In a corporate event, especially one that is celebratory in nature, it’s not all about business. The executives also want to laugh and this is why they’ll consider hiring corporate comedians. If you are a stand-up comedian but have never performed before such an audience, it’s normal to be frightened. Actually, fear is part of the process. Acing your first-ever comedy performance is not all about taking the whole house down. No, it’s about getting the courage to perform the second time, the third, and beyond.
Here are 5 secrets to apply:
1. Script It
You don’t want your ideas to evaporate a few seconds before you are called onto the stage. Therefore, you need a simple script that shows what you’ll be performing. You don’t have to memorize the exact words but have a set of things that you’ll address when you get hold of the mic.
2. Rehearse It
You can only be near perfect if you take some time to rehearse your script. You can do it in front of your bathroom mirror or before your family. The idea is to get a picture of how it’ll be when you get onto the corporate stage.
3. Time Yourself
You may be naturally funny but if you don’t work within the allocated time, you may not perform well on stage. Try not to take more time than what’s allocated to you as this may bore your audience. So, time your performance right from the rehearsal.
4. Declare Nervousness
Instead of waiting for the audience to find out in the middle of a performance, you need to tell them that you are nervous the moment you grab the mic. They’ll give you the benefit of doubt if you do it. However, you have to give your performance your whole.
5. See a Live Performance
Before you jump onto the stage, you should see how other experienced corporate comedians do it. This can be on other stages or on the one that you are supposed to perform on — that’s assuming you are not the curtain-raiser.
Start following some of the biggest comedians in the industry to see how they are handling their performances and to actually get to know a few of them. Seeing what other comedians are doing can also go a long way in helping your find a unique voice.
Generally, it’s all about making an impression in your first-ever corporate comedy event. There’s no guarantee that some will not think you suck but there’s the likelihood of winning a majority of them with the above secrets.
