Six of the best: tips for stand-ups

Whether you're just starting out, or already established on the circuit, there is always room for improvement.

Here are 6 quick, useful tips for stand-ups.

1) Start with a joke

A lot of new stand-ups get lost in directionless "what's your name?", "soooo where have you come from?" pseudo-banter.

Ditch that. Kick off with a great joke.

2) Get a grip on your self-deprecation

Audiences like a comedian that pokes fun at themselves. It engenders sympathy and undermines any "wits" who may want to heckle.

3) Be confident

Audiences can smell your nerves. Sure, many audiences are forgiving of nervous...