Meet the Pros, humor and an
inspirational entrepreneur
Two hilarious comedy programs by a humor master and an
inspirational luncheon keynote by someone who built an empire out of
an egg -- plus our annual Meet the Pros sessions -- highlight NSA/NC's
November 1 meeting, which will be held at the Clarion Hotel.
Kurtis Matthews, director of the San Francisco Comedy College, and
Jane Pollak, a member of NSA/Connecticut and an internationally known
artist who creates gem-quality collectibles and jewelry utilizing the
art of Ukrainian Easter egg decorating, will be our speakers.
Second Morning Program
Anyone can be funny ... and that means you!
Kurtis Matthews
Kurtis will teach us -- and show us -- how anyone can be funny by
explaining what funny people do that unfunny people don't do.
"All comedy happens in the mind," says Kurtis, who knew and admired
the late John Cantu.
"A funny person is constantly re-interpreting. I'll talk about what
keeps people from being funny, and then I'll give at least seven tips
on how speakers can be funny right away. Most speaking skills are
transferable to comedy and vice versa. In terms of communicating with
people and dealing with audiences, it's very similar. People want to
be entertained.
"What makes us accessible to other humans is connecting through the
heart. Data and information connect through the brain; humor connects
through the heart. If you have great material and you're humorous in a
natural way, your message will go farther."
Comedy, Kurtis says, is about shattering perceptions and making
reinterpretations.
"For example, a person sees a bus and calls it a bus; a funny
person calls it a 40 40 seat traveling litmus dish," he says. "I can
teach you how to do this."
Kurtis will talk about the structure of all comedy, and how to
create comedic material from scratch.
Super Session
Seriously, You're Not as Morose as You Thought
Kurtis Matthews
In this workshop, Kurtis will take several volunteers from the
audience, picked on the spot, and look at portions of their programs.
"I'll show people how to make these sections funny, make those
specific parts of their talk work better, and be more comfortable in
front of the audience.
"The audience always matches your state; if you're nervous, the
audience will be nervous. If you're comfortable, the audience will be
comfortable and they'll like you, even if you're not funny."
For More Information Contact:
San Francisco Comedy College
414 Mason, #705
Tel: 1 877 SF LAUGH (735 2844)