When people start doing stand-up comedy, they tend to make the same mistakes.
One of these is not preparing well enough for their gigs.
Full of enthusiasm and energy, newbie stand-ups tend to go on stage with a general idea about what they're going to say.
Then they "wing" it.
Sometimes this works brilliantly and they get a lot of laughs.
They think it will always be like this, but then they "die" horribly the next time they try it.
This can be very traumatic and can sometimes put newbie stand-up comedians off their craft for good, which is a real shame.
The thing to remember about "dying" as a stand-up comedian is that it's a self-perpetuating process.
You go on stage expecting laughter.
When it doesn't occur, you start to lose confidence.
Subsequently you can't throw those words together on the fly as you'd intended.
You even start to just plain forget what you wanted to say.
That rattles your nerves even more...
Finally, you find yourself stuck there on stage, the center of attention, not knowing what to do or say, feeling totally humiliated.
You feel that it would be worse to just walk off, because then you would have really failed.
But staying there is just as bad.
You feel pinned, and so does the audience.
It's an excruciating experience for all concerned, particularly the comic - as anyone who's experienced it (or even just seen it) knows only too well.
That's why it's always better to prepare very well and know your lines like the back of your hand.
If you do this, you can be sure that even if you don't get any laughs, at least you'll know what you're going to say at any given point.
Then you can cling to your script, keeping your nerve, and soldier on to the point where you start to win the audience over.
Or, failing that, you can at least maintain your composure and exit the stage at a moment of your choosing with some dignity remaining.
So, after writing your gags, be sure to rehearse them repeatedly until you can say them without thinking.
Of course, some people worry that they can over prepare.
They are concerned that the words will seem flat and lifeless if they know them too well.
(Actors often have the same attitude - particularly film actors.
) Personally, I think it's better to know your lines so well that you actually go through that lifeless phase and get your "second wind" with them.
They end up being so much a part of you that they actually become fresh again.
If you can get to that level it will hold you in good stead.
Just knowing your act thoroughly will give you a sense of confidence and purpose as you get up on stage.
The audience will sense this, and immediately be more at ease.
Just as their discomfort is contagious, so is their calmness.
So you'll be able to relax into your routine, being more spontaneous and playful.
Chances are you'll have a good, solid gig most of the time.
And even if you fail to win them over, a horrible stand-up comedy "death" is very unlikely.