What Skills Are Required to Be a Stand-up Comedian?

It seems effortless, doesn’t it, when we tune in to watch comedians on television? The ease with which the half hour slips away while we grin, giggle, is only part of the story. The variety of skills necessary to pull off a career in standup is astounding.

You must be able to write your own material. Creativity is key here. The ability to communicate your point effectively is one of the more obvious talents needed, but you must also understand the need to adapt and adjust depending on the particular tastes of the people you’re trying to make laugh. This leads right into the essential need for memory recall (to present all those witty jokes you wrote) and adlibbing. Let’s not forget that comedians are actually business owners. They have to be able to manage their funds efficiently, book their showings, and have an excellent head for marketing to promote themselves.

Comedians may seem like they came from your fifth grade class coughing mild obscenities into their hands while the teacher lectured and on to the stage where they found success with their (hopefully more sophisticated) jokes. However, it requires a serious skill set. Telling a joke is serious business.