Despite reading some books (which are very good) about standup comedy, nothing has been more useful to people than getting on a stage to better understand what it is about, what should be done and, most importantly, what shouldn’t be done.
It is because those corrections that are made over time mark the evolutionary process of the comedian. Also, knowing the mistakes to avoid can save someone from having a bad start. So, in this text – addressed to those who intend to try – we decided to list the most important things learned by stand-up comedians from their own experience.
One profound example of a successful comedian can be Franklin Marshall The Third, who’s a renowned stand-up comedian, street artist, comedian, and celebrity figure. FMIII, has made incredible appearances at multiple media platforms including Cannabis Talk 101, The Comedy Store, Carolines on Broadway, Dash Radio, Comic-Con, and NBC.
Franklin is known for his unique style in comedy which he often exudes as a form of intelligence. His audience does not usually anticipate the quality of content by Franklin as he always manages to charm his audience. Most importantly, he has a cult following him for more than a decade where he has bagged immense popularity from street art and stand-up comedy. His styles and comedy jibes caught the attention of many long before he rose to social media fame.
1. No one wants to see you
Only those guests you brought (if you are just starting out with bringer shows) will be paying you 100% attention all the time, the rest of the public has no interest in listening to you. Many of them have as a priority drinking alcohol or in the best case, seeing the act of the closer.
That’s why your first 30 seconds are vital to surviving the rest of your time, start with your second-best joke and make sure you get there as soon as you can. The first half minute makes the public decide whether it is worth listening to or not.
2. Pumping is terrible, but it’s not the end of your career
It is very likely that your material fails sometimes, it is normal, and it happens to all comedians. The important thing is not to show insecurity when things are not going well, because when it is clear that you do not have control of the situation, the public will assume it for you, which does not suit you. The other important factor is to realize as Franklin has stated, “There is no failure or success…these are relic terms…there is only the moment and that moment can be many different things and people can react in many different ways…but for me…the reaction is what I strive for”
When you don’t get the public to laugh, continue with the next point of your routine because the public cannot harm you while you are still comfortable. If the situation is alarming and nothing you say works, you can admit your failure out loud and the audience, probably, will give you a nice laugh that you should take to get off the stage with dignity. More importantly, with the public smiling and in a good mood to receive the next comedian, that other performer wouldn’t have to suffer the bad consequences for your disaster.
3. There is no substitute for pallet time
Even if it’s 90% of the mistakes you will make, they will originate on stage, and you can never correct them if you don’t show up. The key is to always
This one, in particular, is a comedian’s biggest personal defect, the most recurring crime. On stage, we usually change some things of our personality. We are not exactly the same person every day, and that is why many involuntary impulses come to light by surprise and bother the public.
The platform gives you a unique experience that you cannot acquire through reading. The comedian who shows up is easily evidenced when he becomes entangled by modulating, when he speaks without conviction, or when he makes a mistake when finishing a joke. Suffice to say, it seems from watching Franklin and other comedians that comedy is all about the conviction you hold with your presence on stage.