Have you ever been out to dinner with a group of friends and after a bunch of chit chat the table falls to a dead silence…

And as that awkward feeling starts creeping up your shoulders someone starts babbling again and relief washes over you?

What is it about silence that gets to people?

I think that we are so used to being bombarded by sound, that when silence arrives, it’s so unfamiliar that we have an unconscious need to fill it back up.

Why?

Because nature abhors a vacuum.

We have an unconscious need to fill empty space.

What does this have to do with comedy?

Well, It’s been said that “music happens in the silence between the notes”.

This is also true for comedy.

Comedy happens in the pause.

And if we look at our job as being a conductor on stage, then we get to create magic between ourselves and the audience

And if you can master this one thing, it will make you a better comic in no time.

In fact, if you’re new and you build this in to your set straight from the gate, you’ll give off the essence of being a pro.

That’s how powerful this is.

Today, we’re joined by Bobbie Oliver, author of The Tao of Comedy – Embrace The Pause

And it was in her book, that I first read about the importance of pausing.

You'll hear first hand how pausing on and offstage will help you build confidence and a commanding stage presence.

Read Bobbie's book, The Tao of Comedy

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-If you are going to do this, just decide to be a professional. Learn some skills; give it some time. It's not going to be easy; set proper expectations, go out there and give it your best and just keep doing it.-  'Go Pro' by Eric Worre.

For some people, being professional is synonymous with having years of experience on stage. For others, it could be the aura you emit, the way you carry yourself, what style you show up with, your outfit, and a host of others.

Robin Williams said, "Comedy is the only art form that you can use everything you know."

In this episode, Linda Schwartz takes us through a significant experience in network marketing that changed her mindset and set her on the path to going pro. She shares tips to help set you on your journey to becoming a  professional comic.

You can be perceived as a professional during your first performance! Tune in to this episode as Linda talks about how you can stack the deck in your favor even if you haven't stepped foot on stage.

You might want to grab a book and pen for this!

Topics discussed in this episode.

1:09 Lessons from Network Marketing Companies.

6:42 What it means to be a professional comedian.

7:44 Set a standard of excellence.

8:18 Respect people's time always.

10:25 Learn a skill. Talent doesn't guarantee success.

12:50 Treat people nicely.

14:35 Tips on how to exude professionalism as a newbie comedian.

I would love you to help us 'stay on air' by posting a review about this podcast and what you've learned from it on the apple podcast page. Thank you!

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