This past Friday night, Jen & I headed over to LaughFest in GR to watch Jim Gaffigan, who is one of our favorite comedians. It was great, and he had all new material (at least to us). We seriously laughed almost from beginning to end.
If you're a communicator, there's some things we can learn from great comedians. So, here's a couple lessons that Jim Gaffigan taught on Friday night.
*Laughter unfolds arms. Even if you cam in to the event as skeptical of him, when you begin to laugh, you unfold your arms, relax, and are open to what's next. As communicators (and pastors), every Sunday (hopefully), you have people who enter into your church who are questioning, skeptical, curious. They walk into church and have their arms folded. They aren't sure what they think about church, or you, or they don't even want to be there. Your humor can help disarm them, unfold their arms, and open them up to the message they need to hear. By the way, it doesn't just happen through your message - you can use videos, announcements, etc. Don't underestimate the power of laughter.
*Jim Gaffigan does a great job making fun of himself and his life situation. Whether it's food, or staying in hotels, or his kids. When you can make fun of yourself, you become relatable. If the only stories you ever tell are victory stories, you won't seem approachable, nor will you connect with those you're trying to reach.
*Gaffigan did a great job talking about things we all can identify with. The broader the topic, the more people you can connect with: some of his big themes: his family, staying in hotels, eating at McDonalds and Subway. And, I'm guessing, you might even be thinking "I wonder what he said about McDonalds. . ." Why? Because those are all things we can relate to. As a communicator, I believe you need to be broad enough that most people can relate, and then let the personal humor reach across that broad spectrum.
*I love when a comedian tells a joke early in a set, and then towards the end of the set, he brings the punch line back around again. Why? It catches you off guard, and then really makes you (think/laugh). When you can get people to laugh, and then at the same moment be cut to the heart - that is a moment that will stick.
*Lastly, I loved that the only old stuff he did was in the encore. He came back out, mentioned "hot pockets" and the place errupted. You can't tell the same stories over and over again, but there is a reward for those who have been around a while. They know you, they know some of your story, and when you bring out a classic part of your life, and they know it, it (in many minds) deepens the relationship.