I've facilitated a few improv workshops for classes in the Environmental Dispute Resolution program at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. The program recently hosted a conference on fostering productive dialogue. In reading an account of the conference, I noticed repeated themes around communicating and listening. Speakers mentioned a number of soft skills that support effective communication, including authenticity, clarity, vulnerability, empathy and curiosity.  These are all qualities that are developed in the practice of improv. Although it is fun to bring out interesting characters in a comedic improv performance, the core of the practice helps actors to access and express their whole, authentic selves.