Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 12/24/2009

Question
Dear Wanda,
  I am writing a book and preparing it’s promotion. The book better be funny because that’s what I was shooting for. To get the promotion going I want to perform some stand-up comedy. This should help me in front of crowds and help me creatively in the book. That’s the theory anyway. I have a monologue written. It has two characters; me and a ditzy, miniskirt wearing, spoiled, 18 year, old hotty.

Background;
1.   I do and have told very funny stories off the cuff
2.   I have given oral reports in front of a large management team
3.   I suck at voices. Either because I really suck at them or I just have not practiced enough. Either way, it is hard for me to switch from one voice to another

Interrogative#1- For my first time would it sound acceptable to use one voice for the monologue in order to keep it simple? As an engineer, I am a firm believer in, “Keep it simple,” at least at first.

Interrogative#2- Is there a special format for a stand-up routine/ monologue, or do I create my own that makes sense for me?

Sincerely, Dick Schlueter


Answer
Hi there, Dick.  And thanks for writing.  Sorry it has taken a bit of time in this Christmas Season.

Congrats on the book and the promotion of it.  I think that stand-up is an excellent way to promote.  :)  

Definitely use your own voice.  It is you and it is easy.  Keeping it simple is best.  If you find that a certain story could work with another character or voice then you can try it but don't make force it if it is too hard.  Rather just be yourself.  Let that kind of thing come naturally.

Regarding format, I would recommend doing some reading on stand-up routines and formats.  This kind of monologue is different from a monologue in theatre.  So it is not my expertise.  However, I do know that it is essential to catch them from the moment you walk on the stage.  Even before the first word, your energy and your entrance are essential to making a good routine work.  That is a performance guideline - that from the moment you are on the stage and for every moment you are on the stage, you are in the spotlight.

Also, don't hesitate to share something personal with your audience that they can identify with.  Audiences like to see someone who is willing to be vulnerable on stage.  Just like theatre is people in a mess trying to make sense and clean up the mess, so is stand-up the same.  Life is messy and if you take one of your funny stories that includes you and you tell it (usually the reason we laugh is because we associate ourselves with what the person on stage is going through or saying), you should have them in the palm of your hand.  

Does this help?

Wanda
Personal and Skill Coaching
www.reinholdtproductions.ca