{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Modern Manager","title":"370: Improv Techniques That Instantly Boost Your Communication Skills with Jeff Mondoro","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1837,"description":"Do you wait for the perfect moment to speak up, only to have the conversation move on without you?\nWhat if the secret to becoming a confident, impactful communicator wasn’t planning every word, but learning to improvise?\nThis week’s guest reveals how improvisation isn’t just for the stage, but a powerful, everyday skill that can transform how you connect, influence, and lead.\nToday’s guest is Jeff Mondoro. Jeff is an improviser, learning designer, executive coach, and a dad. He started his career in finance but discovered the world of improv in his mid-twenties and never looked back. \nIn this episode, Jeff explains why improv isn’t about being funny, but it’s about building on others’ ideas, listening deeply, and embracing uncertainty. You’ll learn how micro-experiments in your meetings can create more space for collaboration, and how clarifying language early prevents misalignment.\nPlus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Jeff and I discuss why adopting a growth mindset is essential for success, how to encourage team members to share unpolished ideas, and why humor works best when it’s co-created.\nJoin the conversation now!\nGet FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.\nConversation Topics(00:00) Introduction(01:56) What improv really is and isn’t?(07:42) Applying improv to meetings(14:09) From shaking with nerves to speaking with ease(17:00) Simple practices to build your improv skills(24:07) How to help your team become better listeners(26:31) A great manager Jeff has worked for(28:00) Keep up with Jeff(29:06) [Extended Episode Only] The surprising link between growth mindset and improv(35:54) [Extended Episode Only] How to bring humor to the workplace without offending anyone\nAdditional Resources:\n- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month\n- Read the full transcript here\n- Follow me on Instagram...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/vh03-o0OUKG7JnFjtDqtJmV0y385f5sQOifebswPa_E/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQzNjM5LzE2OTA1/Nzg4MDYtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}