The 3 Improv Rules Every Speaker Should Know
(If You Want to Keep Your Audience Awake)
Public speaking isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you CONNECT, ENGAGE, and KEEP THE AUDIENCE in the palm of your hand. And guess what? The best speakers don’t just talk they PERFORM.
That’s why the best keynote speakers borrow from the world of improv comedy.
If you want to command a stage (and not bore people to death), you need to think like an improv comedian. These three improv rules aren’t just for getting laughs—they’re for delivering a keynote that people will actually remember.
1. The “Yes, And” Rule: Keep the Momentum Going
✅ Being adaptable when things don’t go as planned (because they won’t).
✅ Engaging with audience reactions instead of ignoring them.
✅ Keeping energy high by embracing unexpected moments.
EXAMPLE:
Imagine a speaker’s microphone dies mid-sentence. A traditional speaker might freeze. An improv-savvy speaker? They’d make a joke, roll with it, and keep the room engaged.
FOR BUSINESS LEADERS:
This skill isn’t just for the stage. “Yes, And” makes you a better communicator, leader, and team player. If you shut down ideas in a meeting, the energy dies. But if you say “Yes, And,” you keep conversations productive and innovative.
2. Make Your Scene Partner Look Good (A.K.A. It's Not About You)
Great improv actors know their job isn’t to steal the spotlight—it’s to make their scene partner shine. The same goes for speaking. The best keynote speakers focus on serving the audience rather than showing off.
🎤Craft stories and examples that relate to your audience.
🎤Acknowledge people in the room—call out their wins, challenges, and insights.
🎤 Keep your speech interactive so the audience feels like they’re part of the experience.
EXAMPLE:
A speaker who spends an hour talking about their own accomplishments?
Snooze…..
A speaker who shares audience stories, makes them laugh, and involves them in the talk?
Unforgettable.
FOR BUSINESS LEADERS:
This is leadership 101. When you make your team look good, you build trust, morale, and collaboration. A keynote should do the same—elevate the audience, not the speaker’s ego.
3. Follow the Fun: If It’s Not Interesting to You, It Won’t Be Interesting to Them
In improv, if a scene isn’t working, you pivot. Speakers should do the same. If you’re not excited about what you’re saying, your audience can tell (and they’ll mentally check out).
🔥 Use humor to bring your message to life.
🔥 Tell stories that excite you, not ones you think sound impressive.
🔥 Be present—react in the moment instead of rigidly sticking to a script.
Connect with your audience by adding a little humor and leaning into your true stories.
EXAMPLE:
The most viral TED Talks? They’re not dry, robotic lectures. They’re full of humor, energy, and unpredictability. That’s what keeps an audience engaged.
FOR BUSINESS LEADERS:
Your teams don’t need another PowerPoint marathon. They need engaging communication, real energy, and a little unexpected fun—whether in meetings, presentations, or company-wide events.
Want to See These Rules in Action?
That’s exactly what my Corporate Comedy Show does—it fuses improv comedy and leadership insights into an unforgettable keynote experience. If you want your next company event to be both insightful and entertaining, let’s talk!
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!
Learn how to elevate your speaking and communication skills with this infusion of improv rules and SO much more in the Ovation Speakers Community today.
FINAL THOUGHT!
A great keynote isn’t just words—it’s an experience. And the best experiences are engaging, surprising, and full of connection. Use these three improv rules, and you’ll not only hold your audience’s attention—you’ll have them laughing, learning, and remembering you long after they leave the room.
