Let's Talk About Sets! Episode 052 PRESENCE – Bret Raybould: “Don’t give a fuck if this goes well”
Jun 29, 2019
Bret Raybould, stand-up comic and sketch creator known for fearless stage work, talks stage presence, being present, flow state, pacing, silence, and resetting a room. He shares touring stories like following Leslie Jones and how knowing your act frees you to riff. Conversation highlights using universal road bits, eye contact, and when leaving the script can win a crowd.
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Controlled Excess Feels Like Leadership
- Controlled excess (high energy that's deliberate) reads as leadership, not mania, and attracts audience buy-in.
- The contrast between intensity and seriousness can heighten comedy.
Rock Bottom Freed A Great Set
- Bret describes bombed shows where he hit rock bottom and then stopped caring, which freed his performance and killed.
- He learned that zero expectations can unlock presence and better sets.
Use Silence To Convey Confidence
- Be comfortable with silence and use it intentionally to convey confidence and reset a room.
- Start with light chatter in dead spots to pace and win back audience attention before launching material.