I'll never forget those family vacations we took to Erie, PA.  I just love the ocean! 

Today's Comedy Around the World goes a little bit farther--to Canada.  When I was little, we took a family vacation to Niagara Falls--both the U.S. and the Canadian side.  I didn't think too much about this "going to another country" stuff.  I wasn't wondering what the people in Canada would look like.  And back then, we didn't even need photo I.D. to cross the border, so it wasn't a big deal.  It was kind of like driving to Michigan but with even colder weather.  

But still, it was exciting.  And the most fascinating part of the trip was, for me--the gift shops!  I got a charm bracelet there.  It had real Canadian pennies on it.  I still have it.  Somewhere.  In the house, I think. 

That's the way humor operates.  We all have different perceptions, expectations, and notions of what is the "right" way to do something.  But those all serve to build steep walls that humor has a hard time scaling.  

We need to remember these things to allow humor to take hold:  

1.   We are all fodder for fun.  Sometimes we are funny without trying to be funny.  Other people--if they are observant--can cull humor out of our responses. 

a.  We have to be brave enough to speak our voice.

b.  We have to be tough enough to not care about our comment being part of the joke ingredients. 

2.  Most people would have been wildly impressed by the Falls.  I was, but I still remember that bracelet even more.  We don't know what people will take from our speech, our conversation, or our humor.  As a comic, I use this strategy to build my act: 

a.  Remember that no one is an expert.  Humor and funny sayings can come from anyone.  Listen for the laughs, and build on that.   Sometimes my biggest laugh comes from a clever response I give to a heckler.  

b.  Be part of the chain of cheer.  When I add in those spontaneous jokes that worked at the last show, I share those ideas with my next audience.  Their response will build another link into the chain.  

"Get Your SHINE Together!" and if you get to Canada get one of those bracelets!