5 Public Speaking Lessons From Comedians
Posted on February 3, 2012 by Baxter Dickson
Imagine your last business presentation.
Ideally you were well prepared and your audience was eager to hear your ideas. Now, picture a slightly inebriated, potentially hostile audience with no qualms about voicing their displeasure, and you have one goal: Make them laugh. Such is the terrifying realm of the stand-up comic.
In his memoir, Born Standing Up, Steve Martin humorously notes why comedians declare that they “killed” after a successful show: “Because the audience is fully capable of killing you.”
Although I hope you never have to fend off insults from an angry drunk, I believe successful comics offer numerous lessons about how to engage with any kind of audience.
#1 Be Unique
There are two unspoken rules in comedy: Don’t steal, and don’t be a hack. A thief lacks originality and reeks of dishonesty. Anyone trying to perform like Robin Williams is a Robin Williams knock-off, and comedians such as Carlos Mencia are ostracized for using other comedians’ jokes.
The hack talks in worn-out clichés about how terrible airline food is and the differences between men and women. They’re slightly amusing but entirely forgettable.
Mainstream comics develop their own signature voices. Steve Martin was a physical buffoon. Jim Gaffigan rose to fame with routines about food and Hot Pockets, along with high pitched asides.
If you want to be memorable, find your own speaking style. If you’re not a high energy personality any attempts to be excessively lively will be blatantly disingenuous. Find your comfort zone instead. A delivery that builds on your natural tendencies will make your presentation come alive.
#2 Get Personal
Most modern comedians don’t tell jokes. They share personal thoughts and experiences. Richard Pryor famously poked fun at his highly publicized personal struggles including addiction, setting himself on fire, run-ins with the law, and having a heart attack.
Sharing personal experiences is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your audience and put your humanity on display. Also, never underestimate the value of self-deprecating stories like Pryor’s. Sharing your flaws states “I don’t take myself too seriously,” and invites your viewers to laugh with you.
#3 Learn From The Best
George Carlin’s recent passing brought about an outpouring of sympathy and appreciation for the comedian’s work, most notably, his influence on other performers.
In an honorary piece for Entertainment Weekly, Chris Rock cited Carlin as his greatest influence for showing him comics didn’t need to do characters, they could just be clever. Likewise, a newly successful Louis C.K. said that George Carlin changed his career with the concept of abandoning routines after a year, thus forcing him to scrap tired material and dig deeper.
Any successful business presenter offers lessons for inexperienced speakers. Learn from them. You may learn about connecting with your audience, how to organize material, or how to gracefully handle technical difficulties. Regardless, your presentation skills will improve by internalizing their lessons.
#4 Know Your Audience
About a year ago, I went to see Patton Oswalt at the Cleveland House of Blues. It was a dark time for Clevelanders, because LeBron James’ infamous “decision” to play for Miami was televised the night before. As Patton took the stage he began apologetically: “I’m so sorry, guys. I just got a call to perform at the House of Blues in Miami with two of my friends.” Oswalt then detailed the ideal revenge against LeBron James. The audience laughed and groaned and loved every minute of it.
When you know what your audience wants, or what frustrates them, you can create a presentation to their liking. The end result is a personalized experience for the viewer. Word of Caution: If you ever use a local reference, avoid stereotypes or old news (referencing LeBron James now is way out of touch).
#5 Practice is Essential
The documentary Comedian follows comedy icon Jerry Seinfeld as he struggles to re-enter the world of stand-up comedy. During a drop-in performance at a local club, Jerry suffers a comic’s worst nightmare: He completely forgets his next joke and freezes onstage.
Even seasoned comics struggle with new material. Hour-long TV specials are a culmination of months of preparation, practice, and often failure.
It’s dangerous to believe everything will come to you in the moment.
Work through your growing pains before you present. Practice frequently, and if possible get a friend or family member to act as your audience. You’ll never regret practicing more, but you may regret practicing less.
Stand-up comedians aim to inspire laughs, but their goals mirror any business presenter. They’re trying to connect with the audience. Embrace your inner comic and “kill” your next presentation.
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