Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Chad Elliot – “The Confidence Doctor” – and I’m the owner of Seattle Improv Classes. I teach classes in improv, creativity, storytelling, and communication. I also do coaching calls in a way that’s very personalized. In fact, I’m the first person in the world to make one-on-one coaching an integral part of improv training. I have a rich and diverse background in teaching and coaching. What I really do is assist you in learning about yourself, the world, and how you can get a lot more of what you want in your life. And, I make sure we have a lot of fun doing it!
I had a rough childhood that was quite lonely, so I became incredibly devoted to learning how to improve myself, develop confidence, and become a strong communicator. I spent 3 years working at a small company that lead week-long intensive workshops in personal development, psychology, and communication. I’ve learned to combine the tools, strategies and techniques I’ve discovered with fun and playful games from improv.
I’m paid to make people uncomfortable by pushing them out of their comfort zone! For some reason they thank me! (Seems odd, huh?!?)
If you’re interested in taking my classes, coaching with me, or having me come into your organization to lead a powerful “funshop,” you can email me at chad(at)seattleimprovclasses.com Visit Or, call 425-270-1989.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Improv Manifesto: 7 Simple Steps to Unstoppable Confidence, Powerful People Skills, and Unlimited Creativity! (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XH8SYSS)
It’s my first book. I actually wrote a much longer book on personal development first. But, I realized I ought to get some experience publishing. So, I took a bunch of my writings I’ve used for my website and workbooks I give my students and brought them together. Then, I polished and structured them. Initially I just wanted to get something out there quickly. But, it took longer than I expected because I wanted it to be the best. (I’m a bit competitive in that regard.)
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t get writers block. With my background, I know too many tricks for that to ever happen. I don’t understand people who say they have writers block. Makes no sense to me. You sit. You write. You save the editing for later. (Most people try to edit in their mind before they write anything. Bad idea bears…)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was actually influenced a lot by marketers. Marketers have to write extremely well. Writing sales letters especially. They have to get their audience’s attention immediately or they lose. Very thoughtful. Very scientific. They can’t afford to try being artsy because people will ignore it. They have to grab people by throat. Boom!
I’ve also studied a famous hypnotist named Milton Erickson. His method of therapy often involved telling people stories. Stories are very powerful. They put the listener or reader into a trance. It’s worth understanding how that works.
What are you working on now?
Promoting Improv Manifesto right now. Working on my next book, it’s on how to create more passion, intimacy and love in your relationship.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Your secret weapon is the people you know. The people who know you, trust you and care about you will help you more than you can imagine possible.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Shut up and write. Sit your ass down and start typing. If you put it off until tomorrow, you’ll die before you do it. Get ON your ass and right. Don’t edit. If you’re stuck, write badly. That’s fine. Just start typing the word blah over and over again. Blah blah blah. Until you come up with something. But, don’t sit there waiting for inspiration or the right idea. It won’t come.
Practice telling stories to other people, orally. You get direct feedback. Have someone else read what you wrote, aloud, while you listen. Notice their responses. Read it aloud yourself. Find out where the flow doesn’t work.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be a good person.
There’s no such thing as failure, only feedback. (Until you die, perhaps…)
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A complete collection of the works of: Anton Chekhov, Mark Twain, Rudyard Kipling and… Milton Erickson.
Oh, and a book to write in myself!
Author Websites and Profiles
Chad Elliot Website
Chad Elliot’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile