I can’t avoid counting the tiles of every bathroom I go to. But first I make a guess. And then I count.

What are some of your favorite themes to explore through Applied Improvisation?

Conflict resolution. Because it requires greatly enhancing listening, empathy, putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and really understanding their motives. Why does each person want what they want?

What about Applied Improvisation do you think is or can be challenging?

It is a challenge to sell it using the word “improvisation”. But, at the same time, I don’t want to stop using it. If we never use it when selling or we change the name of the workshop from “Applied Improvisation to Team Building” to “Team Communication Effectiveness in the Corporate Setting,” it may sound better to clients. But then we will have to start over and over again to explain what it is. I prefer to insist on using the term “Applied Improvisation” so that, little by little, it becomes known. That it is a tool, a concept, a philosophy of life and work.

How is Applied Improvisation a source of inspiration to you? What else does it add to your life?

I am a better person since I use Applied Improvisation in my personal life. In my personal relations with friends and family. With my students. When raising my children. I used to be more volcanic and reflect less than I do now. That is always helpful. What inspires me? I don’t know anyone who hasn’t benefited from Applied Improvisation. You can literally see the change in people happening in front of you in a matter of seconds. Maybe this is an exaggeration, maybe it's minutes ;-)

What's one AI activity you love to do/lead/share? Why?

Status dynamics. Sort by randomly assigned status, for example. I love when I see that sparkle in the eyes of the participants. When they understand how it works. When they realize it is so simple. And at the same time so complex.

Which communities do you most enjoy bringing AI to and why?

To children and teenagers. I feel that it is of great help to them. That you are really providing them with a useful tool for their personal development at all levels. I feel they feel heard. When I work in schools or universities, teachers usually warn me with comments such as “This year’s group is impossible”, “It’s going to be tough for you to take anything out of them”. And it never is. Give me two seconds (maybe this is an exaggeration, give me two minutes ha-ha) to show you. It is in the eyes of those who look at them. Pretty obvious to say this but still, the children of today will be the adults of tomorrow.

Is there someplace new for you that you'd like to use/take AI?

I have never used AI in humanitarian crisis contexts. I know it is done. And I would like to. So that would be “someplace new” just for me. I would like to take it to the governments of countries across the globe. So that we can be a little more surprised by

About the Author: Ilene Bergelson

Ilene Bergelson is a presenter, educator and executive coach inspired by the principles of Applied Improvisation. Through her company, EmpowerSpeakTM, she draws on best practices from AI, as well as her long career in the performing arts and coaching. Ilene has written numerous articles, created the audio series, Light Bytes: The Communication Collection and contributed to professional development books on career, presence and mindfulness themes.

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(Last Updated: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026)