What's funny?
Published: Tue, 11/13/12
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| I've been hoodwinked into doing something which takes me right out of my comfort zone. In less than a month I will be presenting stand-up comedy in front of 400 people at the world famous Comedy Store in Leicester Square, London. The challenge isn't writing the material, it's knowing what's funny. I could just go for it on the night, hope for a sympathetic audience and rattle through my set regardless. But instead I've plumped for a different strategy. My secret to preparation has been to break my set down and test it on friends, family and anyone with ears. The results have been illuminating. Some stuff, which I was sure would evoke peals of laughter and howls of delight were met with polite grins. Others, which I hoped would bring a titter, have brought the house down. The point is; you don't know if it's good unless you test it. And inevitably that means taking a risk and getting others involved. It's like when you have an idea - and I know you do. Your idea is just an idea until you share it. You may get some flack and a few negative responses, but you won't know until you take a risk and tell others. Too many people have great ideas but are too afraid to share them. You can see me making a fool of myself live on Monday 3rd December. You'll laugh out loud (that's the plan) and all the ticket money goes to Help the Hospices. After the show we'll have a drink and you can tell me your idea. If you can't make it (considering this newsletter goes to 27,000 people that's very likely) then how about sharing your idea with someone, in fact anyone, this week? We'll start a discussion on our Facebook page too. Ideas are gifts, and gifts are best when they're shared. Be Brilliant! Michael |
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| Michael was interviewed on 'Steve Wright in the Afternoon' on BBC Radio 2 last week. If you missed it you can listen to the interview here. |
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