Back in October, I wrote a blog post about public speaking. About how I was going to try Toastmasters or practice in front of a mirror or videotape myself.
Well, I've done nothing so far.
Big surprise, huh?
A small digression: I have some bad memories of public speaking. When I was in fifth grade, I had to get up on a stepstool and introduce some kind of drama thing my class was performing. I don't remember all the details, but I do remember some raucous laughter from the audience. Unfortunately, what I was saying wasn't supposed to be funny.
The next year, my class performed a play that I helped write, a day in the life of Socrates. I only had one line, but that didn't stop me from mangling it!
Needless to say, I never volunteered to be in any more dramatic productions.
Digression over. (Now where was I?)
Back in October, when I wrote the original post about public speaking, I didn't yet know I'd be writing a series about a stand-up comic. Now that I do, another fantasy has emerged from the depths of my addled mind.
What if I work up a short act and perform at comedy club open mic nights? That's public speaking right? With even more pressure.
When I floated this idea by my agent, she laughed.
When I floated this idea by my wife, she laughed harder.
Hmm. Is that a challenge? I suppose if my Midnight Ink pal Sue Ann Jaffarian can train to run a marathon, I can do a couple measly open mic nights.
Right?
Right?
Hello? Is this thing on?
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14 comments:
Doing a comedy act, hmm .. well you've already got two laughs. That's a good start. :) Best of luck with that.
I'm not laughing, Alan. At least not at the idea of you doing this.
Years ago, I took an 8 week class in stand up comedy. I figured if I could learn to stand up in front of a roomful of drunks and make them laugh, I could do anything.
After that, I performed standup around the So. Cal area for a short time, including once at the famous Comedy Store, some private venues, and in two comedy competitions. I haven't done stand-up in a very long time, but I am now very comfortable in front of any audience.
Trust me, once you perform comedy wearing a floor-length negligee and a red feather boa at a large swingers club, you can do ANYTHING. (I did 3 gigs there, and yes, they paid me.)
Break a leg, Alan. I'm rooting for you.
Alan,
I know exactly how you feel. One of the other "hats" I've worn is singer/keyboardist Open mike nights are a part of life if you're a wannabe musician. Sony Music never did shove a contract under my nose, but I am very glad I did the open mike thing. I wish you well, and I say, go for it!!
My hat is off to you. I'm fine at public speaking, and, of course, dramatic presentations aren't a problem for me.
Stand-up comedy? No, no, a thousand times no.
Two out of three ain't bad.
Mason - And I'm going to savor those two laughs, just in case that's all I end up getting.
Sue Ann - Thanks for cheering me on. I have a feeling that you are a tad more outgoing than I am (and funnier, too). I guess I'll have to go negligee shopping soon (and make a stop at Boa's 'R Us!)
Margot - Thanks, Margot. Sony Music missed out.
Elspeth - I think I'm staring at 0-for-3.
Alan, you are a very funny guy, quick witted and clever. I just can not imagine you'd be anything other than a hit. Just be yourself and success is assured.
Best Wishes Galen.
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Galen - On stage, I'm afraid I'll be a shaking, stuttering, stammering stooge. But at least I'll try to dress nicely.
Do it!!
Dare you!
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
I double dare you!
Elizabeth - I've never been dared on my blog before.
Patricia - I've certainly never been DOUBLE-dared on my blog before.
Hmmm.
I hope you can pull it off! I'm fine with public speaking, but I cannot tell jokes for the life of me. Good luck.
Alan, you would be GREAT! The big question here is YOU. Will you open yourself up to a risk such as this?
You got two laughs already because your agent and your wife know YOU and your "reserved" nature...
I say go for it! You are definitely funny - you just have to let yourself go and get into it! You might just surprise yourself!
I'm one who believes as long as you think you can - you can! I'd say go for it. I think you'll succeed. Of course, either way you'll have new fodder for a book.
Fantastic! Go for it! My husband is an introvert and he joined Toastmasters. He is also a born leader, but that aside, he truly enjoys his Toastmasters group. I won't say it changed his life, but it does for a lot of people.
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
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