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Presentation Ground Breaker: George Carlin Passes
By Darren | June 23, 2008
Whether you liked him or not, he broke new ground that changed what could and could not be said from a stage. Only a few weeks ago he was playing here in Vegas. Again, I postponed going to see a legend. Now I’ll never have the chance.
Vinnie Favorito, my comedy mentor and co-presenter for the Humor Boot Camp®, knew George off-stage. Vinnie says that George was incredibly supportive of rising new comics and would often give them a free ticket to his performances.
I just got home from 2 weeks on the road, and sat down to answer e-mails while I watched the Actor’s Studio interview with George Carlin. His honesty and risk-taking paved the way for a new brand of comedy. As he began talking about his writing, I suddenly stopped typing on my keyboard. His techniques were a lesson for all of us. Many of the people who have learned from me and my fellow champs have heard us talk about having a “story file.”
George talked about his “joke files.” He had more than 2000 joke files… on everything! What I also found fascinating, was how he categorized all of them into just 3 categories. Three! They were: Language, Big World, and Little World. He loved words and language. Big World was how we think as a society. Little World were the things we do and can relate to as individuals. How do you categorize your your stories?
The stories you tell, along with your delivery of them, are your catalysts for changing your audience’s perspective. If people “think” the same way after you speak, as they did before, you missed the mark
We should all welcome change, and create it in our audiences as George did through his talent. How will you help create change in your audiences? You may not need 2000 jokes (or stories), but the more you have in your arsenal, the more prepared you will be for every audience.
Stage time, Stage time, Stage time
Darren LaCroix
2001 World Champion of Public Speaking
P.S. During the interview I mentioned above, George was asked what will happen when he goes to the Pearly Gates… He said, “Some things are going to change up there.” …George, this pause is for you……………………
Topics: Humor Skills, Public Speaking Skills, World Class Presentations |
June 24th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Definitely a huge loss - Carlin was one of my fave’s. 2 others to see before they go, if possible - Cosby and Newhart.