Karl Mortier has been in front of various audiences as a trainer since 1996. He has constantly challenged himself. By delving into visualisation, NLP master trainership and yet nothing has ever pushed him out of his comfort zone like the world of stand-up comedy. Not even when he gave his first singing performance. Entering this domain was like climbing the Mount Everest of public speaking. Today, he wants to share with you his journey in which he pushed his limits and took on the ultimate challenge: stand-up comedy.

Entering a new world

The moment he decided to try stand-up comedy, he felt a mix of fear and excitement. Six evenings and a performance accompanied by Peter Perceval changed his outlook on public speaking. It was like entering unknown territory, full of new rules and expectations. The idea of not only informing his audiences but also entertaining them and making them laugh was both inspiring and frightening. Abandoning his role as a speaker. Less is more!

The power of humour

He soon discovered that stand-up comedy is much more than just telling jokes. It requires timing, preparation, improvisation and a deep understanding of what makes people laugh. He learned about the power of humour, how it connects people and can bring a lightness to even the most serious topics. Packing his message into a funny storyline while remaining authentic was a challenge. The theme of memory and being was taken from life. Humour starts with self-deprecation, as a public speaker this means vulnerability.

Overcoming Fear

The biggest challenge in stand-up comedy was overcoming his own fears. Standing in front of an audience and trying to make them laugh, with no guarantee of success, took courage. The moment he braved his fear and took the stage, he felt stronger and more confident. It was a process of personal growth and pushing his own limits.

The reward of laughter

The best aspect of stand-up comedy was the reward of laughter. There is no greater satisfaction than hearing people laugh secretly or exuberantly at something he thought up and shared. The laughter became a confirmation that his efforts were paying off and that he succeeded in bringing joy to people. This gave him the motivation to continue and further develop himself as a comedian and public speaker.

Improvisation and light-heartedness

Moreover, practising stand-up comedy has enhanced his ability to deal with difficult situations. While performing live, he has learnt m to improvise, deal with unexpected turns and to read the audience and adapt his jokes to their reactions. This has boosted his confidence in dealing with unexpected challenges, both on stage and off.

Entertainment sought for depth

Apart from entertainment, stand-up comedy has also helped him convey important messages and insights in a light-hearted way. By using humour as a powerful tool, he can make complex topics accessible and make people think on a deeper level. The ability to make people laugh while changing their perspective is a valuable skill he can develop further.

Conclusion

Taking on the challenge of stand-up comedy was a defining moment in his journey as a public speaker. It forced him to push his limits, overcome his fears and express himself in a new way. He learnt the power of humour and discovered the satisfaction of bringing laughter to others. It was an adventure that enriched him and honed his skills as a speaker. Although stand-up comedy was a challenging path, he is grateful for it, as it helped him further develop his public speaking skills ánd always with that touch of NLP.