
How Applied Improvisation Develops and Reinforces Interpersonal Skills
From The Effective Statistician - in association with PSI by Alexander Schacht and Benjamin Piske, biometricians, statisticians and leaders in the pharma industry
May 4, 2026 · 33 min · Episode 467
About this episode
This episode discusses how applied improvisation can enhance communication and leadership skills for statisticians.
In this episode, Alun Bedding speaks with Richard Zink about how **applied improvisation** can help statisticians become more effective communicators and leaders. They explore how improv techniques—like “yes, and,” active listening, and embracing mistakes—build confidence, strengthen collaboration, and improve the way we explain complex ideas. This conversation shows that developing interpersonal skills doesn’t have to be theoretical or boring—it can be practical, interactive, and even fun. If you want to communicate your ideas more clearly, connect better with stakeholders, and grow beyond technical expertise, this episode is for you.
People in this episode
Host: Alun Bedding
Guest: Richard Zink
Topics covered
- applied improvisation
- interpersonal skills
- communication
- leadership
- collaboration
- confidence
Keywords
- applied improvisation
- effective communication
- leadership skills
- active listening
- collaboration
- embracing mistakes
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Effective Statistician
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- How Statisticians Can Build Trust and Lead with Emotional Intelligence · March 23, 2026 · 39 min
- The Evolving Role of Generative AI in Pharma · January 20, 2026 · 33 min
- Kicking Off 2026: Gratitude and What’s Ahead · January 6, 2026 · 2 min
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