How One Improv Comedy Class Brought a Sales Team Closer

+ My appearance on The Business Ownership Podcast

Every month I’m contacted by a handful of businesses that want to schedule an improv class.

Some companies are local and they’ve heard that my improv classes are pure fun. Some are large, in town for a conference, and have read an article that these workshops improve communication. A few have very specific desired outcomes like —

• we need better tools for conflict resolution
• we need to think faster on our feet
• we need sharper listening skills

I’m happy to serve a company’s specific needs. But no matter the desired outcome, no matter the size of the company, all improv classes will build a team’s connection, will bring a team closer.

Improv is a form of crisis bonding, as at least half the people in every class I teach are terrified of doing comedy for a couple of hours. I don’t blame them, which is why I spend the first part of every class undoing any expectations they have of improv.

I’ll say, “this is not a comedy course, it’s more of a communications class.” The truth is that’s both. But most businesses don’t come to me so that their jokes at the office are better, though that can be a side effect.

I recently worked with a sales team that was meeting in person for the first time. They had been on Zoom calls together for many months, collaborating on projects while never truly getting to know each other.

The improv class fast forwarded their connections. Barely 20 minutes in and the laughter in the room unified the group. The bond was palpable. They were cracking each other up, they were learning how to communicate, they were doing a challenging thing together.

This happens damn near every time I teach a class but I never get tired of it. It’s always inspiring and sweet to watch a group of people do something they never thought they could do. Even better that they instantly see the benefit.

I don’t believe their Zoom calls pre-improv were 100% bland, but I do believe that their Zoom calls post-improv will be more playful and therefore more productive. People want to have fun at work.

Want to discuss bringing an improv workshop to your business? Emails are open: chris AT hellyescreative.com

Special thanks to Michelle Nedelec for having me on The Business Ownership Podcast recently. You can listen to it here, or watch the video below.

Show description: Improv isn’t just for the comedians — it’s a versatile art form that teaches confidence, presence, and listening. The same techniques that comedians use on stage to make an audience a laugh can solve communication problems in the workplace.

In this episode of the Business Ownership Podcast I interviewed Chris Trew. He is a full time comedy person as seen on MTV, Comedy Central, GQ, 20+ tours, and 75+ comedy, film, & music festivals and he helps others become more charismatic communicators. Learn how comedy can improve your business & communication.