The rules to the improv game “Sell a Blank to a Blank” are deceptively simple. One person is the seller, and the other person is the buyer. The seller has to sell a random object to the buyer, who has a random personality trait. To …
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Debunking the Myth of YES AND
If you’ve ever taken an improv class, you’ve probably heard the golden rule of “yes and”. It means you accept whatever your scene partner offers you and build on it. For example, if they say “We’re on a spaceship”, you don’t say “No, we’re not, …
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How to Become a Better Speaker in One Minute or Less
The mother of Improv Viola Spolin said, “If you have a problem, there’s a game to solve it. And if there isn’t a game, invent one!” As a public speaking coach, I use the Sponto Time card deck in my consults to help executives with …
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New Game! One Minute Story
On Friday the 13th, Izzy and I did a LIVE audio event on LinkedIn. We invited participants on stage to play an improv game with us called “One Minute Story.” I’ll often use this game in public speaking classes and consults as a warmup exercise. …
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What does “YES, AND” actually mean?
You’ve probably heard that improv and improv games rely heavily on the concept of “Yes, and…” But what does that phrase really men? As you approach each game, do so with the spirit of “yes, and…” in mind. The concept of “yes, and…” is a …
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Why is it Sponto Time? In a word, ENGAGEMENT
People are sick and tired of going to boring meetings, classes, parties, and other events that lack opportunities for meaningful conversations and connections. When people aren’t more deeply engaged with others in their environment, they lose focus and interest. They lose heart. 💗 That’s because their …
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Why Did We Create Sponto Time?
These are five quotes from various clients we’ve worked with over the years: Who are we? We’re Laura and Izzy! I’m Laura Bergells. I’m a business communication coach. Izzy Gesell is a presentation coach and humorist. We both teach courses and lead workshops to develop …
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It’s Not the Improv Game, It’s the Improvisor
I call Applied Improv the “Type O” of skillsets because of its universal usefulness. The evidence for its range comes from my Google Alert which is set for “improv.” Each day brings new examples of the effectiveness of Applied Improv. One day, laid-off workers are …
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New Game Rules! I Heard a Rumor About You
The RULES: In this two-person improv game, select one player as “The Chosen One,” or CO, for short! The other player grabs and reveals either a purple card or an orange card. 🟠🟣 The player with the card confronts the CO with a rumor based …
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Improv is the New Mindfulness
I’ll bet you or someone you know has taken an Improv class. I wouldn’t be surprised if they loved the experience to the point of becoming alt-evangelical. “How was it?” you ask them. “Great,” “fun,” “amazing, “I learned a lot about myself.” “Really?” you reply. …
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