𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆

I love stand-up comedy! The greats can find the funny where there typically isn’t any funny—often taking difficult, sometimes even tragic situations and making us laugh about them.

My Mount Rushmore of comics include Dave Attell, Joan Rivers, Greg Giraldo, Robin Williams, Richard Jeni, Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin, Norm Macdonald, Rodney Dangerfield, George Carlin, and Richard Pryor. (Tough to narrow it down to four!)

Who are your favorites? Comment and then Like below!

Styles make funny. Interesting styles of comics include Anthony Jeselnik, Steven Wright, Bill Burr, Jimmy Carr, Wanda Sykes, Nate Bargatze, John Mulaney, Jim Gaffigan, Jeff Ross, Nikki Glaser, Demetri Martin, Lisa Lampanelli, Gary Gulman, and Jim Jefferies.

I love comics that are masterful with wordplay, a bit edgy, get to the punchline quickly, have great timing, use storytelling, and offer a unique style of delivery. Some create that unique style of delivery specifically for the stage—Gilbert Gottfried and Pee Wee Herman come to mind.

What Comedians Can Teach Us About Public Speaking

Relate some of these comedy stylings to speaking at an event, business networking mixer, or even a best man speech. When a speaker isn’t engaging and doesn’t make the message relevant to the audience, they lose the audience.

“I think we just lost Utah.” – Dave Attell

Lately, I’m working with a lot of coaching clients on their public speaking skills, most often connected to their business networking.

Here are some approaches we discuss!

Start with Your Best Stuff

You don’t have to be funny. Just begin with something powerful—a quote, story, or a “Did you know…?” Why is your message important to the audience? Don’t start with, “My name is…” (Attell always begins with jokes about the city he’s in.)

Don’t Read Your Presentation

Unless you’re quoting someone, don’t read your speaking points word for word. I notice this more and more during online networking events, and it takes away from the message, level of engagement, and platform skills.

Eliminate Verbal Pauses and Ticks

“Like” and “so” are verbal pauses. “Um” and “ah” are verbal ticks. Get feedback from others and replace verbal pauses and ticks with a breath.

Use a Basic 5-Point Outline

Look at your hand—your thumb is your opening (best stuff), your pinky is your close (call to action, mentioned below), and your remaining fingers represent your three to five speaking points, which should cover most short presentations. This way, your speech is always in the palm of your hand!

Share Stories That Relate to Your Audience

Open with the point of your story, tell your story, and then relate that story back to your audience.

“I share this story because…”

Just keep your stories brief and relatable. Everyone loves a great story!

Close with a Call to Action

Your second-best stuff!

“Use these ideas to improve your follow-up with your prospects and convert them into clients! Thank you.”

Final Thoughts

Use these ideas the next time you want to feel more confident with your audience, create better engagement, and have more fun while speaking.

That’s my time, kids! Remember, tip your server on the way out.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Who are YOUR favorite comics and why?