Exactly! TED is also a good platform for getting inspiration. I rewatch Ken Robinson's talk every so often for a good laugh, inspiration, and technique.
All of the above tips also apply to story telling, which is much more accessible to aspiring writers. I would encourage all to go to a story telling event (often free at bars) and get up the gumption to join an open mic night. The big payoff for story telling, similar to comedians - is connecting with the audience and receiving external validation from their response. I believe that external validation is a key confidence builder. Much more direct and honest than the parade of rejection letters from a gate-keeper editor. As an interesting side note - Mark Twain is the best example of the synergy between public story telling and writing.
Great point, Liza. I see humor and storytelling as being very closely linked, with stories being one fantastic form of humor (though not all stories are humorous).
As an acquisition specialist for a government contractor by day, and yoga instructor and stand-up comedian, I wholeheartedly agree with everything you mention. Ever since I started studying stand-up and joke writing six years ago, I've used the skills in my professional and personal lives, and the results have been amazing. I currently work in an office where everyone - including our major client - actually think that IT'S SO COOL that I'm a stand-up comedian! (One colleague even came to my last show, and told everyone how much he enjoyed it, i.e. my set, that is.)
I love watching other speakers, including comedians, for all of the reasons you list. Steal like a creative!
Exactly! TED is also a good platform for getting inspiration. I rewatch Ken Robinson's talk every so often for a good laugh, inspiration, and technique.
All of the above tips also apply to story telling, which is much more accessible to aspiring writers. I would encourage all to go to a story telling event (often free at bars) and get up the gumption to join an open mic night. The big payoff for story telling, similar to comedians - is connecting with the audience and receiving external validation from their response. I believe that external validation is a key confidence builder. Much more direct and honest than the parade of rejection letters from a gate-keeper editor. As an interesting side note - Mark Twain is the best example of the synergy between public story telling and writing.
Great point, Liza. I see humor and storytelling as being very closely linked, with stories being one fantastic form of humor (though not all stories are humorous).
As an acquisition specialist for a government contractor by day, and yoga instructor and stand-up comedian, I wholeheartedly agree with everything you mention. Ever since I started studying stand-up and joke writing six years ago, I've used the skills in my professional and personal lives, and the results have been amazing. I currently work in an office where everyone - including our major client - actually think that IT'S SO COOL that I'm a stand-up comedian! (One colleague even came to my last show, and told everyone how much he enjoyed it, i.e. my set, that is.)
That's fantastic. That is an added benefit to comedy: people are often impressed you do it.
Absolutely! In fact, here are a couple of video links to some of my work. Let me know what you think.
https://youtu.be/ETokR1SOBks
https://youtu.be/3sQC8jmPidY
Good stuff! The setup for yoga is great. Nicely done!
Thanks, bro.