Tips from performance experts to boost your communication - a podcast by Frances Ridout, Kerry Jarred, Simon Reichwald, Nigel Spencer

In this episode listeners learn the art of good conversation and relationship building from the principles of ‘improv’ (improvisation). What is ‘accept and build’, and how can the technique be used by all of us?  Pippa Evans and Steve Weiner discuss what listening really means, and how you can focus on the other person in your conversation whilst keeping the ebb and flow of a joint discussion.   

Every key conversation should raise questions in your mind; what is my purpose, what is the other person’s purpose and what is the purpose of the relationship?  The particular challenges of managing conversations with people who are more senior is explored, as well as what Steve means by the ‘cake’ and the ‘icing’! 

We always encourage listeners to undertake practical actions after listening to the episode. 

-       Practice listening.  And we mean, really listening.  Perhaps choose a conversation and use the techniques discussed in the episode.  How did you find it?

-       Watch some improvisation.  We usually think of ‘improv’ as purely comedy, but there are lots of different environments where the techniques are used (tv, theatre etc.) Can you see the techniques when watching?  And which of them could you bring into situations in your current environment (work, college, school)?  

-       Before a next project meeting you are attending, whether at university or in the office, try ‘contracting’ with your senior colleague leading it: “What will my role be?”, or “I was thinking of leading this part of the discussion, how do you think I can best contribute?”

 

Useful resources

-       Steve Weiner’s website: https://www.swlearning.co.uk/

-       Pippa Evan’s website: http://www.pippaevans.com/

-       Read the book ‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain

-       The power of introverts by Susan Cain (Ted Talks) https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts

-       Watch Pippa’s talk on Talks at Google: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNq71AjQZLc

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