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Speak ArizonaAuthor: District 3Toastmasters
Welcome to Speak Arizona, the ultimate podcast for professionals looking to elevate their speaking skills in the workplace, meetings, and beyond. Whether youre aiming to captivate an audience, lead a successful meeting, or enhance your professional presence, this podcast is your go-to resource for actionable tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories. Join us as we delve into the art of effective communication, share proven strategies, and interview top speakers and coaches who have mastered the craft. Tune in to Speak Arizona and unlock your potential to speak with confidence, influence, and impact. Powered by District 3 Toastmasters. Subscribe now and take the first step towards becoming the speaker youve always wanted to be! Language: en Genres: Business, Careers, Education, Self-Improvement Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Improv Skills for Confident Speaking - Jess Klemm & David Raftery
Episode 82
Tuesday, 3 March, 2026
In Part 1 of our conversation with Bridge Improv Theater, co-owner David Raftery and education director Jess Klemm join host Rupesh Parbhoo and co-host Rachel Perez (Composion) to explore how improv builds confident communicators. You will hear simple warm-up games to spark creativity, why presence and active listening beat memorizing a script, and the real meaning of "yes, and" as agreement and support. They also clear up common misconceptions about improv and share how a playful mindset can reduce speaking anxiety and strengthen connection with any audience. Perfect for professionals, leaders, and speakers who want to show up more present, confident, and connected. Key takeaways - Presence and listening reduce anxiety more than memorizing a perfect script. - Quick warm-up games help you think faster and loosen up before speaking. - Improv is collaborative discovery, not standup or "being funny on command." - "Yes, and" is really agreement - supporting what is happening and building together. - Repetition in a safe, playful environment builds confidence and connection. Chapters 00:00 - Cold open 00:55 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 01:38 - Meet co-host Rachel Perez 02:56 - Meet Bridge Improv Theater 04:51 - Warm-up games 10:13 - What improv is and what happens on stage 14:24 - Stop clutching the script 18:14 - How Jess and David got into improv 23:41 - Misconceptions 28:56 - Confidence and community 37:38 - "Yes, and" 43:14 - How to visit Bridge Guest Jess Klemm is the education director at Bridge Improv Theater and began her improv journey in 2018. Connect - https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/bridgeimprovtheater/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridge-improv-theater/ David Raftery is a co-owner of Bridge Improv Theater and has been performing and teaching improv in Arizona since 2012. Connect - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-raftery-7ab689212/ - https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/bridgeimprov/ Rachel Perez is a brand identity designer and runs Composion, a one-person design studio. Connect - https://www.composion.design/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-perez-composion/
