A Few Stand up Comedy Pointers

Stand up Comedy Pointers

If you're unaccustomed to going up in front of a group of people and saying a bunch of ridiculous stuff that you've spend hours perfecting, there are some easy and effective ways to learn how to do it.

Improv acting classes are a great way to work on your comedy chops. Some cities have comedy workshops and classes for folks like you who are getting ready to hit the stage.

Public speaking classes can also help you learn to relax in front of a crowd.

Here are a few comedy pointers for working the audience.

Be relaxed and be yourself! Forced or nervous comedy isn't funny!

Get onstage fast and get off stage fast, and always have plenty of energy. There's a reason why comedians are always moving on stage, waving and laughing.

For jokes and routines, too short is always better than too long. You want them laughing and begging for more. Don't overstay your welcome.

Get ready for no laughing. Imagine that they won't laugh at your jokes. This helps prepare you, just in case your joke is not funny to the audience.

Good comedians turn bad jokes into belly laughs, but at the very least they are learning experiences.

Listen to the crowd. Think of your first few gigs as a trial run. The crowd's reaction will tell you which jokes to keep and which jokes to not use.

Here is the golden rule for dealing with hecklers: Be funnier than they are. Never get mad at them. Learn to make fun of yourself and turn their heckles into opportunities to show them up. That'll win over the audience.