Succeed with confidence. Communicate with impact.

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Influential Interactions

Influential Interactions turns the principles of improvisation into practical communication training for teams. It isn't improv for the stage. It's hands-on practice for the moments business doesn't script: a client changes direction, a presentation goes sideways, a conversation takes an unexpected turn.

Participants learn to:

• Listen better and stay present
• Communicate clearly, with confidence and impact
• Collaborate by building on ideas instead of shutting them down
• Adapt quickly when circumstances change
• Lead with composure under pressure

Programs often open with Joe's high-energy keynote and continue into an interactive workshop, on-site, virtually or at Joe's Scottsdale training center.

Testimonials

Influential Interactions

“The improv experience was very different from anything I had done before. I tend to like structure and know expectations if I am in front of a group, so standing up with no knowledge of what was to come completely put me out of my comfort zone. It required me to listen more intently and be willing to adapt to the changes that came up. I truly feel the exercise improved the way I listen and engage with my team.”

Mike Herring, COO, Banner Gateway Medical Center

“It was one of the most raved-about experiences we’ve ever presented… It will change the landscape of how you do business!”

Suzanne Evans, Driven Inc., Carrboro, North Carolina

“Joe has amazing energy and speaks of real life experiences. All of his examples and analogies made the subject matter approachable and applicable in everyday life.”

Colleen Frisbie, Phoenix, Arizona

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Your Improv Coach

Joe brings improv-based team building and keynote presentations to conferences, offsites and leadership summits nationwide. Sessions are active, fun and built around your team's real challenges.

A typical program:

• The Improv Edge keynote. A high-energy opener that gets the room engaged and thinking differently about communication.
• Interactive workshop. Hands-on training in listening, adaptability and collaborative communication.
• Lasting team habits. Practical tools participants use right away for listening better, thinking faster and handling the unexpected.

Joe is based in Scottsdale, Arizona. On-site and virtual training are both available.

Testimonials

Your Improv Coach

“Joe was able to help us move into a space of vulnerability and ease… We were able, as a team, to develop skills and build rapport with one another. Our team-building session with Joe and The Outcasters led to high team morale; it genuinely increased our joy and time spent together.”

Tanya Fed, Arizona Sales Market Manager, Advise Insurance

“Joe did a great job getting everybody immersed right from the get-go. It was definitely one of the highlights of our summit. We were so happy we found The Outcasters, were happy to work with them, and would absolutely recommend them to anyone!”

Pete Durbin, Account Director, GMR Marketing

“The team was very trepidatious about doing improv, and the Outcasters created a safe space for the team to let their guards down… Those who hadn't done improv before said it was not what they were expecting, and they had a great time!”

Joanna Friel and Fingerpaint Teammates, 2021 Med Ad News Agency of the Year

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That Small Business Guy

Joe mentors small business owners one-on-one to stand out in a crowded market, attract better customers and build a business that doesn't depend on them for everything. He has been self-employed since 17 and has built and run businesses across many industries.

Mentoring covers:

• Positioning, brand refresh and marketing materials
• Lead generation, advertising and visibility on Google and AI search
• Systems and AI tools that give you hours back
• Selling, presenting and the owner mindset

Start with a free strategy call, try a 90-minute Test Drive session, build a 30-day plan with The Blueprint, or move into ongoing monthly mentoring.

Testimonials

That Small Business Guy

“I’ve seen a lot of marketing material, but Joe’s stuff is awesome! Any business can easily double or triple their income using the techniques in Joe’s course.”

Robert Allen, New York Times best-selling author

“Joe’s program helped me realize how I was blending in with my competition. I now know how to differentiate my services in a way that appeals to the emotional buying process of my potential clients.”

Erick Kaind, San Diego, California

“Joe is a gifted speaker. He is a powerful communicator and is laser-clear with delivering his message.”

Kathie Scherff, Scottsdale, Arizona

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Blank to Brilliant

Blank to Brilliant shows business professionals how the skills of improv lead to clearer communication, stronger teams and real confidence. It also explores the neuroscience behind improvisation and how it helps quiet fear in the moment.

Inside, you'll learn to:

• Think on your feet in meetings, sales calls and presentations
• Silence the inner critic and handle the unexpected
• Build trust and collaboration in teams
• Resolve conflict and negotiate more effectively
• Turn dull meetings into engaging, productive ones

Written for leaders, sales professionals, speakers, entrepreneurs, HR teams and anyone who talks to clients or colleagues for a living.

Reader reviews

Blank to Brilliant

“Joe’s book is a masterful reminder that the best forms of communication begin with authenticity, presence, active listening, and with a shared desire to connect. Improv is about creating a reality where anything’s possible.”

Reader review

“Blank to Brilliant by Joe Hammer was genuinely insightful and surprisingly practical. I expected a “fun improv book,” but what I got was a clear, business-friendly communication guide that uses improv as the tool—not the goal. It’s well written, easy to follow, and it doesn’t feel like homework. The examples are relatable, the tone stays upbeat (with some sarcasm), and the takeaways translate fast into real conversations.”

Reader review

“This book definitely made me think and take a look at my communication style (or lack of one). Old habits are hard to break, so I loved the games suggested through improv to make it a more fun process. Joe never ceases to amaze and inspire.”

Reader review

“I highly recommend his methods, both for individuals seeking personal growth and for organizations aiming to build stronger teams and healthier communication. Every business leader should seriously consider bringing Joe in as a resource — his impact can elevate the culture and effectiveness of any workplace.”

Reader review

“Engaging and insightful, it blends neuroscience, creativity, and practical exercises to help readers overcome fear, think fast, and connect authentically. A must-read for professionals and anyone seeking confidence and spontaneity in everyday interactions. Brilliant!”

Reader review

“Truly a gem and it’s a topic that isn’t taught nearly enough in society. This book thoroughly explains and walks you through how to take your communication to the next level through improv. With his techniques and prompts it can help teach you to be able to hold a conversation with just about anyone.”

Reader review

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The Improv Edge

The Improv Edge introduces the essential skills of improvisation for creativity, spontaneity, listening, confidence and teamwork. It grew out of Joe's years of study, starting at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City.

Discover how to:

• Quiet your inner critic and let go of perfectionism
• Unleash your imagination and creativity
• Be more present and fully in the moment
• Embrace risk-taking and spontaneity
• Release the fear of failure

For improvisers, actors, speakers, team leaders and anyone who wants to worry less and create more.

Reader reviews

The Improv Edge

“Who knew Improv could be so helpful to people who aren’t actors, comedians and performers?! After reading this book, I have decided to incorporate Improv in our team meetings and networking events. If you are in sales, marketing or find yourself giving presentations, you need this book! If you are an introvert and sit at a desk all day doing computer work, you need this book. If you are a parent and want to have an even better relationship with your kids, improv is a great way to “play” and show them you really are fun and not just some tyrant telling them to clean their room and be home by curfew.”

Reader review

“This book turned a lightbulb on for me! Although improv is fun and hilarious to watch and perform, it actually has structure and form and with some study, turns into a true art form! Joe Hammer breaks it all down to basics in this entertaining book. It is an absolute must read for anyone who has to do public speaking as part of their career or as part of their FUN! Grab this book, read it, and keep it close by to refer to over and over again!!”

Reader review

“The material in this book is well written. As I was not too familiar with the technical side of improv, I was scared that this book would take the fun away from improv by making it too much of a science. I was quite surprised when I was reading through and found that improv became more magical and less easier. Joe does a great job of breaking things down into a relatable way. His tips are simple and easy to apply to the real thing!”

Reader review

“I loved this book. It shows the unique structure of improv and of the opportunity it gives people to break out of their own shell, shine, and add some real creative time to their life. It is empowering and absolutely my idea of great fun. It helps encourage those feeling some boredom with their work and life a place to go to have their own funny bone tickled and even by their own work!”

Reader review

“I have a number of books on improv - I collect them - this is one of my favourites! Improv is an art form I love and also an integral part of acting - something I am currently pursuing. What I love most about this book is the way it is written - clear, concise, funny and thoroughly engaging. Many of the standard improv fare is not only very dry, but often brimming with self-congratulatory stories - not this one. Joe has also interwoven a number of astute psychological observations and methods which are not only fascinating, they are also verifiable and implementable. A great read. Highly recommended.”

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The Unconscious Authority

The Unconscious Authority goes beyond conventional self-help. It explains how the mind holds on to old events, habits and reactions, why setting intentions on a conscious level so often fails, and a 30-day process for making lasting change through Joe's Subconscious Motivation™ approach.

You'll discover:

• How yesterday's sensitizing events trigger today's unwanted reactions
• How faulty historic recordings play out in your life
• The three components of the technology of the mind
• How to change a faulty belief system for good

The 2nd edition was released July 15, 2025.

Reader reviews

The Unconscious Authority

“WOW, what a book!! Extremely enlightening and easy to read and understand.”

Reader review

“Joe’s approach addresses what many self-help/personal developments books fail to do, addressing the root causes of problem areas in our lives. Highly Recommended!”

Amazon review

“It feels just amazing when one can take control of what couldn’t be achieved before! Not only my life is changing but the ones around me are feeling that powerful change as well. Kids, family, co-workers and friends! I highly recommend this book to everyone!”

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Improv Classes at The Outcasters

The Outcasters Improv Training Center is Joe's improv school in North Scottsdale, two minutes off the Loop 101 at Raintree. Classes are for real people who want to laugh more, communicate better and step outside their comfort zone. No acting experience required.

• Live drop-in class: Wednesdays, 6 to 8 PM, $20
• Online Zoom class: Tuesdays, 6 to 7:30 PM Arizona time, $10, capped at 10 students
• Premier Membership: both weekly classes plus quarterly immersive workshops, $75 a month
• Youth classes for ages 8 to 17, plus public and private workshops

Every class is taught by Joe in a safe, supportive, non-competitive setting.

Testimonials

Improv Classes

“Joe Hammer’s Outcasters Improv classes are the best in the biz. Whether you are new to improv or an experienced performer, Joe will take you to higher levels quickly.”

Outcasters student

“Everyone was extremely welcoming and Joe was a fantastic teacher. I felt comfortable participating and didn’t feel I had to worry about any judgment. We were all in it together.”

Outcasters student

“I fell head over heels for improv classes on my first session. Everything was amazing: the people, the structure, Joe’s insight, the laughs!”

Outcasters student

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Corporate Communications Training

Business doesn't come with a script. Through The Outcasters, Joe delivers improv-based training that teaches teams how to respond when things change: listen better, adapt faster and collaborate under pressure. It isn't improv for the stage. It's communication training.

• Keynote: a high-energy opener for conferences, offsites and leadership summits
• Interactive workshop: hands-on practice built around your team's real challenges
• Team building: fun, active sessions that leave lasting habits
• Corporate improv shows: clean, audience-driven entertainment for your event

Available on-site anywhere in Arizona, virtually, or at the North Scottsdale training center.

Testimonials

Corporate Communications Training

“Joe and his team provided a very fun and impactful experience for our executive team. I immediately saw everyone highly engaged in the art of improv and the perspective it brings to us as leaders. What a fun and valuable lesson to listen carefully before responding while having a ton of fun along the way. I would highly recommend this experience for a team!”

Lamont Yoder, CEO, Banner Baywood, Gateway and Heart Hospitals and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center

“I want to give a big ‘thank you’ to Joe. It was an amazing session… I can’t recommend this highly enough!”

Vanessa Shaw, Business Growth Academy

“We’ve used Joe several times to come out and talk to our team… he breaks it all down in keeping people a little more intuitive in what they’re saying and how they’re reacting.”

Dave Panozzo, The Panozzo Team