Does Improv Help with Pitching?
Short answer: YES.
This week, I’ve found myself in one of the most surreal situations. I’m currently working on a pitch for AndAlso at the Create South East Showcase while simultaneously running a high-level training program for a company whose staff needs to deliver pitches.
Let me tell you, it’s been a mind-bending experience. On one hand, Jules and I are sweating over every detail of our own 5-minute pitch—tweaking slides, refining the message, and (let’s face it) occasionally arguing over the tiniest points. On the other hand, I’m teaching others how to deliver effective business pitches with confidence and charisma. And you know what? While improv doesn’t help us craft the content of our pitch—the vision, the business plan, or the viability of AndAlso—it absolutely helps us deliver it with authenticity, ease, and maybe even a sparkle in our eyes.
And that matters. Because for people who sit through thousands of pitches, the thing that makes you stand out is rarely just your solid business plan. It’s your presence, your personality, and your ability to connect.
Here’s what I’ve learned about how improv helps with improving pitching skills:
1. The Ability to Read the Room and Respond Accordingly
Pitching is not a one-way street. Improv trains you to read your audience and adjust in the moment. Maybe it’s slowing down, shifting your tone, or—if the situation calls for it—completely throwing out the script.
I once worked with a team at Propellernet who told me they won a huge piece of business by doing just that. They noticed their potential client looked completely unimpressed during the pitch and had the guts to ask about it. Sure enough, the client said the pitch wasn’t heading in the direction they wanted. Instead of panicking, the team had an honest conversation, shifted their approach, and won the business.
Improv helps you notice those subtle cues—body language, expressions, engagement levels—and adapt on the fly.
2. The Ability to Connect with Your Audience
Marc Cohen, who runs Unbundled VC talks about founder strength and the people behind the pitch being as important as the pitch itself. Forget the old “picture the audience naked” advice. Instead, see them for who they are right in front of you. Improv teaches you to truly be in the moment. Make light eye contact, acknowledge their reactions, nod to their nods, and smile when they smile. Be there with them. Don’t connect with your slide deck—connect with your audience.
The energy you bring into the room is contagious. If you’re engaged and present, they’ll feel it. And that connection can often be the difference between a polite thank-you and a deal-closing handshake.
3. Dealing with When It All Goes Wrong
Let’s face it: something always goes wrong. Maybe your slides are out of order, the fire alarm goes off, or someone spills water across the table. If you’ve trained in improv, you know how to roll with it. Instead of panicking, you acknowledge what’s happening, make a joke if it feels natural, and move forward.
Improvisers often say, “Mistakes aren’t the end—they’re the beginning of something unexpected.” Whether it’s a laugh, a moment of relatability, or a surprising new angle, improv teaches you to turn challenges into opportunities for connection.
4. Nailing the Q&A
The Q&A is often the most daunting part of a pitch. The deck is done, the safety net is gone, and you’re at the mercy of whatever questions come your way.
If you’re wondering ‘Does Improv Help with Pitching? Really though?” This is where improvisation skills shine. Yes, you need to know your stuff, but improv helps you stay calm under pressure, handle the unexpected, and respond with clarity and charm. It’s about being flexible and quick without losing your composure.
5. The Power of Humour
Humour is one of the fastest ways to connect with people. I’m not suggesting you wear a Homer Simpson tie or light up glasses, but if a moment of levity happens naturally—lean into it. Laughter, especially spontaneous laughter, creates a bond. It humanizes you.
The way you react when something unexpected happens—whether it’s a flubbed line or a funny mishap—can often reveal your character. A moment of genuine humour or self-awareness might be what sticks in the audience’s memory long after your pitch is over.
What I’ve Learned About Pitching This Week
Pitching is hard. It’s an art form. It requires preparation, practice, and attention to detail. But it also requires something more: the ability to adapt, connect, and thrive under pressure. That’s where improv gives you a huge advantage.
So, does improv help with pitching? Absolutely. It helps with improving pitching skills, staying cool under pressure, and building a stronger connection with your audience. I don’t know how our pitch will land next week—but one thing I do know is that my improv skills will help me deliver it with confidence, joy, and maybe even a little sparkle. And isn’t that what makes a pitch truly memorable?
Eek—wish me luck!