And here’s a few other things you can do to prepare the comedian for the comedy show:

Websites, newsletters and other company communications.

This gives us comedians a great background for what’s been happening at the company. We may not use it to write a joke, but we might be able to edit one of our jokes to fit what’s been happening.

Theme or slogan –

does your event have one? Share it with the comedian! We’ve heard many good (and weird) ones, and if we can tie some tasteful jokes into yours, then it’ll make all those hours in the committee meeting debating the theme. . .worth it. Okay, maybe not, but it gives us more ammo for humor.

Local color –

just like what’s going on in the company. . . is there something going on in the town? I recently did a show in Michigan and I missed a huge opportunity to pick up a bottle of water, take a sip, and say “this was bottled in Flint.” I think it would’ve hit big. . .but I forgot to check the local goings on in the area, and so I missed out. (the program wasn’t in Flint and I knew the organizers would be okay with the reference).

Conference activities –

tell the comedian what else is going on at your conference – golf tournaments to bowling leagues and karaoke . . .it’s all open for humor if we know about it. I always ask for a program of the event so I can see for myself, so offer that and you never know what comedy will ensue.

Terms and acronyms –

every industry has their own little language. . . tell the comedian what some of your common words are, and, since the comedian isn’t familiar with the terms, they might come up with their own definition. Then you’ll have something you can use for years that will make you laugh well after the comedian is gone!

Names and info on people they can joke with.

I NEVER make fun of people, but I do like to know A) who I can joke with, and B) something about them. Don’t just tell me Bob’s a bad golfer. . . that doesn’t give me much. Tell me Bob just bowled a 56, and that’s something I might be able to work with. I once did a show for a box making company, and the owner’s name was JACK. Come on, sometimes comedy just writes itself.

So there’s a few pieces of information that you can give to your comedian or keynote speaker so that they can tailor the comedy. . . and make you look great!

Jan