removing the fear of failure and encouraging a “think outside the box” mindset, improv stimulates innovative thinking. It helps employees develop the ability to generate new ideas, adapt quickly to change, and find creative solutions to challenges, ultimately fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.
  4. Develops Adaptability and Resilience

    Improv training cultivates adaptability by training participants to navigate unexpected situations and respond positively to change. Through improvisation, individuals learn to think quickly, embrace ambiguity, and adjust their plans accordingly. This enhances their resilience and equips them with the ability to tackle unforeseen challenges with confidence and composure.
  5. Enhances Emotional Intelligence

    Improv training provides a safe space for participants to explore and express emotions. Through various exercises, employees develop their emotional intelligence, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their colleagues. Because of the heightened emotional intelligence, team members experience improved empathy, better conflict resolution, and stronger relationships among team members.
  6. Improves Presentation and Public Speaking Skills

    Basically, effective communication in front of an audience is a crucial skill in business settings. Improv training helps individuals overcome stage fright, build confidence, and develop improvisational techniques that are transferable to presentations and public speaking engagements. By learning to think on their feet and adapt to audience reactions, employees become more engaging and persuasive communicators.
  7. Cultivates a Positive and Supportive Work Culture

    Lastly, the essence of improv lies in creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment. By incorporating improv training, organizations can foster a culture that encourages risk-taking, open-mindedness, and learning from mistakes. This creates a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel safe to express themselves, collaborate, and contribute their best.

In Conclusion

So, from enhancing communication and collaboration to stimulating creativity and adaptability, improv training offers a plethora of benefits for businesses. By investing in this unique approach, organizations can empower their employees to unleash their potential, foster innovation, and create a thriving work culture. So, why not embrace the power of improv and watch your business flourish?

Our professionals are happy to assist your team in their journey. If you’re ready to get started, then contact us today to get started.

Important Conversations are Public Speaking

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Public speaking isn’t just for people addressing large stadiums. In fact, most of us are presenting to smaller groups of 30, 10, 5, or even just one person. But just because the audience is smaller doesn’t mean that the stakes are any lower. Effective communication and presentation skills are critical for success, no matter the size of your audience.

That’s why I’m excited to offer customized training and coaching services that are tailored to your practical needs. Whether you’re preparing for a sales pitch, a team meeting, or an important conversation with a client, I can help you to develop the skills and confidence you need to deliver a powerful message and achieve your goals.

With my help, you’ll learn how to engage your audience, convey your message with clarity and impact, and handle challenging situations with ease. Don’t let your fear of public speaking hold you back from achieving your full potential. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help you to become a more effective communicator, no matter the size of your audience.

Ensuring Team Building Success

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As a CEO, it’s natural to have concerns about hiring a host for your company event. After all, you want to make sure that your employees are engaged and motivated. But the event also should be a positive and productive experience for everyone involved. We are here to ensure your team building success.

We understand your concerns. Our team building services deliver the results you need to build a stronger and more productive team. Here are just a few of the reasons why we are the best choice for your team building event:

Team Building Success Considerations

  1. Experience and Expertise. Our team building event hosts are highly trained and knowledgeable, delivering successful team building events for years. They understand the unique challenges and needs of your team. Because of this, we ensure they have the skills and know how to help you reach your goals.
  2. Customizable Solutions. Our team building events are fully customizable. We can design an event that meets the specific needs and goals of your team. Whether you are looking to improve communication, build trust, or enhance collaboration, we can create an event that delivers the results you need.
  3. Fun and Engaging Activities. Our team building events are fun and engaging. They are designed to provide a positive and supportive environment where your employees can learn new skills, build relationships, and have fun.
  4. Ongoing Support. We don’t just deliver a one-time team building event and call it a day. We provide ongoing support and mentorship to help your team continue to develop and grow, long after the event is over.
  5. Measurable Results. Our team building events deliver measurable results. You can see the impact of the event on your team’s performance and productivity.

Confidence in your event

If you are looking for a team building event host that can help you build a stronger and more productive team, we are the right choice for you. With our experience, expertise, and commitment to delivering results, you can be confident that your team building event will be a success. So why wait?

Contact us today to learn more about our team building event hosting services, and start building a stronger and more productive team!

Executive Presence: What It Is and Why It Matters

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Executive presence refers to the combination of personal characteristics, communication skills, and leadership abilities that create an impression of confidence, credibility, and power. It is an intangible quality that helps leaders project a sense of authority, earn the respect of others, and inspire trust and confidence in their abilities.

But why is executive presence so important in today’s business world?

Here are a few reasons:

  1. Establishes Credibility and Trust: This skill is about more than just how you look or how you speak. It also involves the way you carry yourself, the way you interact with others, and the way you approach challenges. By projecting confidence, authenticity, and competence, you can establish credibility and earn the trust of those around you.
  2. Increases Visibility and Opportunities: Learning this skill can help to increase your visibility within your organization. This makes it more likely that you’ll be noticed for your contributions and be offered opportunities for advancement. By developing your presence, you can position yourself for greater success and advancement within your company.
  3. Improves Communication and Interpersonal Skills: A key component of executive presence is effective communication. Whether you’re giving a presentation, leading a meeting, or simply speaking with colleagues, being able to express your ideas clearly and confidently can help to improve your interpersonal relationships and build trust with others.
  4. Enhances Leadership Abilities: Don’t be surprised but this is also about leadership. By projecting confidence and competence, you can inspire others to follow your lead and support your vision. This can help to build stronger teams, foster collaboration, and drive success in the workplace.
  5. Demonstrates Professionalism: Executive presence is a key indicator of professionalism. By presenting yourself in a polished and confident manner, you can demonstrate to others that you take your role and responsibilities seriously. It shows that you are dedicated to your work and your organization.

So, how can you develop your executive presence?

Get Started with these tips:

  • Be aware of your body language: Pay attention to how you stand, sit, and move, and work to project confidence and professionalism in your posture and movements.
  • Improve your communication skills: Work on expressing yourself clearly and confidently, and practice active listening to improve your interpersonal skills.
  • Lead by example: Demonstrate your commitment to your work and your organization by leading by example, and take the initiative to tackle challenges and drive success.
  • Continuously develop: Don’t stop learning since this is not a one-time achievement, but rather a continuous process of development. Dedicate time and effort to refining your skills and improving your presence, and seek out opportunities for feedback and growth.

In conclusion, this is an important quality that can help leaders project confidence, credibility, and power in the workplace. By developing your executive presence, you can improve your communication and interpersonal skills, enhance your leadership abilities, and increase your visibility and opportunities for success.

So are you ready to get started? Learn more about executive presence training or contact us now.

Why Should I get a Professional Communication Coach?

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Effective communication is an essential skill in both personal and professional settings. It allows us to connect with others, build relationships, and effectively convey our thoughts and ideas. Unfortunately, not everyone is a natural communicator, and some of us may struggle to express ourselves clearly or handle difficult conversations. This is where a communication coach can be incredibly helpful.

A communication coach is a trained professional who helps individuals improve their communication skills. By working with a coach, individuals can learn how to express themselves more clearly, listen more effectively, and handle difficult conversations with greater ease.

Confidence

One potential benefit of working with a communication coach is improved confidence. Many people struggle with communication due to a lack of confidence in their ability to express themselves effectively. A coach can help individuals build confidence in their communication skills, which can lead to better relationships and more successful interactions with others.

Improved listening skills are another potential benefit of working with a coach. Good listening is an important part of effective communication, and a coach can help individuals develop this skill. By learning how to listen more actively and attentively, individuals can better understand others and build stronger relationships.

Greater clarity and precision in communication is another area where a coach can be helpful. By learning how to express oneself more clearly and accurately, individuals can reduce misunderstandings and improve their ability to get their point across.

In addition to these benefits, a coach can also help individuals improve their presentation skills and become more effective public speakers. This is especially useful for those in leadership roles or for those who frequently give presentations in their professional life.

Conflicts

Finally, a coach can also help individuals resolve conflicts and handle difficult conversations more effectively. By learning how to communicate in a more assertive and effective way, individuals can navigate difficult situations with greater ease and build stronger relationships as a result.

In summary, working with a communication coach can have numerous benefits. It can help individuals build confidence, improve their listening skills, become more clear and precise in their communication, and handle difficult situations more effectively. Whether you’re looking to improve your communication skills in your personal life or your professional career, a coach can be an invaluable resource. So, it is always a good idea to consider working with a communication coach to enhance your communication skills.

Learn about our Communication Coaching or Executive Presence. Get started today by contacting us.