An engaging improv workshop put communication skills into practice
By Jeanene Dunn
Laughter became part of the lesson when members of KCHBA’s Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) gathered for the PWB Week Lunch ’n’ Learn.
Presenter Carrie Blubaugh had members counting with partners, planning imaginary vacations and building stories one word at a time. The exercises were educational, insightful and fun, but they also required participants to listen carefully, think quickly and remain fully present.
“The improv class was insightful and a great reminder that we need to exercise active listening, quick thinking and participate in conversations,” said Michelle Williams, a loan originator at Prime Lending. “It’s also nice to converse with a lighthearted spirit and laugh a little.”
An invitation worth extending
Erin Curry, 2026 PWB chair and a real estate advisor at Engel & Völkers, had seen Blubaugh present at another event. Impressed by Blubaugh’s “contagious energy,” Curry invited her to bring the program to PWB.
“A lot of people struggle with public speaking or feeling comfortable in a group,” Curry said. “Carrie helped members move past the fear of being heard and the judgment we often put on ourselves.”
Blubaugh’s exercises encouraged participants to stop searching for the perfect response and engage in the moment. Curry said that lesson is particularly valuable for women, who often juggle several responsibilities and may find it difficult to give one conversation their full attention.
Practicing collaboration and presence
Blubaugh paired participants to plan an imaginary vacation. They repeated the conversation using three responses:
Blubaugh emphasized that “Yes, and” does not require agreement. It lets another person know their perspective has been heard while keeping the conversation open to new information or solutions.
She connected that lesson to three energy circles. In the first circle, people hold back or give away their power. In the third, they push outward and may dominate the conversation.
The second circle represents “power with”: being confident, present and attentive to others.
For women in traditionally male-dominated industries, second-circle presence offers a way to be heard without withdrawing or becoming louder. They can communicate with calm confidence while creating room for others to contribute.
Williams immediately recognized how these principles could strengthen her work with mortgage clients.
“I need to tune in and truly hear a client’s goals, so I can present and discuss options to best meet their needs,” she said. When plans change or surprises arise, listening and rapport help Williams guide clients through their options and adjust course together.
Letting go of the script
Blubaugh’s 34 years as a physical therapist, 25 years as a rehabilitation leader and 14 years studying improv have shown her the value of responding when a prepared script no longer fits.
In the final exercise, participants built a story one word at a time. No one could control its direction. Each person had to listen, accept what came before and add something useful.
“True collaboration comes from leaning into the flow,” Blubaugh said, “instead of trying to control the outcome for your own agenda.”
Curry said the session reflected the kind of experience she wants PWB to offer. “It was wonderful to see the energy and connections in the room,” she said. “We want to continue finding valuable events for our members.”
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