The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk
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#267: Louie Anderson - How To Crush It on Stage From One Of The Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time
Show Notes:
- Louie's approach to stand up comedy -- It appears as if he is just "riffing off the cuff," however it is highly structured and prepared
- The pain of growing up with an alcoholic dad and how that fueled him as a professional
- This helps him pull from any of it at anytimeCreating a catalog of material
- It takes years to develop
- "I'm in complete control." That gives Louie the ability to handle a heckler in the crowd or go with a comment and tell an additional joke
- Going on Johnny Carson or Conan
- "They don't step on your lines, but they are prepared for where the conversation is going to go."
- "Just like you, I've worked hard to create freedom with my work."
- Sustaining excellence:
- "Be who you are"
- Ask yourself, "Does this mean something to you? If it doesn't mean something to you, why would it mean anything to someone else?"
- Confidence
- Nervous before a performance?
- "It depends on the event and how much importance I put on it." -- Saturday Night Live was a nerve racking experience
- Advice to keynote speakers?
- Be prepared
- Know your message
- Surprise the audience
- Piggy back on a great introduction -- Listen to the room prior to your time on stage
- "I'm always tilling the ground for comedy bits."
- Storytelling:
- "Tell them something they don't know. Humanize the story. Give a piece of yourself. Don't lecture."
- How did he get his start as a comedian?
- "A dare. I was a social worker and went up on stage for an open mic night and it went great."
- "I volunteered to be the emcee for experience."
- "Don't be afraid of trying new things"
- The importance of "getting the reps:" "I did seven nights a week, four shows per night. I was creating who I was."
- "We don't see all the work that goes into being great on stage. It takes years and years of work."
- "You need good friends who will tell you the truth."
- His mom's best advice: "Be nice to people. You never know what they're going through."
- Why joining The Learning Leader Circle is a good idea
- Use the "Get To Know You Document"
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