Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Please Remember to Tip Your Blogger

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. Socrates

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:

Mason Canyon said...

Doing a comedy act, hmm .. well you've already got two laughs. That's a good start. :) Best of luck with that.

Sue Ann Jaffarian said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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!!

Elspeth Futcher said...

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.

Alan Orloff said...

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.

joe doaks-Author said...

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

Alan Orloff said...

Galen - On stage, I'm afraid I'll be a shaking, stuttering, stammering stooge. But at least I'll try to dress nicely.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Do it!!

Dare you!

Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder

Patricia Stoltey said...

I double dare you!

Alan Orloff said...

Elizabeth - I've never been dared on my blog before.

Patricia - I've certainly never been DOUBLE-dared on my blog before.

Hmmm.

Lorel Clayton said...

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.

Unknown said...

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!

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

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.

JournoMich said...

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