Exploring Improv’s Impact on Your Storytelling

Image

This Week’s Episode:

My team’s about to hit the stage for our first improv show as a troupe. We’re backstage and talking amongst ourselves about everything we’re going to do to make this performance incredible.

My teammates Mike, Mark, and I each recite an improv rule that we plan to focus on during the show. Once we are finished declaring our steadfast following of a particular rule, we look over at our fellow troupe member Chris who hasn’t weighed in yet. He announces, “Let’s just have fun.”

At that moment, I realize, “Oh, of course!” Here we are putting all these rules in place and concentrating on things we need to do... or not do. And then Chris gives us the permission in that moment to let all of that go and just play.

Yes, and...

Chris Shurland has a knack for always following the fun, and I’ve invited him onto the show today to remind us all how we can do the same.

In this episode, he and I talk about what improv really is and how it helps you as a storyteller (or, surprise, a salesperson). We also discuss being you and being real in your storytelling or performance, getting over nerves and stage fright, and the importance of keeping your audience interested throughout the story.

What you will learn in this episode:

  • What it means to take on a character that is you but not you
  • How to “heighten” your storytelling, even when the story is true
  • Why embracing imperfection makes you a more engaging storyteller

Who is Chris?

Currently based in Santa Barbara, Chris Shurland is a Chicago-trained improv teacher and performer and the founder of Irreverent Improv. After completing his training at various institutions, he performed on several teams in Chicago and California. Some of those groups went on tour to perform in festivals and at theaters.

Nowadays, Chris serves as the Associate Artistic Director for American Improv Theatre in San Jose. He directs shows, coaches teams, teaches classes, and acts as a producer of the San Jose Improv Festival. When not teaching workshops, he performs on house teams in the Bay Area and Southern California and tours with improv groups in San Jose, Santa Barbara, or Chicago. You can also find Chris teaching classes at Carpinteria Improv as well as planning multiple workshops and performances in the U.S. and abroad in the months to come.

Image

Links & Resources

Ready to be unforgettable? Good.

FREE Speaker TRAINING: LEARN THE #1 MOST IMPORTANT TOOL THAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

  • Increase your confidence
  • Build trust with prospects - fast
  • Stand out against competition
  • Captivate your audience
  • Be the one they remember
Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

You’ll also receive storytelling secrets each week from our show.
One-click unsubscribe if you don't love the free training!

Image
Ready to be unforgettable? Good.

Free Speaker Training: Learn how to make your Talks more persuasive and captivating to hold your audience's attention longer

  • Increase your confidence
  • Build trust with prospects - fast
  • Stand out against competition
  • Captivate your audience
  • Be the one they remember
Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

You’ll also receive storytelling secrets each week from our show.
One-click unsubscribe if you don't love the free training!

Image

"Storytelling is an art form - and Kymberlee Weil is the master! I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the most talented creatives in the world, and Kymberlee is close to the top of that list.”

Image

JULIAN REEVE

SPEAKER, AUTHOR, FORMER MUSIC DIRECTOR OF HAMILTON
"Kymberlee helped me tremendously in the weeks leading up to my TED talk and afterwards. I have given hundreds of talks to audiences big and small. But the TED stage is a different beast -- every word matters.Kymberlee kept me on point, focused, and she took the time to figure out what my objectives really were and how to get me there. She is a true master of her trade and I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from her."
Image

JUNA KOLLMEIER

ASTROPHYSICIST, TED SPEAKER

"I thought I had public speaking down pat. As a former Green Beret, I have followed a lot of quality leaders and coaches, and I would follow Kymberlee anywhere… Especially onto the red circle."

Image

LTC (RET.) SCOTT MANN

GREEN BERET, ENTREPRENEUR, STORYTELLER, TRAINER, COACH, AUTHOR