Have you ever felt like you’re standing on the edge of something big, but you’re not quite sure how to take that first step? That’s where I found myself not too long ago. Fresh off the boat (or should I say, magic carpet?) from Disneyland to Dubai, I was searching for a way to rediscover my spark in this new sandy landscape. Little did I know, the answer was waiting for me in the most unexpected place: an improv class. Join me on a journey that transformed not just my approach to public speaking, but my entire outlook on life and communication. Buckle up, because this adventure is about to begin!
When I moved from Disneyland to this sandy land 🏜️, I initially felt like a genie out of his lamp—disoriented and unsure of my place. I felt like I had left such a big part of myself behind and couldn’t figure out how to move from there.
Still, I’ve always trusted that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. So, in an effort to get out of my own head, I signed up for an improv class. Oh, don’t let me fool you, although I loved it I spent a lot of time silently judging myself, my actions, my reactions. Was I good enough? Was my answer the right one? What was everyone else thinking of me? Traces of a perfectionist, I know. I could have shied away from that, but that overall fun I felt stayed with me. That one session turned into an eye-opening “Don’t Panic” training at The Courtyard Playhouse.
And guess what? I did it. I got out of my head and had an incredible experience. 7 weeks of doing whatever I pleased, without judgment. A bunch of people in corporate or with corporate background together, choosing to laugh with one another.
Bit by bit, I learned to let go, stop aiming for perfection, and just try something new. Along the way, I met incredible people, had a ton of fun, and discovered—firsthand and in an entirely new way—some secrets that every public speaker can use:
✨ Be open to “gifts”: Approach every interaction with openness and attentiveness. Just like an improv partner, your audience is always offering you something: whether it’s their energy, a subtle reaction, or even the sound of a chair creaking. Pay attention, be there with all your senses, and you’ll know how to respond.
✨ Dare to be dull: I love these words from Tina Fey. Don’t judge what you’re saying, doing, or thinking in the moment. Ironically, you’re more likely to be interesting when you stop trying so hard and let go. This aligns perfectly with Keith Johnstone’s idea of quit trying so hard and being as obvious as possible: your obviousness is only obvious to you, so to everyone else it looks creative.
✨ Stay in the present: There’s always something happening in the moment—something you can notice, react to, or even play with. By embracing what’s happening in real time, you turn the unexpected into opportunities for connection, humor, or even inspiration.
✨ Try again, fail better: Now I don’t know exactly who said this, but I know your audience loves to watch you fail and then succeed. If you first fail, they’ll have a big applause for you when you finally succeed. As Keith Johnstone puts it “All audiences want to be there on the night when everything goes wrong. If you can fail well enough and cheerfully enough.” Being able to fail and have it still work out, that’s a superpower.
✨ Rediscover the familiar: Don’t just think outside that infamous box—reimagine the box itself. Whether it’s a well-worn topic or a tried-and-true presentation style, there’s always room for a fresh perspective. Challenge yourself to find new angles in familiar territory. You might surprise yourself—and your audience—with the gold you unearth in unexpected places.
✨ Have fun: Let go and enjoy the process—whether in improv, public speaking, or life itself—for real magic to happen. 🎉
✨ Make the other look good: At the end of the day, it’s all about them. Whether you leave them with a new skill, a fresh perspective, or simply a better feeling, your goal is to make sure they walk away better than they arrived. Focus on them, and you’ll always succeed. 🙌 (on improv terms it would be “make your partner look good” but it fits perfectly here.)
This journey taught me so much about communication—and about myself. Many times now I don’t search for the right answer, I just improvise. If I get lost, I figure out another way.
And if there’s one takeaway I’d love to share, it’s this: even when you feel a little lost, go for something new and you might just stumble upon something extraordinary. ✨ You know when you take a wrong turn on the street, you’re lost, and suddenly you find the coolest coffee shop ever? That’s it.
Feeling a bit lost or stuck? That’s exactly where I was before I stepped into The Courtyard Playhouse. Trust me, improv is for anyone ready to rediscover joy, spontaneity, and connection in their life. Don’t just imagine the possibilities—experience them. Come and discover a side of yourself you never knew existed. After all, the stage is set, and your own adventure can now begin!
Tânea Tavares
Tânea is a storyteller and communication enthusiast with a deep passion for the power of human connection. Her journey has taken her from the magical world of Disneyland to the sparkling sands of Dubai, where she rediscovered motivation through the unexpected joy of improv.
With a background in performing arts and events, Tânea has experienced firsthand how improvisation techniques can transform not only public speaking but also one’s approach to life and communication. These insights have become invaluable tools in her work as a public speaking coach, where she helps others find their authentic voice and build confidence in various professional settings.
Tânea is passionate about sharing how embracing spontaneity and presence can lead to more impactful and genuine communication, both on and off the stage.
