Oh no!!! Not another observational humor monologue!

I realize that few readers have an interest in writing observational humor monologues. And I also realize that because of the You-Had-To-Be-There factor, reading a transcript of a monologue from an event that you did not attend probably doesn’t make you laugh. So why do I publish them?

Writing about creating and using humor can easily result in something that looks and sounds like a lecture. Nothing but theory becomes an exercise in mental gymnastics. It’s not especially interesting and it’s difficult to link the theory to real-life examples. You’ve probably heard the E.B. White quote, “Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it.”

So the question becomes, “how to teach and learn humor without feeling like you’re in a lecture hall?” I use observational humor monologues as a teaching tool. Hopefully it’s a vehicle which brings humor techniques to life with real-world examples of humor in action.

My improv troupe had a workshop last week. Ten of us met to practice the principles of good improv comedy. Nobody in the group has a dream of becoming a main-stage player at Second City or being discovered by Saturday Night Live. Most people take improv classes because they are fun, because they teach skills which apply to success in life, and because they help people become better public speakers. It’s not about the improv…it’s so much more than that.

Likewise, members of a Toastmasters Club did not join because they intend to become a professional speaker. They join for the fun and to gain some skills that will make them more productive and competitive in the workplace. It’s not primarily about public speaking, it’s about leadership, growth, and personal communication.

Within a Toastmasters Club, members have the opportunity to compete in several contests every year. It’s not about the contests, it’s not about winning. People participate in the contests to improve their skills.

You don’t enter a Cartoon Caption Contest or a Joke Contest with the intent of becoming a professional writer. You most likely do it to sharpen your creative skills. Maybe you do it just to have fun.

People don’t go to the gym to become a body builder. They go to the gym simply to be in a little better shape than they are today.

So it is with studying Observational Humor Monologues. It’s not about creating the monologue. It’s about discovering the Ah-Ha’s which help you make the connections needed to create your own fresh humor. It’s about the possibility of closing a PTA meeting with just one observational humor line. It’s about brightening a staff meeting with just one small quip which you create out of nothing. It’s about relaxing a prospect at a sales presentation because you can react naturally with humor, even if it’s only once. It’s about opening a speech with just one observational humor line. It’s about becoming better at using humor…just a little bit. Studying Observational Humor Monologues, you slowly begin to see how humor connections are made. One step at a time. We grow in baby steps. And the exciting thing is…the better you get…the faster you get better.

So remember, it’s not about the monologue. It’s about something much more important…you and your skills.

Eric Feng is the go-to guy if you want to learn how to impress your investors and customers through public speaking. For more tips and tactics that you can use immediately in your next presentation, visit The Public Speaking Blog.

• 0 Comments

  

Comments

 Add your own comments

Name:

Email Address:

URL:
Remember Me? YesNo

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)

What next?

 Digg it

 Save This Page

 Subscribe to GetEntrepreneurial.com

 Leave a comment

Next Article: Easy Accounting for Sole Traders »

Previous Article: How to Get Free Government Money 101 »

Eric Feng is a GE Network Expert. View Eric Feng's profile or read more articles from Eric Feng. Learn more about the GE Experts Network.

Have an expert opinion on issues entrepreneurs and small business owners face everyday? Join the GetEntrepreneurial.com Experts Network and share your expertise with the community!

The new GE Experts Network is inviting seasoned entrepreneurs and small business owners to come on board and contribute small business advice to our community of aspiring entrepreneurs. If you have an effective way of generating sales or you know how to use social networking to connect with your customers, join us in providing wider entrepreneurial content that would benefit small business owners worldwide.

Click Here to Learn More >>

Related Articles

 It Pays to Save The Earth » Iconoculture: Earthaid.net gives consumers a one-stop spot online to see how much juice their homes are using. The new service helps consumers...

 DTXTR Translator » Sending text messages on mobile phones is becoming as commonplace as calling your best friend, and it’s all the rage among teens...

 Partnership » Have you got a product or service that you want to market to the whole world? Do you want your business concept...

 Steinfinger Cup Holder » ‘Steinfinger’ — aptly named for its ability to move up to four beverages with a single hand, or indeed finger — is...

Need more brand new promising business ideas and innovations around the world you wish you'd thought of? Visit CoolBusinessIdeas.com now!

Ever wanted to be the CEO of your very own Starbucks or Amazon.com? Fire your boss and be your own boss? Now you can, with BIZNESS! - the free biweekly business newsletter about new business ideas, opportunities and innovations from around the world. More than just new business trends, BIZNESS! helps the aspiring entrepreneur (you!) with small business advice, business tips, and entrepreneur resources and opportunities.

   Subscribe for free now!    

---