Activity #1:
Create a personal “signature story” bank that you can return to for inspiration. Most people have at least one humorous “signature story” that they’ve told many times over the years and that kills every time. What is yours? Now, try and think of 5 or 6 more. Write down the titles, in six words or less. Note, these signature stories might not involve big, defining moments (e.g., your epic fail story, “you wouldn’t believe this” story), they might just be stories of small moments (e.g., the tan socks story, Aunt Gail’s epic brunch).
Activity #2:
Instead of being funny, contemplate “doing funny.” What would that mean for you? How does humor and levity physicalize for you? Hint: For some it might mean dancing, for others it could mean gestures or expressions, or even premeditated pranks.
Activity #3:
Do what is YOU. Note, not everyone is neurotic; but you have other parts of you that are true to you. People can tell when you are not being authentic. When you are unapologetically you, how do people describe you? Be THAT more. Are there parts of you that you might typically hide when you are with others? If so, ask yourself whether hiding this part of you is serving you? Are there ways in which showing this part of you, in a funny way, might help you connect to the audience?