5 Ways to Win People Over
2. Don’t Be Needy
People can smell any sense of urgency, and they’re easily turned off. An audience wants to feel like it’s in good, stable
hands, and a comedian needs to exude that tone while putting aside her own insecurities. This rule of thumb applies to just
about any attempt at persuasion. If I get the feeling that a person desperately wants something from me (not including one
of my kids), I am more reluctant to give it up. For instance, when an agent goes overboard trying to ingratiate himself with
me, I run the other way. So the next time you want something from someone (no matter how much), try acting cool and blasé.
Susie Essman, a stand-up comedian, is a regular cast member on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and the author of What Would Susie Say? ($25, amazon.com).
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