After writing and performing for ten years, I can headline small venues. Some nights my performances are worthy of large venues; Other nights, I realize my place. The issue is consistency.
I used to believe that consistency in my joke-delivery was the key. It’s not (although it helps). The most important weapon in standup-comedy is LIKEABILITY. Audiences like me if they can relate to me and think I care about them. If they don’t like me, (or think I don’t like them), I fail! If they consistently like me…well, you get the point.
When someone spends money on a show, they expect an uplifting experience. They expect to like me and they hope I like them! How do they know unless I talk about them? The great “roast-master” Jeff Ross tells of when he performed in a prison, and after not getting much response to his material, he engaged one of the convicts who said: ” Aren’t you gonna talk about us?”
When a performer acknowledges specific things about an audience or the town they live in, etc. the audience becomes part of the team! A simple phrase like: “The weather here is awesome!” translates to: “You are really smart people to have chosen as your home, a place that has such great weather!”
The same works for self-deprecating material that endears the audience to your plight. “24 hours ago I didn’t know 312% humidity existed!” Translates to: “I’m impressed that you guys are capable of handling this weather so easily! I am much too weak to live here among amazing folks like you!”
It might be pandering, but it can also be true. When I tell an audience they are wonderful, it’s because I truly believe they are! I can’t prove it, but until they convince me otherwise, I believe they’re great! I’m determined to exude love for them consistently! They deserve it!