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Last active March 11, 2020 13:45
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Gary Delaney's advice to comics

Gary Delaney's advice to comics

https://twitter.com/GaryDelaney/status/1237328585142263808

"Sometimes young comics ask me for advice. Here's some I gave in a recent interview which they seem to have printed pretty much in full. It might be useful to a few of you. Feel free to disagree on it of course. My map may not be your map."

As for the advice I would give to younger comedians starting out, it would be to say that talent is abundant, the willingness to work hard is rare. Write every day. Gig every night. You'll progress.

Don't speak too fast, stick to your time, do a litte pause before the funny bit, don't waffle, fake confidence, hold the mic near your mouth, be polite, and stay in the light.

Don't get drunk, stoned or put stuff up your nose. Put the funny bit at the end of your jokes and minimise the gaps between funny bits.

Don't apologise, ever. Review your material constantly. Edit, improve, tweak, experiment, keep what works.

Replace your weakest material with better new stuff, it's an ongoing proces.

Tape every gig and listen back to it, watch as many good comics as you can. Really watch comics who've just done better than you to the same audience.

Experiment in good rooms, edit in hard rooms. Always listen to the audience, they ultimately decide what is funny and they will tell you who you are, and what you should be saying.

Also here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/leisure/18284560.gary-delaney-shares-secrets-comedy-ahead-cornerstone-didcot-show-top-jokes/

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