Corporate Comedian Secrets to Success

Corporate Comedian Sally Edwards

 Performing a clean corporate comedy show in an unfamiliar environment can be daunting in comparison to performing in the familiar surroundings of a comedy club.  However, there are secrets for success that greatly enhance a performer's ability to reach an audience, get them to laugh to tears and make the experience mutually fun and inspiring.

1)  It's Really Not About You

Your job as a corporate comedian is to shed light and humor on the audience and their corporate experience.  Ideally, a "customized" corporate show illuminates the unique experience of your "guests" (a nice way to perceive an audience).  While your own experiences are interesting and funny, you must stop and think "Why are these people interesting and funny?"  Empathy will make your show really hit home.

2)  They Want You to Like Them

I've seen comedians walk into a corporate event and immediately start to grumble, "The room is not right, the sound is bad, the lighting is poor."  Imagine if you invited someone to a party in your home and this is the attitude they exhibited as they entered your front door!

Good planning avoids an unpleasant set-up.  Bring your own sound (take note of musicians), bring your own lights (just a couple of spots will do the job) and contact your event planner in advance and tell them the best way to set up the room.  Your planners really do want to plan right and they really do want you to like them!

3)  Smile

One of the easiest thing to do and something often overlooked by corporate comedians as they become more and more self-absorbed prior to showtime.

4)  Be Appreciative

There is so much hard work that goes into planning an event.  Your event planner will appreciate you noticing the effort they made to make the night a success.  A recognition and appreciation of their efforts will make you and your show all the more memorable.