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

Iconic comedian Louie Anderson, the three­-time Emmy Award winner, named by Comedy Central as “One of 100 Greatest Stand­-Up Comedians of All Time.” His career has spanned more than 30 years. He is a best-selling author, star of his own stand-up specials and sitcoms and he continues to tour the country performing to standing-room-only crowds worldwide.

He’s been featured on Leno, Letterman, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, “Comic Relief,” Showtime, HBO and CMT specials followed, including hosting the legendary game show, Family Feud, making Louie a household name and opening doors for him as an actor.

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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“

“Storytelling? How? “Tell them something they don’t know.  Humanize the story.  Give a piece of yourself.  Don’t lecture.”

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