When you think of improv do you think of sketch comedy, Saturday Night Live or do you think of becoming a better speaker? It can be all of the above! So says our guest for episode 138 of The Speaker Lab, Mike Ganino. Mike is a former self-proclaimed restaurant guy with an intereste in theatre and in improv. After leaving the restaurant biz he became a consultant and learned to use his improv skills to help his clients become leaders. Soon he found his niche speaking about building organizations for the present and the future, and working with public speakers with Michael and Amy Port. On today's show we dive deeper into his personal story, as well as how to use improv to improve your speaking skills and why improv doesn't always mean funny. You'll learn about that and more on this edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:    What is blocking, and why should you avoid it? How much improv training should you take? Why improv isn't the same as "winging it". A few things you can do to practice by yourself. What's the only cure for bombing on stage? What is the "last word first word" technique? Why the time you put into rehearsal is so critical to your success on stage. Is improv always funny? And so much more!   EPISODE RESOURCES Mike Ganino's web site Mike Ganino on Twitter Mike Ganino's Improv For Speakers giveaway 7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking Engagements The Speaker Lab Summit The Speaker Lab Facebook group Top Speakers Tips Ready for more speakers? Join our free speaker workshop Got questions? Send them in here Email me! Subscribe on iTunes, and leave us a rating or review