Dream Big & Execute Even Bigger with Improv Techniques

Improvisation can lead to innovation.

Research shows teams that utilize improvisation skills and embrace the possibility of failure trust each other more, increase their collective creativity, and experiment fearlessly.

After studying, performing, and facilitating improv comedy for over 6 years, the values and techniques gleaned from this exciting art form are now a formative part of my professional as well as personal life.

I work with clients to generate a creative, supportive, collaborative culture, which results in a ton of fun along the way. The “Whose Line Is It, Anyway?”-style teachings and tactics help break the mold, developing and discovering brands that invigorate and create value for my clients.

“Oh, I could never do that. I’m not (creative, brave, funny) enough to do improv! WRONG. Improv theory and framework is universal and accessible.

Below are both examples of improv in action and techniques that you can start using in YOUR professional and personal life. Internalizing and experimenting with these concepts will increase your confidence as a creative and a leader.

Coca-Cola: the world’s greatest improviser?

For more than 100 years, Coca-Cola’s embraced and embodied improv tactics in memorable ways. The world’s favorite carbonated sugar water enforces one simple idea: “Drinking Coke makes you happy.” Happiness is directly and subliminally conveyed through the brand’s visuals, voice, touch-points, and messaging.

Coca-cola advertisement

The results include “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke,” Santa Claus, and the effervescent family fun at The World of Coke museum in Atlanta. Everything is red. Everything is the same font. The taste hits just right. All of it makes us feel good.

Intentionally or not, Coke utilizes the following classic improv techniques to great success:

Game of the Scene

Effective brands elicit emotion and inspire action by consistently communicating one core idea across all their touch points.

Brand architecture creates a framework for everyone and everything in the company to follow. This spans visual identity (colors, logo, fonts), organizational messaging (mission, vision, values), and creative outputs (campaigns, social media, advertising).

The big belief, emotion, or idea that defines how the brand makes consumers feel—is traditionally referred to as the Brand Essence. In improv, it’s called “The Game of the Scene.”

When our “scene partners”—the combination of clients, creative, and strategy— understand and align on this core belief, every deliverable follows the through line, eliminating personal preference and bias in favor of strategic consistency.

Receive, React, Respond

Every quality interaction or conversation breaks down into three parts. Skip one, and we miss an opportunity to develop a great idea, together. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Receive the information. Give yourself permission to ignore any assumptions and stay fully engaged with your “scene partner” by actively absorbing incoming data without judgment.

  2. React. Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve heard, then physically acknowledge that you’ve connected with what was said.

  3. THEN Respond and add to the conversation.

This informs every part of my process, from conducting research and developing audience personas to presenting creative concepts to clients.

Don’t Think

It’s easy to overthink and “get in your head” on stage and in real life. Sometimes it’s better to follow intuition and rely on emotional knowledge instead of technical information.

Making decisions that don’t align with the holistic nature of the brand—no matter how data driven or deeply analyzed—introduces an opportunity to miss the forest for the trees.

image of the "New Coke" bottle from the 1980's

Every marketer worth their salt knows about "New Coke"’s disastrous campaign. The company attempted to compete with Pepsi by creating an updated, modern soda pop. The new formula’s taste was backed by significant consumer research—in a blind taste test, New Coke won!

Both scientists and marketers concluded that consumers would like to try something new from the old company. New Coke was intended to energize the U.S. market, but instead ignited an incredible uproar of consumer fury.

Americans naturally trend towards nostalgia. Whether it’s 1953 or 1993, remembering “The Good Old Days" harkens to a simpler (albeit sometimes inaccurate) time, “Classic” Coke—a familiar, friendly treat—built generations of contented, devoted brand advocates.

By changing the formula—one of history’s greatest mysteries—Coca-Cola turned its back on The Game of the Scene. We know how that turned out.

A to C

Out-of-the-box results require out-of-the-box thinking. It’s easy to create connotations between ideas that are only one step removed from each other.  “Sunshine” makes us think of “Summer” - that’s an “(idea) A to (idea) B” connection.

Summery sunshine campaigns are a dime a dozen. What does it take to discover a unique idea? Dig deeper and connect the second idea to something new- a more indirect expansive concept that still lives in the world of the brand.

Idea “C” opens a wider variety of creative avenues to explore. “Summer” could be associated with freedom, childhood play, travel, relaxation, and family. Now there are dozens of ways to creatively convey sunshine.

Going from A to C opens more opportunities to expand and play in ways that are more fun and compelling.

Santa + Coke = an A to B correlation. It’s a classic, successful combination that can be a challenge to present in a refreshing light after being around for so long. Decades later, the company made a less direct connection with a campaign that’s just as delightful and memorable.

Where does jolly old Saint Nick live? The North Pole. (A) If he lives at the North Pole, it must be a happy place. (B) What else lives at the North Pole that might be happy? A polar bear! (C) Coke’s A to C thinking resulted in a fresh campaign that fit into the pre-established association between the brand and Christmas.

Those adorable little cubs rolling around with classic Coke bottles probably live right next door to the Claus family. Without the campaign, would you associate them with the brand? No. But… does it work? Absolutely.

Yes… AND

The number one rule in improv is “Yes...And”. This concept promises positive support throughout the creative process. I host two day workshops for my clients to kick off our projects, collect stories, and start brainstorming together. Building on each other to discover parts of YOUR brand is the special sauce that sets Meráki Creative Solutions apart.

The phrases “Yes... BUT” (that idea won’t work because... etc.) and “NO” instead of “And” blunt new voices, kill exciting ideas, and stop the conversation in its tracks. “Yes... AND" cultivates an environment where every voice is heard, everyone feels free to fail, and every new idea is accepted—not because it’s perfect, but because it is a potential launchpad for great work.

It's human nature to find fault with innovative ideas. If a suggestion feels silly, unrealistic, or potentially fallible, defenses come up, and the idea gets shot down. The results seem safer, but they are always small. The Power of “Yes &” intentionally reverses this psychosomatic thought process.

The method is two pronged:

YES—acknowledge and validate the information

AND—actively contribute something new.

The team - my clients and I - trust each other. No matter what comes out during this process, there will be supportive feedback. Initial ideas don’t always (or ever) make sense - and that’s okay. Practicing the process is challenging! Choosing the best idea out of many instead of accepting the last idea standing produces striking results.

Calling back to New Coke: changing the fundamentals of the brand was a risky move. The decision seemed solid. Everyone agreed it was a smart business choice. Ignoring The Game of the Scene resulted in an expensive, embarrassing moment that’s reviewed and made an example of almost 40 years later.

As time created distance from the disaster, making this bold, chaotic choice paid off by irrevocably transforming Coke’s internal culture. According to one CEO, “the most significant result of 'New Coke' was that it sent an incredibly powerful signal ... that we really were ready to do whatever was necessary to build value for the owners of our business."

As the world’s most spectacular flop illustrates… there are no mess-ups in improv. “Mistakes” are opportunities to pivot and explore unexpected pathways leading to connection and innovation. If the world’s biggest brand can fall on its face and get back up again, so can we. What could we create together if we weren’t afraid to fail?

Let’s find out.

The Magic of Meráki

If you could bottle up my passion, creativity, sideways thinking, and love of people and connection, Eau de Jenny would be Meráki. This Greek concept is my favorite word in any language. My Brand Essence is tattooed on my inner wrist as a constant reminder and North Star.

These days, words surround me - the art on my wall, the conversations I create, the tweets I fire off, and the ink embedded in my skin: a reminder of my outlook on life.

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Cincinnati: You can happen here




This is an encouragement - to anyone who's ever wanted to make a difference. 
You can do it here. Chase your dream. Tell us about it - we'll help you achieve it - every step of the way.

Four years ago today, I was a wide-eyed college senior experiencing her first taste of activism. Issue 9 loomed over Cincinnati's future, and I joined a group of people overflowing with passion and optimism about our city's future. We phone banked. We knocked on doors. We wrote blog posts, tweeted, and explained to anyone who would listen that Cincinnati's future depends on an interconnected transit system - that we deserve to step up as a city and start the process of rail transit in town. I met people that night who've led to some of my most lasting friendships. We ran all over town, celebrating a new Mayor, a new Council, and a victory at the polls. Two years later, we did it again.

When given the opportunity, I'll gladly talk til I'm hoarse about the reasons why Cincinnati is amazing. It goes so far beyond the chili and the ice cream, the silly rivalries and local culture. The secret to the city is this: if you're willing to roll up your sleeves, you can create amazing things here. I can't think of many other big cities where I can chat up my government leaders at the local coffee shop. I've watched friends run for office, open bars and restaurants and breweries and companies, create amazing events and experiences from not much but connections and hard work - because in Cincy, we're small enough to make a difference, but big and connected enough to help you reach your dream.

I've been pretty quiet this election season about candidates, issues and opinions. This is because I'm lucky enough to be serving as the treasurer for Cincinnatians for Progress - the issues PAC that formed to defeat the crazy rail ballot amendments four years ago. We're not allowed to publicly endorse candidates - and since my name is all over the mailers and radio ads showing up in mailboxes and airwaves informing the city about the Streetcar project, I haven't felt super comfortable posting a list.

But I will say this: tomorrow I'm voting for the people I know will continue to listen and work for the good of all my fellow Cincinnatians. Those who have worked together, who've put out big, bold plans to keep Cincy moving forward, and who aren't afraid to take stances on tough issues. Obviously, supporting the streetcar doesn't hurt. The ballot issues this year are to help out the Library and the Zoo, two of our greatest assets. (The streetcar will eventually connect these two places!) There's another one (Issue 4), designed to dismantle the city's pension system.

Voting may not seem like a big deal to some, but it's our right (AMURIKA), and our duty as informed and engaged citizens. And unlike big elections where you might feel your vote is minuscule, local election turnout is low - your vote and voice really will count here. So go ahead - find out where you vote - and please, please, go do it!

Manic Pixie Dream Girl: a Defense


it starts early.
I am eccentric - always have been. From a young age, I was the bookworm who made up stories in her head and never quite had enough play-dates. In high school, I wore a duct tape dress to prom, and was very nearly voted "Most Unique" - queen of the drama kids, floating in between social circles - cool enough to say hi to in the hall, but not to get invited to parties. It didn't bother me.

Thrift store shopping, weird catch phrases, a propensity to speak my mind and somehow get away with it- I embraced the strange parts of me, and so did everyone else. I mostly grew out of my awkwardness and quickly learned that my bubbly personality and unique style was attractive (especially in art school). The attention didn't inspire me to work harder on my twee - but it certainly didn't discourage it, either.

Then a year or two ago, I learned there was a term for girls like me. Manic Pixie Dream Girl! You know, like Zooey Deschanel. or Audrey Hepburn. I got grouped in with two of my favorite actresses? Sign me up for that. It didn't change who I was, and it was a cute moniker; an easy to understand facet of my more public personal brand.

Over the last few months, though, it's stopped being sunshine and unicorns. Ugly, dismissive articles are popping up across the web. Dissecting the stereotype - women bravely coming forward and confessing that it was all just an act - a way to get men to like them - that they purposefully diminished certain parts of their personality to come across a certain way.

I'm here to tell you that some of us are authentic. This is just the way we are. Just like there are some men who are more or less Michael Cera's shy character. I know; I dated one.

oh God. the twee. Make it stop.
To assume that I am manufacturing my personality to fit a stereotype or please someone else is even more condescending than backing away from the label in the first place. Just because you put a name on who I am and stuck it in there with your other female stereotypes does not somehow make me less. To insinuate that I should stop being so cutesy - how dare I?

That my interests and personality should be changed in some way so you can feel better about the way you think and feel about me as a man - so you'll stop making me the girl of your dreams - is not going to happen. Screw you.

I have a girlfriend who is Elle Woods. Graduated law school, blonde and bubbly as they come, with an apartment full of inspirational sayings and glittery tchotchkes that would look out of place anywhere else (hey Britt!) She is also one of the smartest, most articulate women I've ever met, and she will not hesitate to rip you a new one - even dressed to the nines in her favorite OSU gear (light up sunglasses and pom pom gloves). We are who we are. You're the ones putting us in a box.

So this Manic Pixie Dream Girl label - the backing away from it, the dismissal of us women who have always embraced the quirky - eventually it will go out of vogue, and intellectual men-children everywhere will find some other trope to jerk off to. That's not going to change me. When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple, with a red hat that doesn't match, and continue doing and acting however I see fit - and we'll see who has a crush on me then.

Are you actually attracted to the idea that I'm some waify little daydream that's going to swoop in and magically change your life? Maybe you're drawn to my authenticity and confidence - and the rest of the world has followed suit. No doubt about it - MPDG is the fashion of the times.

Let's break apart the acronym and see where it goes south, shall we? Remember, the original definition was created by a (male) movie reviewer who saw a pattern to these tragic supporting actresses whose characters were presumably written by men, but based off real women- or so he assumed.

Manic - Dictionary definition: frenzied, intense, mad, frenetic. from mania - infatuation, passion, preoccupation, craving, fixation, madness. Wait one second. Infatuation? Preoccupation? We're not the crazy ones - it's you sad sacks that are obsessed with us. The mania is not from the girl - it's of the girl. Not her fault (or often, even her intention.)

Pixie - playfully impish or mischievous; prankish. Again - another assumption - we're driving you mad, and it MUST be intentional. We're playing with your heart strings, tugging you around by the nose, all for a good laugh. Because sucking you in with my eclectic nature and then breaking your heart by not actually being interested in you is somehow my fault. 

Dream - not based in reality. I am a real person, with flaws and imperfections and bad hair days. Sometimes I'm not witty or interesting or adorable. And the moment I'm not, the illusion shatters. Get to know the real girl and embrace her wholeness.

Girl - not a woman. Definitely defenseless. Must be taken care of. - Okay, I'll admit fault on this one. It's fun to occasionally play the damsel in distress. Being taken care of feels good - sometimes. I've experienced enough heartache in my life - and seen the real life scenario play out in my family - to know that at the end of the day, I have to take care of me. Just because I wear twirly dresses and ride my bike in high heels doesn't mean I'm helpless.

This label is not a reflection of me. It's a reflection of you - I'm not manic, pixie, a dream, or at this point, even a girl. Yet somehow, these tragic, shallow adjectives got attached to a category of women who dared to step outside the confines of acting "normal".

I'm gonna keep doing me, whatever you want to call it.
The negatives of the trope do not diminish the positives of my personality. Am I doing myself a disservice by accepting the stereotype? (I did the same thing with 'hipster', by the way.) I'm gonna go with no.

I can't change the way you act or perceive me. I can only directly affect how I act and how I perceive others. And you know what? I choose positivity, and petticoats, and painted toes, and looking for the best in people.

Stop pooping on my parade - leave us quirky women alone, to our cats, bicycles, and pie baking. Or swoop us off our feet and fall in love with our unique natures and sparkly souls - and our bad sides, too. But seriously, stop the shame, and adjust your viewpoint.

Maybe we need a new label - I'm certainly open to suggestions. I'll still be here, doing my thing, whether you're paying attention or not.

Your Goof, My Gain

Over the last year or so, several companies and organizations have managed to embarass themselves in some way online. Social media is still something of a wild west, and even the biggest brands have the potential to really mess up their marketing. One wrong move and the People of The Internet let them have it. Everyone makes mistakes, but an online gaffe seems to have more impact - say or do the wrong thing and your idiocy will be on display for the whole world to mock.

I'm something of an expert when it comes to sticking my foot in my mouth in personal and professional interactions- thought I've gotten a LOT better since my first co-op job in 2007. I've culled my favorite Foot in Online Mouth moments from brands over the past year and siphoned out some lessons we can all learn.

1. Kony 2012- the video and activism campaign to bring Joseph Kony to justice went viral beyond Invisible Children's wildest imaginings - and stirred up global criticism. I'm of the opinion that IC was in the wide-eyed optimist camp and never imagined that their video would become as popular as it did - and were totally unprepared for the questions and backlash that subsequently followed. Their inability to completely answer the questions about the organization and affiliations caused a lot of confusion and diluted their original message - and the leader of the movement pretty much lost his mind. I would, too.

Lesson: For your sanity, vet yourself before everyone else does.
2. General Motors"bikes are lame" campaign- General Motors rolled out a huge ad campaign geared towards college students. The goal: shame bike riding and pedestrian college students into buying a new car. The problem? College students are among the top bike-riding demographic in the country, and the Millenial generation is particularly passionate about environmentalism - and voicing their opinions on the Internet. After thousands of irate college kids and bike supporters told GM how very wrong they were, the car giant sheepishly pulled the campaign - and made lots of apologies to individuals.
(picture source)

Lesson: Get outside opinions of your work before displaying it to the public - ESPECIALLY from your target demographic.
3. Chapstick - Chapstick's social ad campaign featured the above image. Someone online didn't like the prominence of the girl's booty in the air and wrote a comment on Chapstick's Facebook wall letting them know. Instead of responding to the message, the admins for the page deleted it. Other people also wrote on Chapstick's wall voicing their opinions about the ad - those got deleted, too. The sticking point is that the campaign hinged on one sentence:
"Be heard at facebook.com/chapstick" - Pretty soon people were posting so much that the admins couldn't keep up with deleting all the comments. The message ran away from them, and they posted a half-hearted apology without actually admitting they'd done anything wrong. (picture source)

Lesson: Own your mistakes - don't hide from critics. They won't go away.
4. Tidy Cat- a bit closer to home, Tidy Cat recently retracted an ad campaign that was directed at the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. As part of their NoMorePU #lifestinks campaign, the kitty litter manufacturers posted a billboard: "You're so over Over-the-Rhine. #lifestinks" - The marketing team meant the joke to be directed towards the view of OTR from 10-15 years ago - a scary ghetto that no one would want to visit. Apparently they missed the memo that the neighborhood is in the midst of a renaissance, with new trendy businesses, arts groups, and a VERY passionate fan club. Word spread and Twitter revolted - taking Tidy Cat to task over their ignorance. The billboard was gone in less than three days. (picture source: Noel Prows)

Lesson: Do your homework! A city-specific ad + outdated opinions = very pissed off Cincinnati.

Maybe these lessons are obvious (they weren't to the big guys), but as more and more attention is focused in the digital realm, a haphazard or half-assed attempt at marketing online just isn't going to cut it.

Did I miss any?