As a stand up comedian, you will not always do things right. Of course, no one is perfect either.

At the same time, here are some tips that you can use that will keep you out of harm’s way and keep you working in the stand up comedy business.

• You should not laugh at your own jokes.

• During your performance, if there are people in the audience that try to distract you, stay calm and keep trying to perform. Eventually if they keep doing it, they will be asked to leave by management.

• If you are performing at an open mic night, it should be with performances that are similar to yours. It would be embarrassing to perform on a night where others are doing poetry and other readings not related to comedy.

• Believe it or not, there are people in the audience that will write down your jokes in hopes of using them. Keep an eye out for people like that while you are
performing.

• Don’t overdo a joke. Perform it within the appropriate time frame. It can get old and stale if you keep going on with it and the audience will get irritated.

• Don’t bash fellow stand up comedians. Keep your opinions to yourself. If you
have something to share, allow them to ask you. If they don’t, then don’t push
the issue. This will not get you any love from your peers.

• Being offensive is a no-no. You are there to make them laugh. They don’t want
to hear about things that are vile and get them upset.

• Express yourself in a way that people would appreciate it. Just be yourself when you do it.

• Don’t talk so loud where you can bust the eardrums of the people in the audience.

Keep the volume to an acceptable level. Tone your voice down and adjust the
microphone if you have to.

• During your performance, keep a good attitude, no matter what. Even when the audience doesn’t laugh at your jokes, keep a smile on your face.