Mastering the Art of Spontaneous Communication

Mastering the Art of Spontaneous Communication

Episode 116

1:05:59

Uncover the critical distinction between knowing how to tell stories and being prepared to deliver them when it counts. Learn practical strategies for spontaneous storytelling and explore how improv techniques can elevate your UX communication skills.

What if all your storytelling skills went out the window the moment you needed them most?

How can you ensure you’re genuinely ready to communicate effectively when it matters?

Christopher Miller, a senior experience designer at Electronic Arts Frostbite, brings over a decade of gaming industry expertise and a lifelong passion for comic books to this conversation about spontaneous storytelling. As a UX mentor and improv student, Chris provides a unique perspective on blending preparation with in-the-moment delivery.

Chris shares invaluable insights about the importance of being ready to tell your story at any moment. Drawing from his improv background and extensive gaming and education experience, he reveals practical strategies for maintaining composure under pressure and effectively communicating with diverse audiences.

This episode covers everything from managing demanding executive presentations to honing the art of deep listening, offering actionable advice for anyone eager to enhance their real-time communication skills. Tune in to learn how to turn your storytelling abilities from theoretical knowledge into practical, ready-to-use skills.

Topics:
• 04:26 – The Importance of Spontaneity in Storytelling
• 06:59 – Effective Communication Techniques
• 08:26 – The Role of Storytelling in Collaboration
• 25:21 – Improv and Storytelling in UX
• 33:43 – Understanding the Core Problem
• 35:09 – The Importance of Storytelling
• 35:26 – Preparing for Executive Presentations
• 36:13 – Collaboration in Storytelling
• 37:47 – Dealing with Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
• 38:24 – The Role of Improv in Building Confidence
• 41:00 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
• 46:58 – Career Amnesia and Self-Reflection
• 48:34 – Closing Thoughts and Final Advice

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Chris on LinkedIn
• Listen to Popcorn & Plot Holes

Christopher Miller
Senior Experience Designer @ EA Frostbite // Podcast Host // Comic Book Nerd

About Chris

Christopher Miller is a Comic book nerd, gamer, and Senior Experience Designer at Electronic Arts Frostbite with over a decade of experience crafting immersive gaming experiences. As a passionate UX mentor and coach with 15 years of teaching experience since 2010, he has guided countless designers at prestigious institutions including George Brown College, Designlab, and Brainstation. Beyond his design work, Chris hosts the movie podcast Popcorn and Plotholes and runs a UX Career coaching program to help cultivate the next generation of design talent.

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Want to influence your team and advance your career?

Jeff White’s Storytelling Toolkit can help!

Jeff’s toolkit offers actionable insights on storytelling for UX designers. Jeff walks you through how to present work to clients and stakeholders, how to craft compelling case studies, and how to improve portfolio presentations for job interviews. Jeff’s approach goes beyond your basic once upon a time kind of stuff.

And because I know this course will help you out so much, I’ve partnered with Jeff to get everyone listening to a 10% discount if you use the code BEYONDUX when you check out. So head on over to beyonduxdesign.com/storytelling to get 10% off today!

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Meet your host

Jeremy Miller

Designer // Host // Mentor

I’m Jeremy. I’m a product designer from New Orleans. Here are some things I want you to know about me:

But most importantly, I know you can’t build great software without great relationships.

So join me here and learn about how to build truly great software.

Mastering the Art of Spontaneous Communication