Tips for new stand-ups, part two

Whether you're taking to the stage for the first time, or already have a number of gigs under your belt, all new stand-up comedians can improve their performance technique.

Here are some useful tips.

Engage with the audience

Engaging with the audience doesn't mean roasting them, or trying to think up lots of sharp ad-libs (your ability to make off-the-cuff jokes will get better as your confidence and experience grows).

But stand-up comedy gigs are a live experience, and you need to respond to and reflect this.

Make sure you are actually speaking to the audience, not simply mechanically discharging...