I had a foundation of public speaking class in college. It covered everything but comedy. Well, it did cover funny anecdotes to use, but not actual comedy. If you are going to get up in front of an audience and perform, you need a grasp on how to turn an awkward situation into an amusing one. Or how to back away gracefully from dangerous situations by turning a mean drunk into a laughing one.
These days, there are videos on everything. But “in the day,” you watched how your betters and peers handled things. Starting in the lower tiers of Greenwich Village coffeehouses, you learned quickly what you could ignore, humor, and when to expect violence.
Violence was rare, even in the bars. The bartender and bouncers were interested in keeping the drinks flowing in the bars and were adept at nipping issues in the bud. Maudlin audience members were famous for requesting tunes not in your repertoire. So you searched for something that fit the bill for them.
In fact, you didn’t last long in the village if you couldn’t “read the house.” It would have been so lovely if a gilt-edged guide existed, but there wasn’t, and you had to wing it.
I departed the folk music scene many years before taking the college public speaking course. Over the years, I’ve introduced many programs, delivered lectures, and made presentations. I still see a two AM crowd in Greenwich Village when I speak publically. I look for the drunk, the folks from uptown who are bored, and the smart ass who has a comment for everything.
It was good preparation.
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Oof public speaking terrifies me! I love the idea of reading the house. To go and sit and watch everyone and see what there place is and who to avoid or make friends with.
We write, Mason. Reading the house is in our nature…we look for things to use in our stories!
Very true. When I working as a chef, I was writing my series. I would sit on the bus and read passengers for characters. The same in the cafe I had lunch in as well. Inspiration is all around all we have to do is looks and listen.