How To Connect With New Audiences
A Few Tips (Comedy Mindhacks #13)
One of the most challenging but also most exciting things about doing stand-up is playing new venues. Every venue draws certain types of audience members, has a certain vibe, and has its own stage setup. So, when you step onto a stage in a new place, the spotlight blasting your face, and a new audience waiting in anticipation for good comedy, if you’re not a a well-known comedian with a following who showed up to see you, you have to quickly establish yourself. You gotta break the ice and win the audience over.
How? Local jokes. They’re like hidden gems everyone there knows about but can’t see until you point it out from your unique perspective. I’ve found that local jokes can instantly transform a room. They can play a large role in determining your success in a certain place. So, how do you craft local jokes effectively? Or, what about when you’ve rolled into town 2 hours before the show and don’t have much time to write new jokes, what do you do then?
Obviously, you have to know your audience to some degree. It makes a huge difference if you’re in the city versus a rural area. It matters if you’re in Hawai’i versus Kentucky. It matters if you’re in a grittier part of town versus a more upscale part of town. It’s important to find out what the local culture’s like. Do research as much as possible. If you’re short on time, just use your senses. When you’re coming into town, who/what do you see? Observe. Ask questions. Talk to some people. Do they have accents? A sports team? Do they dress a certain way? Have certain haircuts? Eat certain foods?
In the latest episode of the Pro-Laugh Podcast, I mention that, regardless of where I go, I try to show that I know something about an area. It shows appreciation for the opportunity to be there. Local jokes don’t need to dominate a set. A couple of well-placed lines, especially as openers, can do wonders. As Brandon says in the latest podcast episode, “Everyone appreciates a quick nod to their hometown.” I agree 100%! The key is to weave these jokes seamlessly into your routine, especially early on, but also make them feel like a natural part of your show.
The easiest position to take with local jokes, I think, is to do a light roast of the city/town. But balance is essential. That’s why, even if I have local jokes as openers, I try to remain self-deprecating to some degree right out of the gate. Am I worthy to be in that place? Would I fit in or not? Do I look or sound like I’m from there? If I can laugh at myself, they can laugh at me, and we can laugh together. In my view, this kind of approach creates and fosters a sense of camaraderie and keeps things light-hearted.
Writing local jokes is an art in and of itself. It begins with observing. Usually, it’s observing what’s unusual to you, what’s unique about that place, what’s different that your own normal or the last place you were. It requires insight, respect, and a touch of humor. But if you can do it right and find a way to weave in subtle, respectful nods to a place, you can create win folks over easily. The flip side is: you could also say something that’s a sore spot for a community. So, be very aware of that. At the end of the day though, as I saw over and over again in Hawai’i, a little local flavor can go a long way. It helps people feel heard, seen, valued, and respected. And when they feel that while also laughing, you’ve got ‘em.