Module: COM5101-20 Comedy Skills in Business

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Christopher Head

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.head@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

In this module we explore how you can make use of a whole range of tools stand-up comedians use to pitch and present in a business context. You will discover the appropriate use of humour in this context and also how stand-up tools and techniques can be applied to entirely serious messages and content.

This module aims to enable you to:

• Develop your public speaking skills through a practical understanding of the stand-up performance and delivery style.

• Learn how to use key comedic techniques to underpin the effective communication of ideas and information.

• Explore and develop your unique performance persona

2.Outline syllabus

Working with the live, interactive nature of stand-up will inform how you can be alive and responsive to everything that happens in the room in a business context, giving your pitch or presentation a personal, conversational feel

You will explore the use of rhythm, timing and surprise in comedy and how it can be applied in business to effectively communicate a memorable message.

Comedic techniques that can be utilised in support of presentation will be explored; for example, misdirection, call-backs, act-outs, rule-of-three to emphasise both humorous and serious messages. You will be encouraged to explore your unique speaking persona and develop an awareness of your attitude, status, vocal skills and physicality.

And you will learn how to get beyond awkward moments with recovery lines and how to deal with tough questions and even heckles.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Teaching and learning will be facilitated through practical workshops and lectures informed by research and writing tasks completed in class and in independent study time.

You will be given the opportunity to complete formative tasks before presenting your summative work for assessment.

• For the first formative assignment you will develop a short presentation on an area of professional interest to you or relating to your intended future work.

• The first summative task is to deliver the above to an invited panel.

• The second formative task is to develop a pitch where you are selling a product or service, or are seeking funding.

The second summative task is to deliver this pitch to an invited panel.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: 2 x Solo Presentations to Panel

• % Weighting: 100%