Step Right Up

Hi team! 

Today's blog looks at some of the initial advice I received as a new comic.  As with any advice, consider the source and whether it applies to your situation.  If you're doing comedy solely for fun--enjoy!  If you're working towards being a professional comedian, still have fun, but give the advice greater consideration.

The following are from my very first comedy notebook:
1.  Trim the fat - Get right to the meat of the joke.  You'll lose the audience in a long or involved story.
2.  Don't use notes - Truly a case-by-case basis piece of advice.  In this situation, the host knew more about my professional background.  Her recommendation was that I practice until I didn't feel the need for notes. 
3.  Speak up and clearly enunciate your words - Get to know your microphone types and learn how to speak into each. Most stage mics are cardioid mics, which pick up best when someone speaks directly into them. 
4.  Move your head out of the way before pulling the mic from the stand - Failure to do so has led more than one comic to smack themselves in the mouth--this is not how you want an audience to remember you.
5.  Move the mic stand out of the way - Pick up the stand below the adjustment point to keep it from coming apart. 
6.  Don't wear a fedora on stage - Don't know who gave me this advice--I've never worn a fedora on stage but know several successful comics who have! 
7.  Don't turn down any opportunity - It will force you to grow. 

Keep smiling!