Corporate comedy shows have become increasingly popular over the years. From small businesses to large corporations, companies are opting to add a little humor to their events to break the ice and make the atmosphere more relaxed. However, if not executed properly, corporate comedy shows can go awry and end up doing more harm than good. In this blog post, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of corporate comedy shows to ensure that your next event is a hit.
DO: Hire a Professional
One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning a corporate comedy show is to hire a professional that has been there before! While your friend who’s always the life of the party may be hilarious at family gatherings, they may not be the best choice for a corporate event. Professional comedians know how to tailor their material to suit the audience, and they understand the importance of keeping the content clean and appropriate. A professional comedian will have experience performing for corporate crowds and will know how to deliver a performance that will entertain without offending anyone.
DON’T: Use Offensive Material
Offensive material has no place in a corporate comedy show. Jokes that are racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise discriminatory should be avoided at all costs. Remember, your audience is made up of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, and the last thing you want to do is offend anyone. Not only is it disrespectful, but it can also result in serious consequences for your business. Stick to humor that is light, clean, and inoffensive.
DO: Know Your Audience
It’s important to know your audience when planning a corporate comedy show. What kind of people will be attending the event? What kind of humor do they enjoy? What are their values and beliefs? Knowing your audience will help you choose the right comedian and material for the event. For example, if your audience is made up of professionals from the medical field, a comedian who specializes in medical humor may be a good choice. If your audience is more conservative, you may want to stick to clean, family-friendly humor.
DON’T: Single Out Individuals
Corporate events are meant to be inclusive, and singling out individuals is never appropriate. Avoid making fun of individual guests, employees, or clients. Even if you think it’s harmless fun, it can be embarrassing for the person and make others feel uncomfortable. Stick to humor that’s relatable to the group as a whole.
DO: Keep it Clean
Corporate events are professional settings, and as such, the humor should be kept clean and appropriate. Profanity, sexual innuendo, and other vulgar content should be avoided. Keep in mind that the comedy show is just one part of the event, and guests will remember the entire experience, including the atmosphere and the content of the show. If the show is offensive or inappropriate, it can reflect poorly on the company as a whole.
DON’T: Make Jokes About Sensitive Topics
Unless asked to do otherwise, sensitive topics such as religion, politics, and personal beliefs should be avoided in a corporate comedy show. Even if the joke is meant to be harmless, it can easily offend someone in the audience. Remember, the goal of a corporate comedy show is to entertain, not to make anyone uncomfortable or offended. Stick to humor that’s light and inoffensive.