Tips from Performance Experts
In this special feature episode, star of the stage, TV and radio, Pippa Evans, and stand-up comic, facilitator and qualified coach Steve Weiner, give their tips and tricks to better communication and impact in a professional setting.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts:
Or on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1oK9ajWyanw6lYJhbsFrdh
Show Notes:
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’!
Practical Steps After Listening to the Episode:
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