I recently read Tina Fey's hilarious memoir Bossypants. And her personality, wit and charm are so interwoven into the writing and stories, it makes you feel like you know her – or want to hang out with her at a greasy spoon!

In the book, Fey references the rules of improv comedy and how they can help you navigate life. According to Wikipedia: ‘Improvisation is the practice of acting, singing, talking and reacting, of making and creating, in the moment and in response to the stimulus of one's immediate environment and inner feelings. This can result in the invention of new thought patterns, new practices, new structures or symbols, and/or new ways to act.’ 

And it struck me that the rules of improv apply to good communications too.  Here’s how:

  1. Default to yes. Many people say no when they hear something that runs counter to what they’ve been conditioned to expect. And by doing that, they close their minds. As communicators we need to learn how to embrace the yes and be open, not dismissive. Saying yes is the hallmark of two-way communications: because it means we’re listening and considering another perspective.
  2. Don’t be a but. One of those people who's constantly uttering those two idea-killing words: YES BUT. Communicating isn’t about shoving your inflexible point of view down someone’s throat. Instead try YES…AND. Then imagine the possibilities a fresh idea presents and build on that.
  3. Make statements. Certain people are good at asking questions when they want to be heard but have nothing meaningful to add. Yes, questions are important. But sometimes we use them to nitpick the life out of a different point of view. Don’t do that. And don’t apologize for your ideas either. If you have something to say, say it with conviction. It’s better to add to the discussion than simply subtract. 
  4. Go with the flow. Maybe what’s been said is out of your comfort zone and your response is to rail against it out of fear or laziness – or because you didn’t think of it first. Or maybe it just seems like dumb mistake. Remember: there are no mistakes, only opportunities. OK, there are mistakes and hopefully you can learn from them. The point is, you need to avoid the tendency toward snap judgements and let yourself go where the situation takes you.

And then you can try what Steve Cody suggests and some inject humour into your communications. It’s amazing what a little well-timed comedy can do.

Are you an improviser or do you just shtick to the same old script? And while you’re at it, give me an occupation, a place and a name…

About Martin Waxman


Martin Waxman, MCM, is a digital communications strategist. He conducts AI research, leads Generative AI and digital and social media training workshops and speaks at events across North America. He's co-founder of two PR agencies, president of a consultancy and has worked in the industry for nearly 30 years. Martin is a LinkedIn Learning instructor, adjunct professor at the Schulich School of Business and associate director of the Future of Marketing Institute. He also teaches digital marketing strategy at McMaster University. He's a member of the Institute for Public Relations Digital Media Research Center and a past-chair of PRSA Counselors Academy. He has a Master of Communications Management (MCM) from McMaster-Syracuse Universities.