Think Like a Comedian, Speak Like a Pro

Want to be a better leader and speaker?

Think and speak like a comedian. And in doing that, you'll speak like the pro YOU are.

And, it doesn't have to be scary. Just a few tweaks can help.

In the link below, Jon Stewart accepts the Mark Twain prize for humor.

Like Jon, I believe humor is transformative. It's truth heightened.

It allows us to say big things and to look at society and say when the emperor has no clothes. Comedians are the biggest holders of the public trust - Jon through his life has been that (I did my MA thesis on Stewart's work).

**Note, the last 4-5 min of his speech.**

FIVE TAKEAWAYS TO HELP YOU IN YOUR NEXT SPEECH

Here's a few tips you can use to make your speaking and storytelling AWESOME (comedians are the best coaches):

?Humor can make serious points and watch how he uses humor to alter the status of those in power: making light of the serious makes it accessible and takes away its 'power.'

? Humor is truth. It starts with being revelatory - of saying the big things. Start with that. Punching up to power is ok; punching down is a rookie mistake.

?Even small amounts of humor pull people in - it's a trust builder, image enhancer and likability perfume! When someone makes us laugh, we listen - it takes down our defenses AND...that laugh connects. It's an emotional hug b/t two people. Maybe handshake or high-five for some!;-) I make you laugh - now I have your mindshare and ears. Anything more - that's up to you!;-)

?He remind us why it matters (humor is accountability for power). Tell people what's at stake - Jon does that. Every great presentation should outline WHY / What's at stake. The bigger the stakes = the bigger the emotional resonance. Jon tells us what the real threat - conflict / villain - is. Not what you think.

?He ties it back to the every day. His clear point: we have to change leaders

? BONUS: He ends on a big call to action: for leaders to be the change. And leaders need to lighten up. To do the work. Make that big CALL to DO something that matters.

Leaders have power and need to be responsible for how they wield it. And they need humor.

We can't fear humor. It's as human as you and I.

Not about JUST marketing; it's strategic leadership.

I offer group and solo coaching programs to help teams (sales, marketing, engineering, HR) and leaders use humor / improv tools to speak up, in less scary ways, say big things that matter, connect more deeply, change their storytelling and culture.

I also offer programs for women execs to own their point of view, polish their storytelling and lead powerfully in the moment.

We shouldn't fear humor and levity. It's what makes us human.

https://lnkd.in/gq_Xaptq

How are you using humor to connect in your speaking, storytelling and how you show up?

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I am on a mission to help people and companies unlock their natural humor and inner improviser for their own personal and professional transformation. Humor is bigger than you think!

An ex-tech marketing / communications exec who led teams for 16 years and an improviser and stand-up comedian for over 24 years, today I use improvisation and stand-up comedy techniques to transform leaders, (I especially love working with women leaders) and their companies into impactful human communicators who show up, speak up, and story tell playfully and powerfully so they can change their worlds (via my Brave Bold Story and Comedy bootcamps). I am a keynote speaker, Founder of Keeping it Human? and Author of "Stop Boring Me!" I still perform and teach stand-up comedy and improv. My 13 yro used to laugh at my jokes. Now I just knock on his bedroom door, throw red meat in, and run!

From Silicon Valley / Stanford to Second City and Stages beyond - I (and you) have a story to tell and humor is human AF.

You can follow my posts at?#humorforchange. Visit me at my website,?keepingithuman.com. OR RING my bell! Aww yeah. >>>>Kathy Klotz-Guest

#storytelling?#comedy?#speakingskills?#marketing?#leadership