Using imitation to reveal your voice
Conan O’Brien: “It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique.”
At first, it’s easy to do an imitation of a well-known comic. That’s a natural way to learn the craft and figure out what makes for great comedy.
But pay attention to where you can’t quite get it right or when you feel resistance. Often, that’s a great way to discover what’s unique about your voice. Eventually, you can drop any imitation and lean into the parts that are uniquely you.
“The more we imitate others, the more we discover how we’re different,” writes author David Perell.
There’s a long lineage of comedians who tried to copy each other, failed, and became great themselves: Johnny Carson tried to copy Jack Benny, but failed and won six Emmy awards. Then, David Letterman tried to copy Johnny Carson, but failed and became one of America’s great television hosts. Reflecting on his own influences, Conan O’Brien said: “It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique.” All of them learned that imitation reveals our identity, especially when we fall short of those we admire.
matt!
love "imitate, then innovate"!
will imitate that quote til i can innovate a new one!
love
myq