Comedians deliver powerful messages all over the world with humorous view on issues like racism and stereotyping. They use comedy to motivate the audience to take by opening their minds to new perspectives. How you can learn from the laughs, and apply these lessons toward motivating yourself and others?
“Comedy keeps the
heart sweet.” (Mark Twain)
1.
Gratitude - An attitude of gratitude goes a long way. Comedians who
are grateful to be up on stage give off an energy that transfers to their
audience.
“There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain,
comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.” (Erma Bombeck)
2.
Purpose - You have to tune into what’s important to you in order
for others to think it’s important too. What is your inner calling? A desire to
bring peace through the message happens between the laughter.
“Comedy is defiance. It's a snort of contempt in the face
of fear and anxiety. And it's the laughter that allows hope to creep back on
the inhale.” (Will Durst)
3.
Delivery - You have to know how to give your message. There are so
many ways. Use whatever matches with your interests and abilities. Some people
write essays, books, blog entries, give speeches, workshops, or start
petitions, which create the ripple effect where some of the recipients of this
message go out and tell others.
“Life is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a
comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor.” (Sholom Aleichem)
4.
No
comparisons - True leaders motivate people
through positivity. Work together to build a beautiful society. Comedians create
a sum greater than its parts.
“God writes a lot of comedy... The trouble is [that] He's stuck with so many bad actors who don't know how to play funny.” (Garrison Keillor)
5.
Authentic -
We can sense when others are being sincere and honest. Communicate your points
with the right intent. Speak from your heart. Aim to make others feel better
and stronger after hearing your message. When I see the greatest results, I have spoken from the heart. “Comedy is much more challenging, because you have to have the same level of belief but you have to make people laugh, and that's definitely a challenge.” (Jenna Elfman)
6. Cross Check - How do you want others to perceive you? Be consciously aware. How do you want the “judges” to view you, your family, or your colleagues? If you’re not sure, then ask. 360 degree evaluations are perfect for this, ask your friends and colleagues to give anonymous feedback that is rolled up in a meaningful way.
“Comedy has to be based on truth. You take the truth and
you put a little curlicue at the end.” (Sid Caesar)
7.
Reflection - Look in the mirror at the end of the day and ask yourself
if you’ve made a difference. You’ll know you’re on the right track if you start
to smile. My purpose is to motivate and inspire others to transform their lives
through genuine teamwork, strategic planning and career empowerment. [i]
“Comedy is an escape, not from truth but from despair; a
narrow escape into faith.” (Christopher Fry)
“What's great about comedy, obviously, is
that you set up a situation that people assume one thing and then you break the
assumption. That's basically the backbone to comedy. You set up a situation,
let people make an assumption, and then you break the assumption.” (Bryan Cranston)
[i] Adapted from “7 Ways Stand-Up Comedy Can Teach Us to Effectively
Motivate Others” by Valeh Nazemoff
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