Toby Martini

Better Business & Better Speaking through Improv!

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Origin Story

May 25, 2011 by Toby Martini Leave a Comment

The King Who RainedThis is what started it all, people! When I was 6, I got this book, The King Who Rained, and I LOVED it! Ever since then, I’ve spent a LOT of time listening for, when people talk, how can I “take it wrong”? What else could a word mean in that sentence? It’s also a piece of homework that I give to everyone that comes through any of my programs. Look for homonyms, words that sound like other words, and also the same word that may have another meaning.

Mary was anxious to get married. But, John was anxious about getting married.

This a great place to start mining for Improv goodness. AND, for comedy in general. It’s not just for being able to throw out a one-liner or, heaven forbid, a bad pun. But, it’s a chance for you to give your brain some exercise; to think in a way that you normally do not. And, research has shown that doing mental gymnastics helps people stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s. So, keep that in mind. Do this exercise! Watch for way’s to “take something wrong” and make yourself giggle. Once you become facile with it, maybe you can start saying them out loud to people. (And they’ll think you’re funny.) Perhaps when someone says that they “have reservations about your project,” you can ask if that will be a “table for one”? That might not be the best joke ever, but in the spur of the moment, you would make people near you chuckle, lighten the, mood, and give yourself a moment to think about how you will now decide to deal with the naysayer, too. Have fun… always! Bonus Trivia: This book was written by Herman Munster from The Munsters!

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Filed Under: Improv, Personal

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Testimonials

Toby Martini is one of a kind and the perfect answer for my prayers! I am on a radio show every week now and with no experience in radio, I needed a very special coach for immediate assistance.

Toby is nothing short of awesome. He is fun, funny and warm as well as really knowing his stuff. After 3 sessions, I have improved measurably and I look forward to doing the improv workshop for 6 weeks as well.

I would recommend Toby Martini with absolutely no reservation!!

 

Dana Nellen
Performance Enhancement Specialist
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