10 Public Speaking Lessons We Can Learn from Comedians

I recently went on a family reunion cruise to the Bahamas. I truly enjoyed connecting with family while gliding over the Atlantic Ocean. Something else I enjoyed on the cruise was attending comedy shows . While watching the comedians, I couldn’t help but think that when it comes to public speaking – comedians are some of the best to learn from. Their ability to capture and maintain an audience’s attention, all while delivering a memorable point, is nothing short of masterful. Here are ten public speaking lessons we can take from comedians:

1. Be Observant

Comedians get their best material from simply paying attention. They observe what’s happening around them and draw inspiration from everyday moments. One of the comedians told us about something he had noticed on the cruise in the last 48 hours. When gleaning material from day to day life, the key is to look for what’s interesting, ironic, funny, or even sad. You’ll find something your listeners can relate to! The human experience truly provides the best material. As a speaker, keep your eyes open to the world around you, and you’ll find plenty of content to engage your audience.

2. Involve Your Audience

Great comedians don’t just talk at their audience; they interact with them. They make the audience active participants in the performance, which makes the experience more engaging and memorable. As a speaker, find ways to involve your audience. It doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, the cruise comedians asked audience members what their names were and where they were from. Ask questions, encourage participation, and make them feel like they’re a part of the conversation. However, unlike some comedians, don’t try to embarrass your audience members!

3. Keep it Conversational

Comedians excel at speaking in a way that feels natural and conversational. They don’t use complex jargon or overly formal language; instead, they keep it simple and relatable. When you’re speaking, aim to communicate as if you’re having a one-on-one conversation with someone in the audience. It helps to build rapport, keeps your message clear, and helps you the speaker feel more relaxed on stage.

4. Embrace Imperfections

One of the most endearing qualities of comedians is their ability to poke fun at themselves. They’re not afraid to show their imperfections and vulnerabilities. It’s not about tearing yourself down; just don’t be afraid to share your own flaws and mistakes. It humanizes you and helps your audience connect with you on a deeper level. And truth be told – we laugh at comedians’ honesty about themselves because many of us are probably the same way!

5. Perfect Your Storytelling

Comedians are skilled storytellers. They know how to give just the right amount of detail, keeping the story concise yet engaging – no small feat. As a speaker, focus on the essential details that your audience needs to understand and enjoy the story. Don’t bog them down with unnecessary information; instead, keep it tight and impactful.

6. Work the Stage

Have you noticed how comedians don’t stay rooted in one spot; they move around the stage? Movement is a powerful tool in a comedian’s arsenal, and I’m not just talking about moving from left to right and vice versa. They will sometimes even step into the audience to create a more dynamic experience. One of the cruise comedians went a step further – he leaned against one of the women in the front row! And she LOVED it, throwing her head back in laughter. As a speaker, don’t be afraid to use the space around you. Moving around the stage can help you engage with different sections of the audience and keep the energy alive.

7. Get Creative with Props

Comedians often make great use of simple props like the microphone, mic stand, or a chair. These everyday items, when used creatively, can enhance their performance. As a speaker, consider how you might use simple objects in your environment to make your point more effectively. Examples of simple props I’ve used in my workshops are a tea cup and tea kettle that are from my kitchen. When discussing how the pandemic affected some of us, I use these two props to demonstrate weight gain: some of us went from looking like the tea cup to looking like the tea kettle. It hits the point home that I’m making, and even elicits chuckles!

8. Master the Power of Pauses

From my experience working with clients, pausing is one aspect of public speaking that is often a challenge for newer speakers. That’s because silence doesn’t usually feel natural or comfortable at first. However, a well-timed pause can be as powerful as the words you speak. Comedians use pauses strategically to build suspense, emphasize a point, or let a joke land. As a speaker, don’t be afraid of silence. Pausing allows your audience to digest what you’ve said and creates a rhythm in your speech that can keep them engaged.

9. Make Eye Contact

Direct eye contact is a key element in connecting with your audience. Comedians aren’t afraid to look their audience members in the eyes, making the interaction feel more personal and intimate. As a speaker, make it a point to look at different members of your audience throughout your speech. It builds trust, makes your message more compelling, and portrays you as confident and self-assured.

10. Be Flexible and Spontaneous

Comedians are experts at going with the flow. They can take whatever’s happening in the moment and incorporate it into their performance. During one of the comedians’ sets, a group of people walked in late. As you can guess – they instantly became part of the act, whether they liked it or not. As a speaker, be willing to adapt to the situation. If something unexpected happens, is there a way you can weave it into your message? Being able to deviate from your script takes some bravery, but it definitely can make your presentation even more memorable. As with anything else in life, the more you take advantage of these unplanned situations when they happen – the more comfortable you’ll become with how to maximize them for your speeches.

When it comes to refining your public speaking skillset, you really can find inspiration from anywhere! The most unlikely sources, such as a comedic act, can provide the best lessons for taking your craft to the next level. Whether you’re presenting to a small group or a large audience, incorporating these techniques will help you connect with your listeners in a more meaningful way.

Which of these lessons resonated with you most?