Hi there, new to the site..
I have been told I have potential to be a good comedian, but I lack confidence and just don't know how to start.
Any tips?
Being a comedian
Hello David,
Welcome aboard! The number of people on here starting out with stand up (me included) has really gone up recently, so you're not alone. There are some really good threads in the Performance Discussion section of the Forum, and the following thread I thought churned up some really good advice:
https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/18267/
Just have a go at writing and if you need any help, there is a Critique section where you can post material/work in process videos etc. Most here are very helpful and will give you honest (hopefully constructive) feedback.
Thank you for the swift and helpful reply.
thank you.
Hello Mr. Conway 
If you've got a few hours to kill, have a trawl through the forums like Nat said, heaps of decent info and help
Hi David.
Welcome to the site, like.
Hello David. You'll like it here. We're nice.
Hi there! 
The very obvious advice is that you have to go out there and prove you're funny, and chances are you won't be right away. In any case you need to get started if you're ever going to know, so take a course, book a gig - whatever you have to do to get in front of a crowd telling jokes.
Quote: David Bussell @ June 24 2011, 10:15 AM BSTThe very obvious advice is that you have to go out there and prove you're funny, and chances are you won't be right way. In any case you need to get started if you're ever going to know, so take a course, book a gig - whatever you have to do to get in front of a crowd telling jokes.
Hehe very funny 'Mr Comedian'! 
Quote: John Owen Jones @ June 24 2011, 3:49 PM BSTHehe very funny 'Mr Comedian'!
Not quite sure I follow you there, but thanks all the same.
It seems to me that what is important is you find your comic personality. What sets people apart is that which sets them apart. Sorry that sounds stupid but it is true. It's 'your view' that is as important as your material. People can be witty funny in quick responses, that is a skill you can develop. But as a stand up/comedy performer you need to establish your own idiosyncratic identity. And closest to your own is probably best, so examine that and heighten it.
People often remark that I have a dry sense of humour and delivery, so I wonder if that would be the persona to adopt if I ever went into performing or standup. I'm sure I remember Woody Allen saying he's nothing like the neurotic character he portrays, so maybe you don't have to naturally have your stage persona.
Quote: Ben @ June 24 2011, 7:11 PM BSTPeople often remark that I have a dry sense of humour and delivery, so I wonder if that would be the persona to adopt if I ever went into performing or standup.
You could be the UK Todd Barry!
I'd be happy being the UK's anyone.
Quote: Ben @ June 24 2011, 7:11 PM BSTPeople often remark that I have a dry sense of humour and delivery, so I wonder if that would be the persona to adopt if I ever went into performing or standup. I'm sure I remember Woody Allen saying he's nothing like the neurotic character he portrays, so maybe you don't have to naturally have your stage persona.
Just adopt the persona of a raving lunatic and do that controversial, driving over kids, material. You'd be fine.