Less push. More pause. Better results. A new approach to work (and life)

Do Improvise

Every day we deal with the unplanned and the unexpected, from a broken toaster to losing (or gaining) a major client. Our natural ability to improvise gets us through. But we feel as if we’re winging it, rather than acting with courage and conviction. 
 
Robert Poynton teaches his acclaimed method to some of the world’s biggest brands and companies. Now, he shows us how these improvisational skills can be applied to the everyday business of work and life – helping us to navigate daily obstacles and reminding us how the unplanned and the unexpected can be a source of wonder and delight. 
 
Do Improvise will help you to: 
 <ul><li>Become more productive without trying harder</li><li>Overcome creative blocks and generate new ideas</li><li>Respond fluidly to circumstances beyond your control</li><li>Realise that you don’t have to know everything</li></ul> 
Not sure what to do next? Improvise. 
 
'Improv skills can transform a person's experience of everyday life, and this delightful book by the reliably brilliant Rob Poynton will show you how.' 
John-Paul Flintoff, author 
 
'A handbook for spontaneous and creative living, from a brilliant practitioner who lives by his own words.' 
Adam Morgan, founding partner, eatbigfish 
 
‘Robert’s book is insanely relevant as we seek to make sense of our lives and our work practices... I love the book.’ 
Chris Pirie, founder, The Learning Futures Group 
 
© Robert Poynton 2025 (P) Do Books Audio 2025

Do Pause: You are not a To Do list

Machines are designed to run constantly; people aren't. Our coping mechanisms are meditation apps, weekend breaks and annual holidays, but things soon revert. To prosper, we need a more sustainable approach - an ability to pause. 
 
Do Pause looks at the importance of this subtle yet powerful idea to communication, creativity, relationships - as well as our wellbeing and sanity. With practical tools to help you create new habits or make more significant lifestyle choices, you'll discover ways to: 
 
· Reset and regenerate 
· Deepen your thinking and experiences 
· Take back control of your time 
· Reconnect with other people - and yourself 
 
From taking a breath to taking a sabbatical, a pause can be many things. And the good news is, even just a small pause every now and again can make a real and lasting difference. 
 
‘An essential book that makes you pause. And then think about time. And then change.’ Leila Ferreira, writer & journalist 
 
‘Knowing when to stop, disconnect and reassess things isn’t a mid-life crisis or a sign of weakness – it’s a fundamental necessity. Recommended to help you slow down.’ Courier 
 
‘Most self-help guides give you tips to cram more into your life. But Do Pause will ensure the reverse – that you get more out of your life. Pressing the pause button is the key to being happier and healthier.’ Inspire, Daily Mail 
 
‘Robert Poynton’s incisive new book…encourages us to make a little more time for pauses in our lives.’ The Essential Journal 
 
‘What an excellent book this is. Warm, wise and explains how you literally create time.’ Nick Parker 
 
‘Even a briefest moment of idle time, or pauses, are important says Robert Poynton, author of Do Pause: You are not a To Do list’ The Washington Post 
 
©2019 Robert Poynton (P)2019 Do Books Audio

Robert Poynton

Conversation is about more than communication. It’s how we connect with each other and make sense of the world; it’s an essential part of being human. 
 
So why do some flow, while others are stilted and awkward? Can we make difficult conversations easier? 
 
In this book, Robert Poynton explores the ‘everyday miracle’ that leads to new ideas and deeper relationships. He offers simple ways to improve our natural ability so that we overcome any anxiety, converse more skilfully and have more meaningful interactions. You will:<ul><li>Discover it’s not about being clever, witty or winning arguments</li><li>Learn to listen and hold space</li><li>Find out how a simple bit of structure can make all the difference</li><li>Create the conditions for more fruitful conversations</li></ul> 
The best conversations aren’t planned or one-sided; they are highly responsive, improvised exchanges. Let’s keep talking. 
 
‘Wise, inspirational and empowering. One of the finest things I’ve read about this foundational human practice.’ – Tom Chatfield, author & tech philosopher

Robert Poynton

Books by Robert Poynton

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