Comedian Mike Goodwin is a successful comedian. He tours the country telling clean jokes to larger and larger crowds. He’s doing very well, why would he want to do a Tedx Talk? I asked Mike this very question and he shared the following insights with me. Maybe you’re not a comedian, should YOU do a Tedx talk?
As a comedian, your toolkit typically consists of punchlines, timing, and the familiar embrace of a comedy club’s spotlight. But what happens when you step onto a different kind of stage—one where ideas, not just laughs, take center stage? Recently, I spoke with a comedian who took this leap by delivering a TEDx talk, and his insights reveal why more comedians might want to consider this unconventional path.
Beyond the Punchline: Sharing a Deeper Philosophy
Comics are more than just joke-tellers; they’re acute observers of human nature and society. A TEDx talk offers a unique platform to explore the philosophy behind the humor—to dissect why certain jokes resonate and what they reveal about our shared human experience. While stand-up focuses on the laughs, a TEDx talk allows comedians to pull back the curtain and examine the mechanical and psychological underpinnings of humor itself.
Establishing Thought Leadership
In today’s content-driven world, being funny isn’t always enough. Many successful comedians are increasingly positioning themselves as thought leaders in their space. A TEDx talk adds a layer of credibility and demonstrates expertise beyond pure entertainment. It shows that you can engage audiences on a deeper intellectual level while maintaining your authentic voice.
Expanding Horizons: New Audiences, New Opportunities
Comedy clubs have their loyal audience, but a TEDx talk opens doors to entirely new demographics. The talk becomes part of the global TEDx platform, reaching viewers who might never set foot in a comedy club. This expanded visibility can lead to speaking engagements, consulting opportunities, and connections with professionals across various industries.
The Creative Challenge
Creating a TEDx talk forces comedians to flex different creative muscles. It’s not about stringing together a series of bits but crafting a coherent narrative that educates while it entertains. This challenge pushes performers out of their comfort zone, helping them develop new skills that can enhance their comedy work as well.
Building Professional Networks
The TEDx community is diverse and accomplished. Participating in a TEDx event connects comedians with thought leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and artists—relationships that can lead to collaborative projects, business opportunities, or simply fresh perspectives that inform their comedy.
The Return on Investment
While preparing a TEDx talk requires significant effort—much different from crafting a stand-up set—the payoff can be substantial. The talk becomes a permanent part of your professional portfolio, serving as a calling card for years to come. It can also complement other creative projects, such as books or speaking engagements, creating a synergy between different aspects of your career.
A Bridge to Broader Content
For comedians working on larger projects like books or courses, a TEDx talk can serve as a perfect bridge. It helps establish authority in your chosen topic area while providing valuable content that can be repurposed and expanded upon in other formats.
The Bottom Line
While the preparation is intense and the format may feel foreign, giving a TEDx talk can be a transformative experience for comedians. It offers a platform to share deeper insights, reach new audiences, and establish credibility in spaces beyond comedy clubs. For those willing to put in the work, it’s an opportunity to evolve as both a performer and a thought leader.
The stage might look different, and the spotlight might feel unusual, but for comedians ready to share their ideas with the world, a TEDx talk could be the next step in their evolution as performers and communicators.
Remember: sometimes the best way to make people think is to start by making them laugh—and a TEDx talk lets you do both.
Interested in my quick list of Tedx experts?
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