Getting to Yes And: Improv for Persuasion & Negotiation

Success in negotiation isn’t about winning arguments, it’s about building understanding, finding creative solutions, and guiding conversations toward mutually beneficial outcomes. When stakes are high and tensions rise, it's easy to default to rigid thinking, defensive postures, or adversarial communication that undermines your goals.

In this interactive workshop, you'll discover how improv's core principle of "Yes, And" can transform your approach to persuasion and negotiation. Through engaging (and fun!) improv exercises, you'll learn and rehearse techniques to listen more effectively, respond to resistance with curiosity rather than defensiveness, and make progress even in challenging conversations. Whether you're negotiating contracts, navigating difficult discussions with colleagues, or working to influence stakeholders, this workshop will give you tools to find common ground and move conversations forward.

What You'll Gain:

• Strategies for building rapport and trust quickly, even with resistant or skeptical counterparts
• Skills to stay flexible and creative when negotiations take unexpected turns
• Confidence to navigate high-pressure conversations without becoming defensive or adversarial
• A practical framework for turning "no" into productive dialogue

Why Improv

Because communication isn’t scripted. This workshop is led by WIT@Work, the professional training arm of Washington Improv Theater. WIT@Work specializes in taking the same principles that make improv performers successful onstage and applying them to the workplace. Through joyful, hands-on exercises, WIT@Work has helped teams at leading organizations become more agile, empathetic, and effective communicators.

“Without exaggeration, I can honestly say that your training was one of the most valuable I’ve ever been to. I’ve found ways to apply the principles you taught in my work, and I’ve noticed a difference.”

— research scientist at the Human Resources Research Organization

Workshop Leader

John Windmueller, PhD

John Windmueller serves as the Director of WIT@Work, the applied improv and corporate training branch of Washington Improv Theater. John has over two decades of experience designing, delivering, and overseeing professional training and graduate education focused on communication, collaboration, and creativity. In addition to his education and training background, he holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and has extensive experience working as a facilitator and mediator, helping groups and communities have constructive conversations. Along with directing WIT@Work, John performs regularly at WIT and at improv festivals throughout the U.S.

Secure Your Spot: This is a free online workshop, but space is limited. Say “Yes, And” to investing in your growth. Register now to save your seat and invite a colleague or friend to register as well!