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Case study 2:
a training programme

A progressive private sector company wanted an in-depth training package for first line managers, to improve their presentation and communication skills. The company was keen to promote an innovative approach and to provide an exciting experience for their staff; for these reasons they were open to a comedy based programme.

An initial meeting was held with the client to decide on a broad strategy; it was agreed that there would be four one-day sessions over a period of four weeks, plus a visit to a live comedy show. The company then advertised the programme among internally and selected twelve candidates from the applicants. A preliminary meeting followed with these, in which Positive Comedy explained the methods to be used and delegates were encouraged to identify personal objectives for the programme.

Throughout the series emphasis was placed on enabling each participant to develop their own unique capabilities and natural mode of expression to the fullest, using Positive Comedy's dynamic and interactive improvisation-based exercises and activities, together with group feedback processes. This approach is typical for Positive Comedy - focusing on process rather than content, which supports development of abilities that can subsequently be applied to any situations that arise in the real business world.

By the final session each delegate was able to successfully present his or her own short stand-up spot in front of the group, complete with stage, lights and microphone. This was a key stage in the training that was noted by all the participants, with powerful benefits identified such as building confidence, using humour in a natural way, and learning how to create a powerful connection with an audience.

A participating manager said "I found the whole course very enjoyable and challenging".

 

Business training case studies

 

 

 

 

 

These are just a few examples. Positive Comedy offers a wide range of different types of personal and professional development products, including training, events and one-to-one coaching.

For info on our comedy workshops on a Med cruise click here

Case study 1: a performance based event

Positive comedy was asked to deliver input to a major seminar launching the e-government programme for a large group of local authorities. The brief was to demonstrate what local e-government means in real life and to raise issues for participative discussion - and to do it in a way that would be creative and lively - considered a major challenge for this kind of subject. It was crucial that delegates would leave enthused rather than jaded; in other words, what was not wanted was breakout groups or 'death by PowerPoint'.

In consultation with client representatives, Positive Comedy devised a strategy of presenting three sketches, interwoven with a facilitated panel discussion and delegate participation, and this was agreed. PC then educated itself on e-government applications before writing the three sketches, which were then vetted by the client. On the day these were performed by Gerry Thompson and associates.

Feedback following the presentation has been uniformly positive. The chief executive liaising with us described it as "an excellent and highly professional contribution to the success of this event ...particularly for the elected politicians, as for the first time in their experience there was a real attempt to relate e-business to the service issues faced by the ordinary person at the bus stop". He also praised Positive Comedy's "way of working and ability to deliver a highly creative approach to dull topics"!

 

Case study 3: a conference workshop

Brighton and Hove Leadership Forum called in Positive Comedy to present two identical one-and-a-half hour workshops at its annual conference. This event attracts several hundred delegates from the upper echelons of the area's major public service organisations.

The conference theme was 'Chaos and Complexity', and the workshops were to be both transformative and fun, each for 20 participants. Positive Comedy suggested the following issues for the sessions: - making the most of unexpected developments - extending your 'comfort zone' in an undependable working environment - lightening up and seeing the funny side of things The workshops comprised a couple of ice-breakers, a variety of improvisation based activities and a short de-briefing conclusion where delegates identified changes that they could, prompted by the activities.

A delegate wrote: "I enjoy the care you take with each person...You provide a safe space and then encourage everyone to 'be in the moment' and throw themselves into your well-thought-out activities and spaces. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience." The only negative feedback was that due to the workshops excessively popular, extra people sneaked in over an above the allocated number!

For further info in UK call 01273 463611 or 07986 561860

Email: info@positivecomedy.com

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