Return to Civility: A Speed of Laughter Project (Paperback)

~ John Sweeney (Author), The Brave New Workshop (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

'What a breath of fresh air! You and your team have articulated in one book what we are all so hungry for as a society. . . . We have forgotten how to respect and honor our fellow human beings as equal travelers on this journey.' Matthew D. Breitfelder, vice president of leadership development for MasterCard Worldwide

This simple little book has a simple little theme, 'Act the way you want the world to be.'

Motivated by his experience at a concert during which a Grammy Award-winning musician was forced to stop mid-song in order to ask the audience to ratchet down its conversation, author and speaker John Sweeney rallied the troops at his theater to come up with 365 ways to lead a more considerate, and considered, life.

#107

If someone cuts you off in traffic, give the peace sign instead of the finger.

Road rage creates unresolvable anger that you won't be able to shake. And at 60 mph, the other driver might think it's the finger anyway. It's a win-win situation.

John Sweeney wears a lot of different hats. He owns the nation's oldest satirical comedy theater; he's an author, an improviser, a corporate trainer, a keynote speaker, and he has appeared on national television without a shirt-on more than one occasion, though he probably shouldn't.

The Brave New Workshop contributors include: Lauren Anderson, Mike Fotis, Dave Jennings, Katy McEwen, Brian Aylmer, John Haynes, Lynn Lanners, Julia Schmidt, Joe Bozic, Dawn Hopkins, Jenni Lilledahl, Stephanie Scott, Erin Farmer, Elena Imaretska, and Caleb McEwen.

About the Author

John Sweeney wears a lot of different hats. He owns the nation's oldest satirical comedy theatre. He's also an author, improviser, corporate trainer, and keynote speaker.

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Aerialist Press; 1 edition (December 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976218429
• ISBN-13: 978-0976218425
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 4.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #216,409 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another WONDERFUL Brave New Workshop Production, December 31, 2007

By	B. Miller (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Anyone that's got a clue in Minneapolis knows the Brave New Workshop and what they do so well - improv and sketch comedy about the funny observations in everyday life. I've been a fan for years (the Holiday Show is a must-do) and even hired John Sweeney in 2004 to present at our annual conference.

I picked up this book in December 2007 (when I ran into the BNW to pick up their new bootleg DVDs) and I love it. It speaks the truth about the respect and civility that is draining from our everyday life, and that so many children are not being taught today. I am going back to buy 6 more copies, to give one to each of my nieces and nephews, as they graduate from high school and go out into the real world. A little common courtesy goes a long, long way in life.

Thank you to John and the BNW stafff for speaking about it! See you at the next show!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What were they (not) thinking, January 1, 2008

By	J. Wadsworth "guardian of the truth" (West Bloomington) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Too often in public spaces our co-inhabitants are not thinking but reacting. The reaction lacks consideration for all of us around the offender. I wish I had a copy of this book with me every time the cell phone addict attempts to check out of a retail store while carrying on at least two conversations. I gave copies to all my friends for entertainment and immediately one of them purchased ten more to give to his in-laws!

Jim-Western Bloomington

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should own this book!, May 22, 2008

By	MLW (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

Return to Civility: A Speed of Laughter Project


This book will surprise and amaze you. Every page has kind and thoughtful surprises that will make the people you encounter smile and be glad for the moment you've shared. I bought one for my granddaughter and 8 other friends. This is Minnesota Nice in an inspirational little book which I love!