The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

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#267: Louie Anderson - How To Crush It on Stage From One Of The Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time

Show Notes:

• Louie's approach to stand up comedy -- It appears as if he is just "riffing off the cuff," however it is highly structured and prepared
• The pain of growing up with an alcoholic dad and how that fueled him as a professional
  • This helps him pull from any of it at anytimeCreating a catalog of material
  • It takes years to develop
  • "I'm in complete control."  That gives Louie the ability to handle a heckler in the crowd or go with a comment and tell an additional joke
• Going on Johnny Carson or Conan
  • "They don't step on your lines, but they are prepared for where the conversation is going to go."
• "Just like you, I've worked hard to create freedom with my work."
•  Sustaining excellence:
  • "Be who you are"
  • Ask yourself, "Does this mean something to you?  If it doesn't mean something to you, why would it mean anything to someone else?"
  • Confidence
• Nervous before a performance?
  • "It depends on the event and how much importance I put on it." -- Saturday Night Live was a nerve racking experience
• Advice to keynote speakers?
  • Be prepared
  • Know your message
  • Surprise the audience
  • Piggy back on a great introduction -- Listen to the room prior to your time on stage
• "I'm always tilling the ground for comedy bits."
• Storytelling:
  • "Tell them something they don't know.  Humanize the story.  Give a piece of yourself.  Don't lecture."
• How did he get his start as a comedian?
  • "A dare.  I was a social worker and went up on stage for an open mic night and it went great."
• "I volunteered to be the emcee for experience."
  • "Don't be afraid of trying new things"
  • The importance of "getting the reps:" "I did seven nights a week, four shows per night.  I was creating who I was."
• "We don't see all the work that goes into being great on stage.  It takes years and years of work."
  • "You need good friends who will tell you the truth."
• His mom's best advice: "Be nice to people.  You never know what they're going through."
• Why joining The Learning Leader Circle is a good idea
• Use the "Get To Know You Document"

Social Media:

• Follow Louie on Twitter: @LouieAnderson
• Read: Hey Mom
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Join our Facebook Group: The Learning Leader Community
• To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12