Finding Your Big Ideas with Improv: A #CMWorld Twitter Chat with Kathy Klotz-Guest

If you’re like me and have attended an improv show, you sat in awe of the talented actors on stage. Their ability to perform without a script amazes me. “I could never do that,” I would say to myself.

Imagine my surprise when I saw a session on improv on the agenda for this year’s Content Marketing World. Kathy Klotz-Guest, improv comedian and author of “Stop Boring Me!”, will share with attendees how organizations can apply improv to solve content marketing challenges.

We wanted a sneak peek of her session, so we asked Kathy to join us on a recent #CMWorld Twitter chat. What follows is a brief look at our conversation. It’s clear that we marketers can learn a thing or two from improvisational thinkers.

Improv often connotes “Open Mic Night” in comedy clubs. How can we shift that mentality to the business world?

A1 part 2. We also need companies to understand that humor is human and that all types of content have some degree of risk. An improv mindset is also about being agile, listening, and being willing to shift, experiment, and try new things. Huge for business. #Cmworld

— Kathy Klotz-Guest, #Inbound18, #CMWorld18 Speaker (@kathyklotzguest) August 14, 2018

A1) By communicating like a real human. Too many brand’s voices feel robotic and not genuine. That heart-felt voice helps your audience better connect with you. ?#CMWorld pic.twitter.com/woWweTP3TV

— Jason Schemmel – Podcaster. Speaker. #GSDChat?️? (@JasonSchemmel) August 14, 2018

A1. I’ve never done improv, but I think one of the rules is that you never say “no.” You extend the discussion; you don’t cut it off prematurely. I think that’s a good guideline for the business world. #CMWorld https://t.co/5jplMq62Fr

— David Simanoff (@dsimanoff) August 14, 2018

A1: Well, in improv at an open mic you can’t fake your personality. And in business (marketing) we need to have a personality. #CMWorld https://t.co/I3cPuAIGes

— Debbie Schwake (@SpiceDebbie) August 14, 2018

What improv techniques can we borrow to help inform our content marketing?

A3 So many …learn how to hear an offer (listen) and “yes and” an idea so you heighten that idea out with your team and build it out together – to a place you might not have gotten to yourself. Learn how to make other ppl look good – which is focusing content on others #Cmworld

— Kathy Klotz-Guest, #Inbound18, #CMWorld18 Speaker (@kathyklotzguest) August 14, 2018

A3: We need to follow improv rules of accepting and moving forward with the other person’s suggestion, no matter what it is. There is no saying “no.” Instead, look for the good in them. How can we move forward and build on the seed of a great idea in a suggestion? #CMWorld

— Kristen McCabe (@AusmericanGirl) August 14, 2018

A3: Improv relies on creativity…much as writing content marketing does. But you have to know your audience or you won’t resonate. #CMWorld

— Sue Brady (@SueBrady) August 14, 2018

Want more? I know I do. Check out our Twitter Moment for a complete look at questions and answers from the chat. And don’t miss Kathy’s session, Yes And! Turn Your Culture (OR CONTENT TEAM) into a Fresh-Idea Startup, on Thursday, September 6.

Did we mention The Second City is a Content Marketing World sponsor? And did you know CMWorld headliner Tina Fey is a Second City improv alum? 2018 is definitely the year to attend. Register now with code SM100 for a $100 discount!