Absolutely spot on! I've found that the best performances come when I genuinely connect with the audience. Early on, I was so focused on my material that I missed the energy in the room. It turns out that making eye contact and responding to the crowd creates a dialogue, making it feel less like a performance and more like a shared experience. I've been part of the Sense of Humor Improvement Program by Habit10x, which helped me embrace authenticity on stage. Remember, humor is about connection-be present, and the laughs will follow!
I am getting on stage more and more. As I do I find that more and more I am speaking with the crowd and less to them. It’s wierd. I am slowing down and loving on my crowd.
I'm a latecomer to this channel but I'm so happy I found it. Your advice is intelligent, genuine, sensible, and practicable, and this video, in particular, is just genius in its simplicity and wisdom. So much of what you say resonates with me and with what I try to practice, so it's empowering to hear from a pro that I might be on the right track. Thanks so much!
7:57 possibly the single most brilliant thing I’ve heard about comedy... Either this piece of advice or the late Sandy Shore’s "make it visual” or the late, great Ron Shock’s “if it’s not in your heart don’t say it onstage”... and Ron’s advice kind of relates to it, actually
I'm going to add an important element to this, regarding the audience being in the same state the performer is in: Not necessarily so at the beginning. I've seen a really funny guy die on his arse (that's the British way of saying 'bombed') because he was a subtle, dry comedian with gentle energy and the audience was an energetic Friday night crowd. To start with you really need to match the energy of the crowd, and when you've established rapport, THEN you can take them in your direction
Great advice. I'm a laid back cerebral stand-up comedian and i think less energy makes the crowd less supportive. What's interesting is that guys like Steven Wright and Mitch Hedberg are/were great and they don't connect with the crowd at all!
Steven Wright had less connection than Hedberg. Hedberg was hyper aware of whether he felt his set was going well. But their jokes were so good and the audience “felt” their stream of consciousness if you will. Sort of like Richard Lewis. But when Hedberg started showing up stoned on H, he actually made the audience feel high too. Fascinating study in audience dynamics.
As I enter comedy at 58 years old with a ton of material under my belt, have been going out to watch local performers, as well as studying the greats. One thing I see is over connecting with same audience members, to the point it feels like set ups, which not only feels lazy but also alienates and bores the rest of the audience. Also, like the performer took no time to even run through and do any type of memorizing when they clearly have no ability to ad lib.. One of my favorite Vids of yours, Jerry, addresses exactly this and as I said in those posts if there’s one vid to watch that one is it. I was just at a show the other night and the comedian clearly either forgot or ran out of her material and kept bumbling about how the next performer was gonna be so much better than her and how her time was up. It was painful.
Jerry!! The tip at 6m20s is GOLD!! A great way to get into "crowd work," by simply asking an audience member if they agree with the set up, or topic of your joke, as you're telling the story: "Do you drive? Nice. What's your name..." Clever!! I'm going to try this tonight!!
Omg I’m so enjoying this to help be a success on stage , I really appreciate your guidance even though this is probably for comedians, but I can take aspects of this 🙏
Sunday 9 am waking up,I made the right move by REALLY listening to the vid on"never bombing onstage" at (.50 speed) to get it in my head,while cleaning old files. I have TOTAL brain retention NOW, finally ,like my dermal retention.
Thanks J! loads of gems in there, I like to tell funny stories over jokes, find a nice story way more interesting, the bit you mentioned about taking a pause i think is key to a funny story all the greats make you feel like your're actually there especially Cosby an Prior. gonna work on that. Nice one!!
"i hope you got some value from this video.." this is a very unnecessary statement because, I get value from EVERY video you post. Thank you so much!!!!
How do o develop stage presence Confident you may take pauses.. Be yourself Add emotion What my pv for this joke whats my angle on the subject be confident ... Does it frustrates you, anger you, confuse yiy annoy you.... Stand up comedy is conversation... Watch other comedians what they do to appear present with the audience ... Take your time, allow audience to process what you said and react, laugh, sign, groan, applause
I think I’m pretty good at writing really funny material but I don’t think my personality necessarily come off as naturally funny. Thanks for the advice!
In comedian I've been on stage a couple times and open mic. My problem is when somebody say write your jokes down on a piece of paper what can I do to write my jokes and my punchline down since I'm blind I have a notepad on my tablet that talk is that the same as writing a note. Or I record my self telling jokes is that okay with me since I'm blind can you please answer that question for me thank you Queen G
Yes. I still say my jokes into a recorder. You might consider using the Otter.ai app. It automatically transcribes what you say into the written word. This becomes a benefit when you start organizing your jokes. I have a blind student in New Mexico who uses a similar technique along with his screen reader. Hope this helps!
“60% or coffee addicted women have admitted to using pantyhose when they have run out of coffee filters. And 100% of women have regretted not taking them off first!”
Hi Jerry, what are your thoughts on traveling on stage? And feet? I see that some comics like Chris Rock are very active, and because I am a professional dancer, I have a tendency to move around in the space and to look around at all parts of the audience. I'm very animated, but I do have some points where I stay in one place. I have, however, now gotten 2 comments (from friends) saying that I need to just "plant my feet". What is your take on this?
Keep that natural movement, over do specific moves now and then out of the blue for example pirouette twice to move across the stage or jete to another spot then stand still looking around for a response/laugh then say "What?" For another laugh. All the best!
How do I find my stage presence when I can't even find the men's room? How do I define a character when I can't even define myself in real life. Tough ask here
Maybe that's who you are? The man who's always searching for who he is? That could be a theme in your act. But more specifically: How do you respond to conflict? Are you a diplomat, a fighter? A chicken? Are you a great lover or awkward? How do others see you? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? A Dog person or a Cat person? Or do you sacrifice small animals to Satin? Simple Broader questions can start to lead you to who you are
Nice! So what's your best tip for a comic response to your heckles I so need to know please it's my only fear help me give me a list if you're feeling generous😅
Can you change it? Change it. Can you not change it? Dont worry about it. Being ugly or attractive doesnt matter. Theyre not watching you to find a mate. Theyre watching because youre funny. Sometimes you can use the ugly in your material. Use it to your advantage. Not as an inhibitor
I hate to be a wet blanket, but usually the best teachers have achieved a great deal. Jerry seems to have achieved the most in his teaching courses, not that it's a bad thing. As far as pauses, yeah, somewhat. I would not pause too long or more than once or twice. I personally hate listening to a slow speaker, it's equivalent to a waste of time, but then that's me. Second point: be yourself? Maybe, but you need to be a hyperventilated version, on steroids, amped up, the rock-and-roll version. It's hard to explain, maybe think of it as being especially in the moment and mindful: "present" as he says, but does not elaborate.
"The Audience is in the state the performer is in."
I hope the people watching my first Open Mic Night like being High.
Never drive to gigs high, always take the train drunk
I hope my audience enjoys the feeling of depression and dread
Absolutely spot on! I've found that the best performances come when I genuinely connect with the audience. Early on, I was so focused on my material that I missed the energy in the room. It turns out that making eye contact and responding to the crowd creates a dialogue, making it feel less like a performance and more like a shared experience.
I've been part of the Sense of Humor Improvement Program by Habit10x, which helped me embrace authenticity on stage. Remember, humor is about connection-be present, and the laughs will follow!
I am getting on stage more and more. As I do I find that more and more I am speaking with the crowd and less to them. It’s wierd. I am slowing down and loving on my crowd.
I'm a latecomer to this channel but I'm so happy I found it. Your advice is intelligent, genuine, sensible, and practicable, and this video, in particular, is just genius in its simplicity and wisdom. So much of what you say resonates with me and with what I try to practice, so it's empowering to hear from a pro that I might be on the right track. Thanks so much!
7:57 possibly the single most brilliant thing I’ve heard about comedy...
Either this piece of advice or the late Sandy Shore’s "make it visual” or the late, great Ron Shock’s “if it’s not in your heart don’t say it onstage”... and Ron’s advice kind of relates to it, actually
I'm going to add an important element to this, regarding the audience being in the same state the performer is in: Not necessarily so at the beginning. I've seen a really funny guy die on his arse (that's the British way of saying 'bombed') because he was a subtle, dry comedian with gentle energy and the audience was an energetic Friday night crowd. To start with you really need to match the energy of the crowd, and when you've established rapport, THEN you can take them in your direction
Great advice. I'm a laid back cerebral stand-up comedian and i think less energy makes the crowd less supportive. What's interesting is that guys like Steven Wright and Mitch Hedberg are/were great and they don't connect with the crowd at all!
Steven Wright had less connection than Hedberg. Hedberg was hyper aware of whether he felt his set was going well. But their jokes were so good and the audience “felt” their stream of consciousness if you will. Sort of like Richard Lewis. But when Hedberg started showing up stoned on H, he actually made the audience feel high too. Fascinating study in audience dynamics.
I'm a starting comedian been up on stage 9 times from the first time and now I'm starting to be a little myself
2:44 That is Insane and So True 😮❤
I have a very important gig tomorrow and this has helped alot! Thank u !
How'd it go? 😀
Thanks Jerry! You really are helpful to aspiring comedians.. writers and performers. Keep it up!
As I enter comedy at 58 years old with a ton of material under my belt, have been going out to watch local performers, as well as studying the greats. One thing I see is over connecting with same audience members, to the point it feels like set ups, which not only feels lazy but also alienates and bores the rest of the audience. Also, like the performer took no time to even run through and do any type of memorizing when they clearly have no ability to ad lib.. One of my favorite Vids of yours, Jerry, addresses exactly this and as I said in those posts if there’s one vid to watch that one is it. I was just at a show the other night and the comedian clearly either forgot or ran out of her material and kept bumbling about how the next performer was gonna be so much better than her and how her time was up. It was painful.
You clear up a lot of things for me today, thanks Jerry!
Jerry!! The tip at 6m20s is GOLD!! A great way to get into "crowd work," by simply asking an audience member if they agree with the set up, or topic of your joke, as you're telling the story:
"Do you drive? Nice. What's your name..." Clever!! I'm going to try this tonight!!
From breaking bones to breaking jokes he came long way!! Love you Austin!!🥹❤️
Excellent video, Jerry, as always. Fantastic teacher! Very gifted./from Ellen Orchid
Thanks Ellen for such a nice compliment.
Thanks a lot 🎉🙏💐
Love From INDIA 🙏
Wealth of knowledge bro, very helpful.Thank you mucho.
Some really really great tips made here as always! Thank you! Lots to keep in mind
Thank you Jerry I noticed that I'm the same person on and off stage I want to improve my confidence in both
I just told jokes at the place you're telling them on your profile pic- last sunday. Love Touch of Class.
Thank you! I’m an aspiring actress, musician, and all around performer and this helped
Omg I’m so enjoying this to help be a success on stage , I really appreciate your guidance even though this is probably for comedians, but I can take aspects of this 🙏
Really helpful stuff! Thank you! Taking it to the open mics!
Sunday 9 am waking up,I made the right move by REALLY listening to the vid on"never bombing onstage" at (.50 speed) to get it in my head,while cleaning old files. I have TOTAL brain retention NOW, finally ,like my dermal retention.
Great stuff Jerry
Just started watching you. We actually look alike. Great stuff.
Neil the wheel.
Great advice! Thank you once again for this 😎
Thanks for making these videos man - an aspiring comedian.
Thanks J! loads of gems in there, I like to tell funny stories over jokes, find a nice story way more interesting, the bit you mentioned about taking a pause i think is key to a funny story all the greats make you feel like your're actually there especially Cosby an Prior. gonna work on that. Nice one!!
Another fantastic episode - thanks Jerry!
Thank you. Very informative.
Loved this so much. It helps so much to hear this stuff.
Thank you.
Thank you
Another superb vid! Thanks Jerry!
Thanks Jerry
the best video!!
Very good info Jerry. Well done
Thanks....you are really doing a great job
This is awesome
Thank you!
Thank you very much!
Very helpful, by the way Jerry you look jacked in this vid
"i hope you got some value from this video.." this is a very unnecessary statement because, I get value from EVERY video you post. Thank you so much!!!!
Fantastic advice keep em going my man
awesome video, must have seen it as long as I spent watching the first porno I ever watched back when it was on VHS.
I’m going to see Jerry in person!
I read "in prison" instead of in person for a second there: I thought Jerry arrested by Comedy Police for sharing so many good insider tips lol
How do o develop stage presence
Confident you may take pauses..
Be yourself
Add emotion
What my pv for this joke whats my angle on the subject be confident
...
Does it frustrates you, anger you, confuse yiy annoy you....
Stand up comedy is conversation...
Watch other comedians what they do to appear present with the audience
...
Take your time, allow audience to process what you said and react, laugh, sign, groan, applause
Congrats Jerry!
I think I’m pretty good at writing really funny material but I don’t think my personality necessarily come off as naturally funny. Thanks for the advice!
Dear, Dr. Corley. I have a problem with my funny bone. I hope your office accepts my insurance, HMO (Humor Maintenance Organization). 😝
Great content 👍🏼
just revisit it
I am not gay- but I LOVE you! LOL. theCOPCOMIC
thx with LOve
Hello ....watching form Nepal.
"And I'm not talking geography" HA
In comedian I've been on stage a couple times and open mic. My problem is when somebody say write your jokes down on a piece of paper what can I do to write my jokes and my punchline down since I'm blind I have a notepad on my tablet that talk is that the same as writing a note. Or I record my self telling jokes is that okay with me since I'm blind can you please answer that question for me thank you Queen G
Yes. I still say my jokes into a recorder. You might consider using the Otter.ai app. It automatically transcribes what you say into the written word. This becomes a benefit when you start organizing your jokes. I have a blind student in New Mexico who uses a similar technique along with his screen reader. Hope this helps!
@@JerryCorley thank you
Am an upcoming artist from Uganda aka andolino Mukebezi some times I face a challenge of fear .what can I do.
Songwriting in conversational style is a strategy.No HARD to understand words.I write pop/rock with words a 10 yr old knows.
“60% or coffee addicted women have admitted to using pantyhose when they have run out of coffee filters. And 100% of women have regretted not taking them off first!”
This is my favorite! 🤩
Hi Jerry, what are your thoughts on traveling on stage? And feet? I see that some comics like Chris Rock are very active, and because I am a professional dancer, I have a tendency to move around in the space and to look around at all parts of the audience. I'm very animated, but I do have some points where I stay in one place. I have, however, now gotten 2 comments (from friends) saying that I need to just "plant my feet". What is your take on this?
Keep that natural movement, over do specific moves now and then out of the blue for example pirouette twice to move across the stage or jete to another spot then stand still looking around for a response/laugh then say "What?" For another laugh. All the best!
How do I find my stage presence when I can't even find the men's room? How do I define a character when I can't even define myself in real life. Tough ask here
Maybe that's who you are? The man who's always searching for who he is? That could be a theme in your act.
But more specifically: How do you respond to conflict? Are you a diplomat, a fighter? A chicken?
Are you a great lover or awkward?
How do others see you?
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
A Dog person or a Cat person? Or do you sacrifice small animals to Satin?
Simple Broader questions can start to lead you to who you are
Another issue is swearing...it's kinda cheeezy when you swear....it's grasping
@2:30 eeeeh. Your stage presence is great, but your jokes could use a bit of polish. Sorry. I'm a professional heckler.
Nice! So what's your best tip for a comic response to your heckles I so need to know please it's my only fear help me give me a list if you're feeling generous😅
Stone cold jery
That’s Stone Cold Jerry with 2 r’s please. 😁
the didnt get enough shots in....... well maybe they should paint the nets black they definately would shoot that
Is there a way I can be not as ugly on stage?
Yes. Don't perform 😊
Plastic surgery
Can you change it? Change it. Can you not change it? Dont worry about it. Being ugly or attractive doesnt matter. Theyre not watching you to find a mate. Theyre watching because youre funny. Sometimes you can use the ugly in your material. Use it to your advantage. Not as an inhibitor
Try Rowan Atkinson diet.
Is it good to be delusional?😷
I hate to be a wet blanket, but usually the best teachers have achieved a great deal. Jerry seems to have achieved the most in his teaching courses, not that it's a bad thing. As far as pauses, yeah, somewhat. I would not pause too long or more than once or twice. I personally hate listening to a slow speaker, it's equivalent to a waste of time, but then that's me. Second point: be yourself? Maybe, but you need to be a hyperventilated version, on steroids, amped up, the rock-and-roll version. It's hard to explain, maybe think of it as being especially in the moment and mindful: "present" as he says, but does not elaborate.
Ewe hahaha
Thank you!