Chuckle with VEE-TV

Could you handle it? Could you stand in front of a room of strangers and try to get them to laugh?

Stand-up comedy is said to be the toughest gig in showbiz. Top comics may make it look easy but most people would end up with sweaty palms and a severe case of stage-fright.

So VEE-TV challenged chirpy reporter Matty Gurney, who already fancies himself as a bit of laugh-a-minute guy, to turn his hand to stand up comedy. Top comedy writer Alexei Sayle met Matty as he struggled to find a comic image for himself.
He reckons that there is one important thing that all comics should have which is 'confidence and authority.'

But that's a tough call for Matty, who is new to the world of comedy. Fortunately Australian deaf comic Rob Roy, who holds workshops for aspiring comics had some more tips to help our Matty have them rolling in the aisles.

Here are some of the best tips on how to do comedy from Rob Roy

• To perform stand-up, you need to be comfortable in yourself. If you're not comfortable, the audience won't be comfortable watching you either.
• Engage your audience. Think about the message you want to send them.
• Think about where your audience are and get you message out to every single one of them.
• Make sure it is funny otherwise you'll lose the audience.
• Before you get up there, make sure you're going to enjoy yourself. Treat it like something fun, not something dangerous.

What's your favourite joke? Tell us on the VEE-TV forum.

Rob Roy
www.robroyshow.com
More about Australia's top deaf comedian and performer

Steve Day
www.channel4.com/life/microsites/ N/naturalborntalent/talent5.html
Read and watch a clip of Deaf UK comedian Steve Day

Comedy clubs
www.jongleurs.com
Go and see some comedy at a club near you.

Chortle
www.chortle.co.uk
Loads of information about comedy events, venues and comedians in the UK

Comedy Online
www.comedyonline.co.uk
Online source for British stand-up comedy with news and reviews