5 Improv Games to Build Confidence and Quiet Your Inner Critic
Five improv games that build real confidence by quieting the inner critic and training you to handle uncertainty. Low-stakes, playful and surprisingly effective.
The art of “Yes…”
Improve with Improv!
The Improv Edge introduces you to essential improv skills that boost creativity, spontaneity, listening, acceptance, confidence and teamwork, all in an active and fun way. Quickly undo rigid thinking, improve your social skills and grow your self-confidence.
- Creativity
- Spontaneity
- Listening
- Confidence
- Teamwork
Paperback $14.95 · by Joe Hammer
Discover how to…
Ten skills you’ll take off the stage and into your life
Improv isn’t just for comedians. Its principles change how you think, connect and handle the unexpected, at work, at home and everywhere in between.
Get your copy now- Stifle your inner critic
- Unleash your imagination and creativity
- Be more present and fully in the moment
- Let go of perfectionism
- Embrace risk-taking and spontaneity
- Banish negative thinking
- Diminish stress and conflict
- Flow with unexpected life challenges
- Increase your self-esteem
- Release life-limiting fears of failure
Who it’s for
Who can benefit from The Improv Edge?
Whether you perform, present, lead or simply want more confidence, improv meets you where you are.
Improvisers
Hone your skills with a more detail-centered approach that’s real, grounded and fun.
Actors
Add improvisation to your toolbox for stronger auditions and more callbacks.
Speakers
Bring more energy, punch and spontaneity to your presentations.
Businesses & organizations
Grow creativity, innovation, communication, teamwork and leadership across your organization.
Team leaders
Empower your team to generate more ideas, with greater agility and collaboration in meetings.
Anyone
Skyrocket your confidence, improve your assertiveness, solve problems better and enjoy a more creative life.
What’s inside
Brain science, big laughs and practical tools
A sample of the chapters and techniques you’ll find in The Improv Edge.
- The Improv State of Mind
- The Science of Funny: Our Brains During Improv
- Creativity: Intelligence Having Fun
- Failing Without Failure
- From To-Do to Ta Da!
- How to Unleash Your Natural Talents
- Breaking Free of Pattern Thinking
- Mindfulness and Improv
- Risk Taking Without the Risks
- Confidence in Creativity
- The Under-Utilized 55% Communication Tool
- Escaping the Rigors of Daily Routines
- The Power of Specificity
- The Art of Conscious Consideration
- Leadership and Team Building
- Removing Boredom from the Boardroom
- New Twists on the Rule of Acceptance
- A Novel Approach to Effective Object Work
- No Panic Engagement with Improv
- Quieting the Inner Critic
- 20 Approaches to Sharpen Your Improv Skills
… and much, much more!
Reader reviews
What readers are saying
From improvisers and actors to salespeople, speakers and parents.
Meet the author
Joe Hammer
Joe Hammer is a nationally recognized improv coach who helps improvisers, actors, speakers and everyday creatives unlock more spontaneity, confidence and imagination. His study of improv began at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City. Today he is Director of The Outcasters Improv Training Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he has led hundreds of classes, seminars and workshops for students at every level.
Joe also brings improv into the corporate world, but at its core his approach builds creative confidence from a place of encouragement and strength, not performance pressure. He is also the author of Blank to Brilliant and The Unconscious Authority.
From the blog
Practical improv tips from Joe
Short, useful reads you can put into practice today.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about the book, ordering and working with Joe. Anything else? Email us.
Who is The Improv Edge for?
Improvisers, actors, public speakers, businesses and team leaders, and anyone who wants more confidence, creativity and spontaneity in everyday life. Whether you are sharpening your stage skills or simply want to worry less and create more, the book meets you where you are.
Do I need any improv experience?
No. Joe explains the improv mindset from the ground up, with practical approaches you can use right away. Experienced improvisers will also find a detail-centered approach for sharpening their craft.
Is it helpful for introverts?
Yes. Improv is about listening and responding, not being the loudest person in the room. As one reader put it: “If you are an introvert and sit at a desk all day doing computer work, you need this book.”
How is it different from Blank to Brilliant?
The Improv Edge focuses on personal creativity, confidence and spontaneity. Joe’s companion book, Blank to Brilliant, applies improv specifically to business communication: meetings, sales, leadership and teamwork.
Can I get a personalized copy?
Yes. When you order from this site, add your personalization instructions in the order form.
How much does the book cost?
The paperback is $14.95, plus $3.95 flat-rate shipping when you order from this site.
Can bookstores and retailers order it?
Yes. Bookstores and wholesale buyers can order The Improv Edge through Ingram Content Group.
Does Joe teach improv classes or workshops?
Yes. Joe teaches improv classes at The Outcasters Improv Training Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, and on Zoom. He also brings improv team building and keynotes to organizations through Your Improv Coach.
Get the Edge.
Undo rigid thinking, improve your social skills and boost your self-confidence, for just $14.95.