humoristI got this comment from Jarek and I wanted to respond to it:

Steve,

I just read an interesting piece about hiring a “Humorist” speaker for a convention. Although slightly different from straight stand-up, it does reference what an event planner needs to look for in a comedy speaker:

“But not all comedy works. We’ve all been in situations where the jokes were inappropriate and didn’t sit well with the audience, or were poorly delivered and went over like a lead balloon. You want to hire someone who hits only high notes at your meeting.

Look for these traits when hiring humorists:

Ability to stay on course – Can the humorists handle a tough audience? Are they easily distracted by noise, malfunctioning equipment, or unexpected events? Or can they maintain their focus no matter what comes along?

Likeability – Good humorists have the ability to make jokes about people that not only make them laugh, but actually make them feel complimented that they were the butt of a joke. By understanding and including audiences in their presentations, professional humorists keep audiences engaged.

Riffing – This is a jazz term for creating in the moment. Some speakers are over-prepared, too programmed, and sound canned. Once, during a workshop attended by 200-plus sales managers, a bird flew into the conference room. All eyes followed the bird’s flight path and then turned to the speaker for a reaction. None came. You could hear all the workbooks closing. Later, when asked why he hadn’t said something, the speaker said, “The bird wasn’t something I had planned for, but next time I’ll be better prepared.” You want your humorists to think on their feet, especially when something flies in the room.

An understanding of the power of punchlines – Great humorists can deliver a punchline in a way that surprises and informs an audience. It isn’t a joke just for a joke’s sake. They see the opportunity in humor to give attendees a different way of looking at a situation.”

I thought you might like to comment on this piece.

Jarek

Here are my comments:

1. The information in the article you read indirectly suggests that stage comfort is a big deal. Let me directly suggest that it is one of the biggest deals when it comes to being effective in front of an audience, whether you are an entertainer or a speaking professional.

2. I think most people have a pretty idea of what’s appropriate and what is not when it comes to using humor in from of an audience, except for the comedians who will tell you they have a clean and appropropriate act for a group when they really don’t.

3. Likeability is always important.

4. Riffing — I’m not an advocate of riffing. I believe that it is a lazy attempt to “engage” the audience when all the good comedy material is exhausted. What many people don’t realize that most of the “riffs” a comedian appears to be successful at are actually lines, bits, and comedback that they have used many, many times before.

Otherwise, you wouldn’t have to take an improv class to learn how to “improv”.

I am a FIRM believer that you cannot be too prepared, you cannot be rehearsed enough BEFORE you step before an audience. If one is sounding mechanical, then they have not put in the time they need to to deliver a professional presentation.

5. As far as the statement about punchlines…

While there are some punchline mechanics, to dissect punchlines the way this article did is really of no value. Punchlines are sense of humor “reactions” to what is being talked about. If your material doesn’t lend itself to sense of humor “reactions”, then it’s not going to be funny, no matter how hard you try to “fit peg A into slot B”.

I should also mention that the power of a joke, punchline or however it is to be characterized is largely due to the presentation (delivery), not the actual words being spoken. This is often missed in many of the “How To Be A Great Speaker” courses.

It’s ALWAYS best to see the speaker or entertain LIVE if at all possible before hiring. If not, you need to ask for an unedited video or DVD to review prior to hiring a humorist.

Overall, I would say the information in the article is pretty darned accurate.

Jarek, thanks for the comment and the feedback!

Cheers,
Steve Roye
The Professor of Funny for Money

About the Author/Founder of the SCP Blog


Steve Roye is the author of the Killer Stand-up Comedy System and is a globally recognized expert in the field of stand-up comedy material development and presentation strategies -- for entertainers as well as speaking professionals.

Please check out the Featured Articles page for direct links to articles on this blog for pro comedians, comedy entertainers, and speaking professionals.

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