Comments on: Confidence: A Critical Attribute Every Comedian Must Have

By: TopComedyGuru

TopComedyGuru — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:31:55 +0000

While smoking and soda can agitate the nervous system, the real issue lies in what you said – I know what works and what doesn’t. It’s that “what doesn’t work” part that’s probably causing the lion’s share of the issues.

If you know how to engage in performance improvement processes, you should be able to intelligently adjust or remove comedy material that doesn’t work, leaving you with “core” material that works with great consistency in a short period of time. This establishes the basis for confidence that grows, ultimately reducing that nervous feeling and increased heart rate.

You should have anticipation before hitting the stage. But there is a big difference between anticipation of something you look forward to doing that is exciting and experiencing dread (which has a foundation in doubt).

Doubt is a not a comedian’s friend – confidence is. Confidence is knowing without hesitation or reservation that you are going to slay the audience before you ever reach the stage. And having confidence is not about just one thing. It’s a about a combination of things that work together to create the laughs you want on stage (and effectively reduces or eliminates dread).

By: john hill

john hill — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:43:03 +0000

I don’t lack for confidence. I’m a ledgend in my own mind. I truly believe I’m a headliner waiting for an open-mic.

I need a good dose of humble pie to set me straight. I hope I am at least competent my first time out, but I expect to kill. I’m sure I won’t be instantly great, but hopefully I’m not garbage either. I can’t wait to get on stage!

Hopefully, I’ll keep gaining more and more insight from your blog, course, and E-books. LOL! 5 more links on this article I haven’t read yet…

By: Chad Wallace

Chad Wallace — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 05:43:36 +0000

I’ve seen comics who have way more time than me, still do the same bits with the same results…crickets. I think they are learning bad or negative stand up habits because they hit the stage confidence high, and as soon as the first joke don’t go over…he tanks.

My bad habit is waiting until I find out if I’m on the list to go on stage before I start deciding what set list to go with. So I don’t get to try out as many joke updates as I want to.