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Improvise!: Use the Secrets of Improv to Achieve Extraordinary Results at Work
‘Improv’ performers look like creative geniuses, coming up with brilliant comedy on the spur of the moment. But they rely on some simple rules and techniques – ones which anyone can learn. Improvise! takes the ideas and skills from improvisation offstage to help you communicate more clearly, act more confidently and think on your feet.
In a world of constant change and unrelenting speed, we can sometimes feel like we’re struggling to keep up. Improv shows you how to roll with the punches and face the world with the belief that you can handle whatever comes your way – from adapting to change at work, to speaking confidently, negotiating like a pro and overcoming your fear of failure.
Using proven methods, real-world examples and a light-hearted approach, comedian and corporate trainer Max Dickins teaches you the secrets of improv to achieve extraordinary results with what you’ve already got.
In a world of constant change and unrelenting speed, we can sometimes feel like we’re struggling to keep up. Improv shows you how to roll with the punches and face the world with the belief that you can handle whatever comes your way – from adapting to change at work, to speaking confidently, negotiating like a pro and overcoming your fear of failure.
Using proven methods, real-world examples and a light-hearted approach, comedian and corporate trainer Max Dickins teaches you the secrets of improv to achieve extraordinary results with what you’ve already got.
- GenresBusinessNonfiction
Audio CD
Published July 14, 2020
About the author
Max Dickins
5 books12 followersMax Dickins is co-director of Hoopla, the UK’s first improvisation training school and London’s first dedicated improv comedy theatre. Offstage, as a coach and business speaker, he has brought improvisation into workplaces across the world, with clients including Facebook, Google and Unilever – even teaching candidates on The Apprentice (BBC1). As a comedian and writer, he has had his own Sony Award-nominated show on Absolute Radio, appeared numerous times on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show (BBC1), and taken critically acclaimed shows to the Edinburgh Festival and on tour around the UK. His book My Groupon Adventure was described by the Irish Examiner as ‘This is more than just a funny account of a madcap adventure…it’s full of heart’.
@maxdickins
www.maxdickins.com
@maxdickins
www.maxdickins.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 3, 2022
I will begin with the disclaimer that I contributed one of the case studies to this book (in exchange for which I received a free copy of the book) and have taken a number of classes with Hoopla Impro in London, which Max Dickins co-founded. I'm also not quite the target audience for this book: I've long been convinced of the value of improv, not just for its entertainment factor, but also for the life skills it can help you build. However, I feel like I could easily give this book to a sceptical colleague and convince them of the value of improv for getting on at work.
This book is a quick read and highly engaging, striking a good balance between explanations, examples and exercises. It is practical while still being very fun, and refreshingly business jargon-free. There are enough different areas covered that, if one thing doesn't grab you, there will certainly be something else that totally resonates. I feel like I am already living a lot of the tips in this book because of the positive impact improv has had on my life, so it is great to have them all in one place to share with others.
The one issue I had was that it would have been good to have more examples and ideas relevant to organisations that are non-profit (i.e. public and third sector) rather than just businesses, but enough of the book was generalisable that this is only a very small point. Whether you are considering trying improv but feel intimidated, or would never entertain even the most perfunctory game of zip-zap-zop, definitely give this book a read.
This book is a quick read and highly engaging, striking a good balance between explanations, examples and exercises. It is practical while still being very fun, and refreshingly business jargon-free. There are enough different areas covered that, if one thing doesn't grab you, there will certainly be something else that totally resonates. I feel like I am already living a lot of the tips in this book because of the positive impact improv has had on my life, so it is great to have them all in one place to share with others.
The one issue I had was that it would have been good to have more examples and ideas relevant to organisations that are non-profit (i.e. public and third sector) rather than just businesses, but enough of the book was generalisable that this is only a very small point. Whether you are considering trying improv but feel intimidated, or would never entertain even the most perfunctory game of zip-zap-zop, definitely give this book a read.
June 7, 2025
“Yes, and... I loved it!”
Improvise by Max Dickins is like being thrown on stage with no script and realizing — halfway through a pratfall — that life’s been an improv show all along. With the charm of a stand-up comic and the wisdom of someone who's clearly bombed a few times and lived to tell the tale, Max turns the art of improvisation into a toolkit for surviving awkward meetings, unexpected curveballs, and conversations with toddlers (or CEOs — same thing).
It’s not just about theatre games or making people laugh — it’s about listening like your WiFi depends on it, embracing the chaos, and turning “uh-oh” into “aha!”. Whether you're a performer, a professional, or a person who’s ever had to think on your feet (read: all of us), this book makes you want to lean into uncertainty and high-five it on the way down.
Highly recommended for anyone who’s tired of pretending to have all the answers — and is ready to dance with the unknown instead.
Improvise by Max Dickins is like being thrown on stage with no script and realizing — halfway through a pratfall — that life’s been an improv show all along. With the charm of a stand-up comic and the wisdom of someone who's clearly bombed a few times and lived to tell the tale, Max turns the art of improvisation into a toolkit for surviving awkward meetings, unexpected curveballs, and conversations with toddlers (or CEOs — same thing).
It’s not just about theatre games or making people laugh — it’s about listening like your WiFi depends on it, embracing the chaos, and turning “uh-oh” into “aha!”. Whether you're a performer, a professional, or a person who’s ever had to think on your feet (read: all of us), this book makes you want to lean into uncertainty and high-five it on the way down.
Highly recommended for anyone who’s tired of pretending to have all the answers — and is ready to dance with the unknown instead.
September 17, 2020
I loved all the tools and techniques shared in this book in a very practical way, alongside the authors own experiences with Improv. It's inspired me to sign up for Improv classes myself. I believe if all the principles were applied in a company, it would make a huge positive difference to the working culture (and bottom line as a result).
I enjoyed reading it and will certainly stay on my book shelf for future reference as it had so many ideas and exercises to use.
I enjoyed reading it and will certainly stay on my book shelf for future reference as it had so many ideas and exercises to use.
October 12, 2020
I have been waiting since a long time for a book like this. I liked a lot the examples of improvisation techniques applied in the business environment, a perfect combination between theory and practice. It made me think seriously to follow an improvisation class.
August 10, 2021
We used to have the best fun doing improv when I taught drama, and now--who knew---it was a really helpful activity. I like how this book applies the principles of improv to relationships and work situations. It makes sense!
October 15, 2020
The highlight was reading a Stewart Lee extract he cited. The rest of this is stating the obvious and linking it vaguely to improv.
October 25, 2021
Even if you’re not interested in improv classes, the skills are really applicable to everyday life + relationships. No lie I highlighted most of this book it is full of gems
February 20, 2022
Great introduction to Improvisation with a bunch of side content on how to be a confident leader.
January 29, 2023
Such an interesting read! Definitely recommend. I found all chapters I learnt something new and couldn’t put the book down!
Really positive theme and motivational
Really positive theme and motivational
December 11, 2023
Arguments on how improv can help you in business and strategies to achieve this. Enjoyable, informative, and convincing enough that I will go take improv classes.
August 5, 2021
What a useful and inspiring book! Lots of great strategies, tips and exercises to try. Really enjoyed this. Now to put some of the principles into practice!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews