What Do I Offer?
I am adept at observing the way people communicate with each other, and I building custom plans based around their needs. This is because I have taught the art of improvisation for three years, and it has given me a world-class education on the way group dynamics make or break the creativity of the whole team.
In life, work, and improv theatre, the success of any group is built on their ability to be honest with each other, which fuels their trust in each other, which then allows them to support each other to take risks and do truly brilliant, impactful work.
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When you use my contact form to get in touch with me, I will ask you about your team, to get a sense of who they are, and what they need support with. Based on our conversation, I will draw up an activity plan of improvisational games which will help your team overcome whatever communication issues they are facing.
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Pricing will depend on the nature of the workshop. For reference, a simple one-hour online workshop for 20 people typically costs £150.00.
Experience
2018 - 2021
The University of Leeds
BA Theatre and Performance
1st Class Honours
Outstanding Achievement Award
Award For Best Independent Research Project
Leeds University Union Comedy Society
Head of Improv/Activities Manager
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2017 - Present
MissImp Improv Comedy Theatre
Completed Level 1&2 Improv Courses
Performer with 'The Vox Pops'
If your team has great communication, but needs a friend in their corner to help them really shine, I also work as a Zoom Technician, a technical stagehand, letting you get on with the content delivery, and relationship building.
My Sessions For Remote Teams
I use our initial consultation to discuss what kind of support your team would benefit from, then, I select a programme of group games and exercises that focus on the following skills:
​​Being Real
Authentic conversations can be difficult, over the internet. Videoconference tools and online calendars and automated emails make it easy to make a meeting happen, but what about everything that happens around the meeting?
When we can't have chats around the watercooler, or pass each other in the corridor, we have to find new ways to connect with colleagues informally. I provide icebreakers that can spark those conversations again.
​​Non-Verbal Communication
Nonverbal communication is key to lifting the energy of meetings. It's hard to pick up on non-verbal cues from our colleagues, which in turn makes us less likely to make an effort to send those signals out. I provide games that prompt participants to re-think the way we communicate non-verbally in the context of a videoconference platform.
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Upping our non-verbal communication allows us to reassure each other that we’re listening. This allows meetings to feel more engaging, and like they’re having a constructive and meaningful effect for the team.
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​​Conversation Flow
The typical conventions of conversation are disrupted by technical problems. Not only that, but communication issues from the physical workplace are still present. These include getting newer members of the team involved, and ensuring no-one is talked over.
There are ways to overcome these difficulties. I have games that teach turn-taking, and active listening, which encourage everyone in the room to take responsibilty for constructive and equitable conversations.
Digital Skills
Even with the best people in the world, if your team can't use the digital tools at their disposal, their potential will be limited.
True mastery of any digital tool requires a curious mind and a willingness to experiment. With that in mind, I teach teams to use the various features of their videoconference software, but in a gamified way.
Testimonials
Praise for my improv workshops:
"Laurie is a fantastic teacher, able to get across quite nuanced topics in a simple and easily understood way."
"Being taught improv by Laurie is like being dragged out of your shell, through orifices you didn't even know you had. Pleasantly, of course."
"Laurie has taught me everything I know about improv to this day. [...] Thanks to his guidance I’ve felt more comfortable being a leader and a person in a position of authority, something I never thought was possible. He’s pushed me to become a better performer, a better committee member, and a better person. Thank you, Laurie, for all the fantastic lessons you’ve taught me."
Additional Services
Zoom Technician
I can manage the technical side of your Zoom gathering, so that you can focus on delivering content, and interacting with your participants.
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I can play music, manage breakout rooms, monitor the chat, mute participants with background noise, and help with technical problems. I also have experience working with Zoom's 'Webinar Mode'.
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For my technician services, I charge a sliding scale of cost, depending on the complexity and length of the event, and the amount of prep time required beforehand. I typically charge £35/hr.
Praise for my Zoom Tech Hosting/Producing:
"Laurence is a fast-rising Zoom-tech talent: his warm nature and unflappable adaptability make him a solid asset in any professional online team. Every time I work with Laurie he's enthusiastically educating me on another cool new tech trick he's mastered. A safe pair of hands." - Vic Hogg, The Offer Bank