Last month, I attended a professional development program called Speaker's Institute Boot Camp. It was a great 3 days of learning how to be a better communicator and influencer by being a better speaker. I also learned what my Clifton Strengths (TM) top 5 are; they're like your superpowers unique to you, or if you're familiar with D&D it's like learning what race and class you are and what are your special bonus features.
We all had our transformation, I discovered that I like speaking on stage and that I can be funny on stage. Plus Sam Cawthorne threw out a challenge to the class to get on the Melbourne Comedy festival. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
I see my destiny laid out before me. First Open mic, then paid gigs, Sydney Comedy Festival, then Melbourne. I use my superpower of Intellection to ruminate about what's funny in our world, I enhance it with my powers of Connectedness to find even more strange twists and confluences that could be made funnier. My superpower of Input will allow me to absorb tons of material to feed into the maw of my giant Intellection factory farm. Cue evil laugh -Mwahahahahaaa!
First thing, I need to go to a few open mics just to check the state of the industry. Is my kind of funny accessible to contemporary audiences? I've been twice on a Monday, one Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. From all I have seen, I am encouraged that I can be funny enough if not funnier than the average.
I promised Sam I'll get on an open mic within 30 days of the Boot Camp, well folks. I'm now down to the last 7 days on that countdown. I will put my name down as many times as I can this week.
Starting tomorrow, I'll have a punt at the Louis Hotel in Lewisham. I am ready.
