About Metaphors of Comedy
Metaphors of Comedy is a body of work developed by Richard Lindesay, drawing upon his 20 years experience with psychology and change work, and his experience as a professional standup comedian. Metaphors of Comedy was influenced by Charles Faulkner's "Metaphors of Identity" and Andrew Austin's "Metaphors of Movement".
Metaphors of Comedy is about aligning the way comedians think about their performances, to their natural behaviours from day to day life. This results in them being more comfortable onstage, and brings a deep level of coherency to their comedy performances. Metaphors of Comedy also includes metaphor-based methods of writing jokes and creating funny.
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"Metaphors of Comedy workshop by Richard Lindesay was awesome.
Good tools, tips and tricks to help improve comic writing and performance on the comedy journey."
Siren K
"Really inspiring, enlightening and empowering. I feel more confident and have
a better understanding of creating structure. Just what I needed."
Samantha P
Good tools, tips and tricks to help improve comic writing and performance on the comedy journey."
Siren K
"Really inspiring, enlightening and empowering. I feel more confident and have
a better understanding of creating structure. Just what I needed."
Samantha P
How do Metaphors apply to Comedy?
The world of stand-up comedy is rife with in-phrases and lingo, including such phrases as:
It’s clear to see that the common language of stand-up comedy is based around the metaphors of conflict and war. Comedians often say that performing feels like a life or death situation, and if you don’t kill then you will be killed. Going through that night after night can really take its toll, so unsurprisingly, comedians are often stressed out and unhealthy people. Adjusting to a more suitable metaphor can make a huge difference to a comedian's experience of standup comedy, and their performances.
This is just one example of how metaphors-based psychology work applies to standup comedy. Others include:
- You killed out there
- You died out there
- You smashed it
- They’re a hostile audience
- I hope you’re armed and ready
- That room is a real bear pit
- You destroyed that heckler
- That punchline really cracked them up
It’s clear to see that the common language of stand-up comedy is based around the metaphors of conflict and war. Comedians often say that performing feels like a life or death situation, and if you don’t kill then you will be killed. Going through that night after night can really take its toll, so unsurprisingly, comedians are often stressed out and unhealthy people. Adjusting to a more suitable metaphor can make a huge difference to a comedian's experience of standup comedy, and their performances.
This is just one example of how metaphors-based psychology work applies to standup comedy. Others include:
- Learning how to be more creative, any time, on demand.
- Learning how to take an idea and develop it into a workable piece of material.
- Learning how to read and relate with any audience.
- Learning how to memorise material for easy recall during performances.
"The info and content provided is very helpful and puts a totally different spin
on how to prepare and perform stand up."
Craig B
"I went to the last one of these, it was great. The best thing I got out of it was a new way of looking at an audience that I think has really improved my crowd work. Certainly made it seem less intimidating."
Mat Brooks
"A wonderful insight into NLP and how it can be used too tweak your set. Some useful tools that we could take away to develop with. Really liked the association with stand up and getting into your comfortable space. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon."
Steve N Wade
on how to prepare and perform stand up."
Craig B
"I went to the last one of these, it was great. The best thing I got out of it was a new way of looking at an audience that I think has really improved my crowd work. Certainly made it seem less intimidating."
Mat Brooks
"A wonderful insight into NLP and how it can be used too tweak your set. Some useful tools that we could take away to develop with. Really liked the association with stand up and getting into your comfortable space. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon."
Steve N Wade
"I went on this workshop in October and it was amazing! I learned so much in a short space of time, particularly how to relax on stage, how to read the audience and a novel way of memorising jokes I would never have thought of! Also I went to a gig shortly afterwards and did 5 minutes using these techniques and was much happier with my memory, relaxation and engagement so the proof is in the pudding!"
Celia Delaney
"Cracking w/shop with a good overview of NLP techniques... no prior knowledge necessary! The metaphor section was particularly useful"
Spen Cockerell
Celia Delaney
"Cracking w/shop with a good overview of NLP techniques... no prior knowledge necessary! The metaphor section was particularly useful"
Spen Cockerell
Any enquiries, email richard@richardlindesay.com
