Why is Improv such a powerful training tool?
There are a number of reasons, but three really stand out. First of all it’s experiential. The audience gets to feel what it feels like to support one another, build solutions and find answers together. Secondly, the learnings can be applied/adapted to every occupation in every company in every industry; and finally, it’s fun. Audiences genuinely enjoy themselves and enjoy collaborating with each other. It’s the fun that opens an audience up and makes them more receptive to the messages being taught, more amenable to change.
How do I tell my boss/the committee?
Telling the Meeting Committee that you think we should bring in the improv guy might seem difficult, but it’s not. You can click on our Take Care of Your Partner Pack to automatically download a package of information about Rob Nickerson Improv that explains pretty much everything they need to know.
What if we have introverts in the group?
All of our audiences have introverts and extroverts and everything in between. We create such a fun, relaxed, supportive environment that everyone is comfortable participating, usually with great enthusiasm. You may also be interested to know that being an extrovert is not an advantage for an improviser, nor is being an introvert a disadvantage.
How large/small a group can you accommodate?
There are two ways to experience Rob Nickerson Improv. One is in a Workshop and the other is a Keynote Event. The workshop is meant for audiences ranging in size from 6-50, while the keynote event is recommended for larger groups. Our largest audience so far was 1,200 for EnCana. They had a great time (see the Review page).
How interactive is it really?
It’s really interactive. We like to say that 100% of the audience will be actively engaged 80% of the time. At Rob Nickerson Improv interactivity is the cornerstone of our approach. It’s not a didactic environment. We believe very strongly that to maximize the teaching opportunity the audience needs to experience the concepts being taught. And you know what? Audiences love it. That’s why our feedback is so positive.
What are your AV requirements?
They are very simple. For Keynote Events a wireless lapel mic and three mics on stands are needed. For workshops, usually nothing. We like to be low maintenance. We know you’ve got a lot of other things to worry about.
How do you customize your presentation for my audience, my company?
We meet with you (in person or by phone) and find out as much as we possibly can about your team, your company and your industry. We’ll find out what your training goals are for your audience and how we can best meet your needs. Then we’ll go away and design a program (that draws from an armamentarium of over 200 exercises) that fits your audience and your requirements.
How much time do you need?
We can design a program to fit the time available in your agenda. We’re improvisers. Whatever you give us…we make it work.
Are we expected to be funny?
Absolutely not, but you may find that humour and laughter tend to naturally occur in most of the exercises. Often, it’s the shared laughter that makes the lesson so powerful and memorable for team members.
Can this benefit co-workers who don’t work in the same office?
Improv principles focus on building positive communications skills and co-operative teamwork skills; these abilities transcend the need for being in the same room or building. Once participants grasp the concepts of improvisation, they can utilize their talents anywhere, anytime and in any circumstance.
Does improv really have work place relevance?
Each and every day we deal with the unknown. We interact with co-workers and clients without rehearsal or scripts, we handle unexpected situations that arise and we make instant decisions based only on the information we have at hand. The work place is filled with improvisational moments, understanding the principles of how to improvise effectively prepares us to best deal with these moments.
What should participants wear?
Participants do not need any special clothing or equipment. We’ve conducted workshops with participants wearing everything from business suits to shorts and t-shirts. Comfortable, casual business attire is best. Flat shoes work well.
What’s the first step?
That’s easy. View the 3 Steps to RNI.
- Why is Improv such a powerful training tool?
- How do I tell my boss/the committee?
- What if we have introverts in the group?
- How large/small a group can you accommodate?
- How interactive is it really?
- What are your AV requirements?
- How do you customize your presentation for my audience, my company?
- How much time do you need?
- Are we expected to be funny?
- Can this benefit co-workers who don’t work in the same office?
- Does improv really have work place relevance?
- What should participants wear?
- What’s the first step?
