Mining “Humor Nuggets” For Great Story Telling Article

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Mining “Humor Nuggets” For Great Story Telling

Tickle your audience's funny bone to make them feel more comfortable. Humor and irony can also make difficult situations easier to talk about.

Author: Peter Fogel

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People always wonder where I find humorous stories to share on stage with my audiences. Well, I tell them what I will tell you: Just look at your own life and discover your 'humor eye'.

You see, when something upsetting happens to you try to heal yourself by finding the 'irony' of the situation--and then use the story (if it applies to your audience) on stage. That's why Ray Romano is so funny and successful--the show and his stand-up comedy are based on his life.

Look To Your Life For Signature Stories

I remember going through a nasty divorce in L.A. - with my writing partner. Eight years down the drain. We were in therapy together trying to salvage our relationship. That's right! Two straight males were in marriage counseling.

Any way...after the 'union' disintegrated I went back to the therapist for more help. I remember the first session. All the shrink did was complain to me about the insurance plan I was on. I asked him how it felt to be treated that way?

He says, 'Not very well...the insurance company pays badly...and not on time.'

I then said, 'What are you going to do about it?'
'Well,' he laments, 'I'll make the best of it. I do have to treat you.'

This went on for forty-five minutes. (I kid you not.)

Finally, I looked at my watch and proclaimed, 'Well, my time is up. I am glad I could help you with your problem. I'll see you next week.' I then paid him and left.

The story is actually much longer (and funnier when I present it) especially when I build momentum and show the audience how my therapist and I switched roles.

Stories Create Vivid Pictures In People’s Minds

Anyway, I paraphrased that story for you to show you what you can do with creating your own stories to use in presentations.

Your goal is to get your own signature story to use on stage. People remember stories; they're transfixed by them. Create a vivid picture in your audience's mind.

Speaking to customers about sales? Then find your own frustrating story of having to deal with irate customers and then tailor it to your speech.

Peter Fogel is the creator of Peter “The Humorator” Fogel’s Guide To Effective Public Speaking. For more information on it and to sign up for his
FREE 7 Days To Effective Public Speaking E-course go to www.fortune500comedy.com/PublicSpeakingEBook/index.html

About Author

Peter J. Fogel is a copywriter/speaker and the author of the book, “If Not Now… then When? Stories and Strategies of People Over 40 Who Have Successfully Reinvented Themselves.” As a comedian he's appeared on “CBS Morning Program”, “Evening at The Improv”, “Caroline’s Comedy Hour”, “Comedy Central”, and has worked on such sitcoms as “Married With Children” and “Hope and Faith.” Visit http://www.fortune500comedy.com for more!

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