How To Be A Comedian? (Or Just Present Funnier) The First Step Is To Get Over The Fear Of Failure
Nobody wants to feel like an idiot, and standing there after you've told a failed joke is the easiest path to idiocy, right? Wrong. Let me explain.
Failed jokes (or any other attempt at humor) are forgivable. In fact, sometimes failed humor is even lovable. We all have that crazy and fun person in our lives that is famous for the bad or corny jokes. And we love them, right? And we all know that even the top comedians tell jokes that fail. What's up with that?
Look at Jay Leno and David Letterman. During any one of their monologues you'll see them trot out 7 minutes of new material, and at least 50% of it fails. (Or is at least mediocre.) And they are still famous, still have their own show, and still earn a gajillion dollars. (How many zeroes are there in a "gajillion?")
What's my point? My point is that trying some humor that fails is OK. Our audiences will forgive us. Heck, they'll love us for trying. They'll love that we are taking chances to try to make our presentations more interesting and less dense. Our audiences know the difference between a couple of failed jokes and a a failed presentation. And that's a crucial distinction that we often fail to see ourselves. A couple failed attempts at being light, playful or funny doesn't result in a failed performance.
Yet entry level humorists and want-to-be-humorists often miss that distinction. They fear that if they plan some piece that includes humor and that piece fails the result will be a TOTAL failure of their presentation. Not so. So a joke went by without any laugh? Big Deal; Leno and Letterman deal with that several times every week night. Smile, shrug your shoulders, and move on.
Sure, if you try humor you might not earn a laugh. But as long as your attitude is healthy, failing to earn a laugh doesn't mean you've failed with your presentation. In fact, your audience will appreciate you all the more for trying to make it fun.
So go ahead, give it a try! Add some levity and joy to your presentation. Attempt to make them laugh... or even smile. You have nothing to lose.
Instead of fearing failed humor attempts, we should instead fear failing to attempt humor.
Related Tags: fear, humor, technique, funny, professional, failure, comedy, montgomery, comedian, publc speaking
Brad Montgomery CSP is hilarious motivational speaker and corporate comedian who reminds his audiences to take themselves less seriously in his laugh-out-loud keynote presentations. He is an also the author of three books and a humor-in-the-workplace consultant. Get a free audio recording at http://www.HumorJumpStart.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- How To Use A Story To Engage Your Audience
Preparing your speech and writing appropriate stories can be a challenge at the best of times, but t - Public Speaking Articles - Channel Surfing Across the Internet
For more information please check Live Internet TV Website: http://top-liveinternet-tv.com/ The - Public Speaking Articles - How Should We Respond to the Cheonan Incident?
The million dollar question is how should we respond to the sinking of the Cheonan? The sinking was - Keep It Simple In Public Speaking
How often had you heard the premise in public speaking that you should tell your audience what you w - Groom Wedding Speech - Write A Speech That Will Stun Everyone.
During the planning of the wedding, one of the most important aspect to take into account is the wed - Motivational Speakers Profiled - John Thakara
John Thackara is a design expert, bestselling author and businessman best known for bringing design - Powerpoint In Training - When A Good Thing Is Not A Good Thing
I thought I'd write a few words about a topic that often comes up in discussions about training, and - How To Get Benefit From Motivational Speakers?
Motivation is something that every one needs to do well. When a machine falls out in repair, you wil - How To Deal With Public Speaking Pressure
Most of us are afraid about public speaking. It is a scenario which puts a substantial amount of anx - Dealing With Public Speaking Anxiety
Most people are terrified about presenting and public speaking. It is just a situation that places a
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Public Speaking : Connection
If you don't recognize the importance of connecting, then your message, no matter how important, wil - Top 10 Do Nots When Working With Meeting Planners
1. Don't Be Demanding - Remember planners are only going to book speakers who they like, this is pre - Better Typography and More Readable Text in PowerPoint
PowerPoint is, fundamentally, a tool for communication, and the heart of that communication is writt - How To Eliminate Speaking Jitters: Eight Sure-Fire Strategies To Help You Be More Natural
Do you avoid giving speeches because the stress drives you up the wall? Do you give speeches, but ha - Learn How To Dress Up Your Presentation The Easy Way
Honoring individuals for their achievements may say a great deal about the person but can also demon - The Mental Game of Speaking: Are You a Mentally Tough Speaking Athlete?
Can you play at the top of your speaking game on demand? How do you handle the rigors of the high st - 5 Things To Conquer Before Any Group Discussion For The Indian Institutes Of Management
Congrats -If you are one of the lucky participants who cleared the CAT Exam. However now you must sh - How To Connect With Your Audience
How To Connect With Your Audience! Every presentation is a new and different experience deter - The Perfect Wedding Speech
Giving the Best Man's speech at a wedding. Is that something that fills you with dread, or is it som - Public Speaking: Confidence Building Tips
The ability to speak well in public helps people in all walks of life. More and more people are invo
