Want Better Meetings? Start Like an Improviser

They are a part of all business life: meetings. I would never go as far as to say they are a necessary evil...but they can be something a lot of employees dread. And, when thinking about it, most meetings aren’t unpopular because of the purpose behind it. It’s the vibe. The energy. The unspoken awkwardness that lingers when people don’t feel seen, heard, or welcomed into the space. That’s why how you start a meeting is everything.

And guess what? Improv has a trick or two (or three) to help.

When I lead improv-based trainings with teams, one of the first things we work on in corporate improv training is how to show up for each other from the very beginning. Because whether you're brainstorming a new campaign, syncing cross-functional teams, or just trying to make it through another Monday stand-up—how you kick things off will shape everything that follows.

So here are 3 simple ways to start a meeting that are rooted in improv, backed by human behavior, and designed to bring more energy, honesty, and connection into your workplace.

1. Honest Check-In

Start with a quick, human moment. Ask everyone to share how they’re actually doing—not just “good” or “busy,” but something real, even if it’s two words like “hopeful and swamped.”

And here’s the key: you go first. Set the tone by modeling honesty. When people see that vulnerability is not only allowed but encouraged, they follow suit.

This isn’t just nice—it’s strategic. Studies show that psychological safety is one of the biggest predictors of a high-performing team (thank you, Google’s Project Aristotle).

“Psychological safety was far and away the most important of the five dynamics we found. It’s the underpinning of the other four.”— Google’s Project Aristotle, re:Work

And one of the fastest ways to build that safety is by giving people space to show up as they are, not as they think they should be.

2. Positive Framing

Improv works because we approach every scene with possibility. We don’t walk onstage and say, “Let’s try not to mess this up.” We say, “Let’s see where this can go!”

Same goes for meetings. Instead of listing all the problems we need to solve, start by naming the potential: “Today I’m looking forward to figuring out the event theme together.” That tiny shift creates optimism, momentum, and curiosity—three things every meeting needs more of.

Author Dan Pink writes that we’re more productive and creative when we feel positive about the task at hand. So frame your meeting goals with intention

“Positive emotions broaden our ideas about possible actions, open our awareness to a wider range of thoughts and make us more receptive and creative.”— Daniel H. Pink, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

Positivity isn’t fluff—it’s fuel.

3. Encouragement (Not Pressure)

Once you’ve set the tone and framed the mission, invite participation—but do it with curiosity, not demand.

That means instead of “Let’s go around and everyone say something,” try: “I’d love to hear from a few folks who haven’t spoken yet—what stood out to you?” When someone chimes in, highlight what you liked first. You don’t have to agree, but noticing what’s working reinforces trust and respect.

In improv, we call this “making your partner look good.” It allows everyone, even the newest player to feel supported, which instantly builds trust. In meetings, it’s called leadership.

“People don’t speak up when they feel they’ll be judged or punished. But when leaders show curiosity and appreciation for input, it creates a safe space to contribute.”— Amy C. Edmondson, author of The Fearless Organization

If your meetings have been feeling flat, try starting them more like an improviser: get real, stay curious, and lead with connection. The transformation isn’t in the agenda—it’s in how you invite people into it.

Because meetings aren’t just about getting things done. They’re about how we work together while doing it. And the HOW is what we are all about helping companies with.

And a little intentionality at the top goes a long, long way. Corporate improv workshops can help!