Keynotes

Keynotes that change how people work together

Not a motivational speech. Not a TED talk. A practical, engaging session that gives your audience tools they use immediately.

15–90 minutes Small groups to thousands In-person & virtual
Patrick Short delivering a keynote presentation
Patrick Short, keynote speaker

Patrick Short

CAI-EP

Your Keynote Speaker

Patrick Short has been applying improv to business since his first corporate client — Apple — in 1989. With 13 years in high-tech sales and marketing, a decade as Executive Director of CSz Worldwide, and an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he speaks the language of boardrooms and conference stages alike.

His keynotes blend practical business insight with interactive moments that keep audiences engaged — not just entertained. Whether it's a 15-minute conference opener or a 90-minute deep dive, Patrick tailors every talk to the audience, the industry, and the goals of the event.

Co-author of Jill and Patrick's Small Book of Improv for Business and a Certified Executive Practitioner of Applied Improvisation.

Keynote Topics

Every keynote is customized. These are starting points — we'll tailor the content to your audience and event goals.

Business Lessons from Improv

How the principles of 'Yes, And,' active listening, and adaptive thinking apply directly to business challenges. A keynote that changes how your audience thinks about collaboration.

Leading to the Extraordinary

What separates leaders who manage from leaders who inspire? Adaptive leadership principles drawn from 35 years of experience in both the boardroom and on stage.

The Art of Presentation

Move beyond slides and scripts. Build genuine connection with your audience through presence, adaptability, and composure under pressure.

Customer Service as Connection

Transform customer interactions from transactional to relational. Empathy-driven service techniques that build loyalty and defuse tension.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

Practical tools for staying present, listening deeply, and finding resolution when conversations get challenging. Less theory, more practice.

Vision, Values & Culture

How to build and sustain a team culture where people genuinely support each other. Moving from stated values to lived values through daily interaction.

Ideal For

Annual conferences Company kick-offs All-hands meetings Leadership retreats Sales meetings Customer events Industry panels Award ceremonies

Book a keynote for your next event

Tell us about your audience and goals. We'll design a keynote that delivers real value.

Book a Discovery Call