Five (Of The Many) Reasons Jon Stewart Is Funny
Jon Stewart’s announcement
that he’s moving on from the Daily Show was hard to hear, because he really built up the show and created a HUGE following. He got people to actually enjoy the news – that’s tough.
I got to work with him
17 years ago, when he first started on the show. It’s the first time I’ve ever experienced “star power” because he, I and the other comedian went to a movie on Saturday – one of those Mummy movies – and people’s heads were literally snapping when he walked through the lobby. I didn’t know much about him, but I suddenly “got it” that he was a big shot.
So I thought I’d do
a quick blog this week focusing on some of the things that made Jon Stewart funny. If you can take a hint from him, maybe you can get millions to like you and your comedy as well.
1. He’s like my cats,
Radar
Rockette
he’s like-able. In his farewell speech, he even thanked the people who disagreed with him. And hey, if people disagree with you, but still watch you, that’s good!
2. He’s interesting to watch.
He’s always got great stuff to say, but he’s also interesting to watch, and you must be too. It’s not enough to have great jokes. When I first started in comedy and was struggling with my stage presence, someone gave me the sage advice to “S__t on all corners of the stage.” I don’t think he meant literally, but rather, move around, be interesting, and engage everyone.
3. He makes things simple.
Jon Stewart and his writers, are masters at distilling down complex crap like the elections and government spending, into stuff we can understand and stomach. Don’t over think the jokes and put in too much information. Distill it down, down, down so we all can understand it!
4. He is passionate about the material.
He really got into the stories and did a great job of pleading his case for why you should see things his way. “Sell” your jokes/ideas/point of view the way he did and people will laugh with you.
5. He is relaxed.
When I had my first “headshot” taken for comedy, it was awful for many reasons (hair, outfit, you name it).But mostly it was hideous because I had this forced smile on my face, and one that my friend Rob and I called the “I’m going to make you laugh” smile. When you’re stressed out hoping that people will laugh, they never laugh. Jon Stewart puts everyone at ease and ready to laugh because he’s at ease and ready to laugh.
Give your comedy more of a chance by taking a hint from someone who’s doing it right!
Jan
www.TheWorkLady.com – this is my main website. Lots of information on my humor keynotes and comedy shows
www.ComedyEmcee.com – this is my, you guessed it, comedy emcee site. I’m great at getting the group laughing, keeping the event rolling and making sure everyone is engaged!
Pinterest and Me and Comedy
I’ve heard so much about
this “new” (okay new to ME) social media thing that I finally got serious and checked it out. WAYYY cool. So many things you can do on Pinterest. . .
Here’s a quick humor
graphic I posted on there. But there are all sorts of humor searches you can do on Pinterest to find all sorts of funny things that will make you laugh and even spruce up your presentation. So go see what other people are doing — don’t steal, make sure you give credit if you use something.
Have a great weekend!!
Jan
6 Topics for Comedy Emceeing A Holiday Event
So you’ve got to keep the company
holiday party rocking and rolling along without having everyone snoring? Here’s some things you can joke about safely and successfully!
Embrace Religious Differences.
Usually you shouldn’t talk about religion, but the holidays have so many different takes on it, that this is the exception. Don’t make fun people’s religions at all, but you can bring up little known facts about different religions and customs that will make the event more interesting.
Talk About Santa.
Regardless of your religion, everyone know who Santa is! So make references to large men in red or people going down chimneys or elves and reindeer, and people will get it. Find someone with a good sense of humor who LOOKS like Santa and you’ve got comedy gold!
Bring Up Funny Things That
Have Happened To You During The Holidays. Do you have a crazy holiday story? Or maybe a heartwarming story with a funny twist. My mom once cooked Thanksgiving dinner while she unknowingly had the flu. She passed it along to EVERYONE and to this day we refer to that year as the “Thanksgiving Day Massacre.” Bring these stories up and you can have people laughing and reminiscing!
Watch The “Inside” Jokes.
If it’s a work event you’re emceeing, it is tempting, and easy, to goof around about the broken copier or the bad lunchroom coffee, but remember there are lots of spouses, vendors and others who don’t deal with it day-to-day. Stick to Santa and you’ll engage more people.
fluffy relaxes in her box
Bring in weird tips about
holiday customs and things we take for granted. If you don’t want to go the religious route, then bring up little know facts about the holidays. Did you know there’s an insurance policy for Santas? Think about it. . .do you think an uninsured Santa should be around drunk adults and/or little kids. No way. Have some fun with fun facts about all the different customs and from all the different countries.
Fruitcakes are Fair Game.
And in fact other food items that we only see around the holidays like cheese balls, egg nog, and gingerbread houses. Make some references to these food items and you’ll connect with people instantly!
Enjoy the holidays, and use these tips so that you don’t worry about being funny as an emcee. . .you’ll have plenty of ammunition!
Jan
www.ComedyEmcee.com
www.TheWorkLady.com
www.HealthComedian.com
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