More than funny | Michael Jr. | TEDxUniversityofNevada

TEDx Talks
TEDx Talks
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Published 2017-02-14
With comedy, you not only laugh but you also gain understanding in a unique way. Comedy has a setup and then a punch line. The setup moves the audience in one direction-toward what is expected. The punch line occurs when you change direction and take the audience to the unexpected. This same process can be applied to life. Comedian Michael Jr. shows how to take your life's setups and then change direction in a way that brings fulfillment, revelation, and joy not only to you but also to those around you.

Once in a generation, a comedian comes along who speaks to everyone. Today, that comedian is known simply as Michael Jr.

Watch him onstage and you’ll see a man at ease…with himself, his audience, and his message. Listen to his voice and you’ll detect a comfortable, conversational style that hides a sly sense of mischief. Hear his words and you’ll laugh at the universal themes that connect us all.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx
All Comments (21)
  • @destinycantwait
    I came for a laugh. I left with a changed heart. God bless you Michael Jr
  • @sottygodffrey4726
    Michael Jr. your message was spot on!! I opened a Clinic (2017 in a rural town in Kenya called Mbita) to practice medicine with the main aim being to earn a living and support my family. At some point, I realized some patients (mostly women) couldn't afford to pay their bills. At first it didn't bother me much,but one time a similar patient came (severely ill), I attended to her and stabilized her. After the service, she couldn't afford to pay a penny. I got a bit disturbed,but before letting her go, I asked her why she couldn't pay even some part of the fee..her answer was "my son, my kids and I haven't had food for days now because I have been sick,today I just had to come for treatment although I didn't have any money. If I don't get well, my kids won't have anyone to take care of them. So just help me and I'll come and clear the bill later". Her answer hit me hardest.. It reminded me how much my widowed mother suffered with me and my six other siblings and how we could go without food for days, affording aspirin was unimaginable. I treated the woman and let her go, my conscience couldn't let her pay. A month later, I had set up a program that provide free healthcare to vulnerable/needy widows and orphans, and it runs till today,and has over 50 women and kids. I always thought I couldn't do it,but it's almost 5 years now. Every time I go to sleep, I always pray that I finally have the Clinic grow to a bigger hospital and have most of the manual jobs and clerical works done by the widows as a way of empowering them economically. I always pray to meet like minded people who could help support this course.
  • @alimbo9436
    I'm convinced comedians are spiritually-wise, forward thinking storytellers and we should cherish them. They don't just tell jokes, they tell much more
  • @Abc-kf4qx
    “...Your gift will make room for you...”, wonderful quote
  • @miffycord
    I expected a TED talk from a comedian, and what I witnessed instead was mind-blowing, heartfelt and inspiring wisdom. Thank you so much for this!
  • @easytriops5951
    "The further you've been set back, the further you're going to reach, but what are you going to aim for?" hit me deep in the soul. He is one of the few comedians I didn't even know previously but managed to leave a lasting emotional impact on me, in a positive sense. Or at least he gave us all the opportunity for us to receive a positive emotional impact. ;)
  • @John3v8
    Michael Jr. because of your message, I've changed the goal of my music from 'how can I get the audience to love me?' to 'how can I give people an opportunity to sing / make or bring music into their lives.' And every time I drift back to the ego-centred approach, I am not happy with my performance. It feels so shallow. So thank you for the gift of your powerful wisdom! God Bless!
  • @kenyakickz25
    The fact that the punch line of the guy on stage with him is the entire talk and we didn't get it till the end is just pure genius. Thanks Michael for the laughs and wisdom. I'll think deeper about what I'm called to deliver from all the setbacks and setups.
  • @colintoupin
    I don't EVER laugh at stand up comedy, but I cried listening to this guy. He's HILARIOUS
  • @victorjohnson6244
    Finally a CLEAN comedian! They do exist. Loved it!!! Great job!👊😉
  • @lesliepowell604
    Not very often that a comedian speaks to my soul, not just bringing laughter, but joy and inspiration. Thank you.
  • @niranjanp65
    Underrated moment we ignored 13:00, Sadly buried under the audience's laughs - "But your gift will make room for you." That's a quote I've experienced while writing content.
  • @dahliaross427
    My heart breaks for that little boy in spiderman costume😭💔 The message sent through this is simply AMAZING❤️ Thank you Michael Jr.
  • @christianwarrior29
    Wow, this hit me hard. I thought that starting my career and my life later in life meant that I lost and wasted all those years past; now I know I was just building up my "set up", for a bigger punch line.
  • @ceddagr8
    I love his dry sense of humor. It suits him well.
  • @coachcarlosreyes
    Love this guy. High level of communication comedy. Keep it going, Michael Jr. We need more people like you in this world.