Improvisation seems to have an inescapable connection with facilitation. It’s a topic we’ve touched on many times in this podcast but, to really dig into its depths, it made sense to speak with the man who — quite literally — wrote the book on it!

Robert Poynton is the multi-talented author of Do Improvise and Do Pause, creator of Yellow (a unique online learning programme), and the fabled On Your Feet experiential workshop studio.

In this episode, we explore what it means to improvise — by saying no as much as yes, by learning to trust our embodied instinct and responsiveness, and by trusting that there are no wrong roads in the journey towards facilitating change.

Find out about:

• Why the unpredictable flow of a workshop is the only flow it can realistically take
• How to facilitate with instinct, as well as intellect
• How to embrace ideas, challenges, and interruptions in your workshops as creative inputs 
• Why a workshop that meets your expectations may not be so successful
• How to pan for golden nuggets in a stream of silence
• Why Robert disagrees that improv is all about saying ‘yes’
• What acceptance, rather than agreement, does to transform the room

Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.

And download the free 1-page summary, so you can always have the key points of this episode to hand.

Links

Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.

Robert’s website

The Everyday Improviser (online course)

The Do Books: Do Improvise and Do Pause

Yellow, Robert’s online learning programme

Connect to Robert:

On LinkedIn

On Instagram

On Twitter

Support the Show.

**
Click here to navigate through all episodes via this interactive podcast map.
**
If you're inspired by our podcast and crave similar conversations, consider joining Dr Myriam Hadnes' NeverDoneBefore Facilitation Community.
**
If you're keen to master the art of facilitation, discover our expert-led live, online Facilitation Courses at the NDB Academy.
**
If you enjoy the show, consider a one-off donation and contribute to the ongoing costs of running the podcast.