Program Chair
Lisa Merchant
Instructor/Facilitator/Performer; Senior Faculty Member, The Second City Training Centre
Improv and Improve your Communication Skills!
Whether in the boardroom, courtroom or office, you must be able to think and act quickly. In a fun, action-packed afternoon, learn how to think on your feet and react to the unexpected with confidence.
Improvisation is – quite simply – the art of taking the stage without preparation. For professionals in many sectors who are trained to prepare, and then prepare more, this concept is often foreign. Embracing risk, knowing how to react to the unexpected, and being able to actively engage with others are skills that will help you thrive – both in practice and in life. To succeed, you must be able to actively listen, stay in the moment, and deal with the unexpected. These are the key elements of improv.
This unique, interactive online workshop will provide you with the foundations of improvisation and its practical applications for all professionals. Led by Lisa Merchant, an experienced faculty from The Second City and seasoned performer, you will engage in classic improvisation exercises and drills.
Please Note: This is a hands-on interactive program where live participation is required (previously in-person only). No content will be recorded.
What You’ll Learn
At the end of the workshop, you’ll be better able to think and act on your feet, answer questions on the fly, and speak with confidence and poise. Best of all? You will acquire these skills in a fun, safe practice zone, where you can take chances without consequences.
Who Should Attend
Lawyers and other professionals (especially those who are in leadership, litigation or negotiation roles)
Faculty
Program Chair
Lisa Merchant
Instructor/Facilitator/Performer; Senior Faculty Member, The Second City Training Centre
Mark Tewksbury
Olympic Champion and 2012 Canadian Olympic Team Chef de mission
“Taking improv with Lisa Merchant was a game changer for me. It not only helped me be a better communicator, it made me a better person. I learned fundamental ideas that I still apply to this day. Over ten years after taking that original class, I invited Lisa to come and speak to the 2012 Canadian Olympic team to give them a competitive advantage. Such is the value of what she has to teach.”
Register
Dec 12, 2025
$395 + TAX
Time
9:00 a.m – 12:30 p.m (ET)
Printable registration form
If a downloadable form is required, please contact OsgoodePD@osgoode.yorku.ca.
“Is financial assistance or funding available?”
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:
CPD and Accreditation
OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.
| Substantive | 2h 30m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 1h |
| Total | 3h 30m |
Are you reporting hours from a previous date?
View our CPD & Accreditation page to see previously calculated hours for this course.
Deeper Learning Opportunities
LLMs
Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.
Part-time LLMs Full-time LLMsThe Osgoode Certificate
Stay competitive with deep dives into the most critical issues in law. Taught by leading experts and designed for flexible learning, choose from multi-day programs or take courses at your own pace to build towards a certificate.
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Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.
Explore LLM coursesFrequently Asked Questions
Client and Technical Support
Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.
Program content questions
Gail Geronimo, Program Lawyer
ggeronimo@osgoode.yorku.ca
Registration questions
Technical support
Online Technical Requirements
To ensure you do not encounter any issues that will impact or limit your learning experience, please review the following information.