Reading the audience

We've all been there. Events where a speech has fallen flat - or stand-up gigs where the material has felt inappropriate. It's awkward, and it can kill the night.

To progress in the comedy industry, stand-ups need to learn to read their audience. Of course, there is a market for comedians who are wildly unpredictable - but their wild unpredictability is what is predictable about them.

You don't book Frankie Boyle to host an event for an accountancy firm. Although, actually... That could be great.

Stand-up comedy is a conversation. It might look like a monologue, but you're constantly responding...