Dubai: Do you think you have a comic streak in you? If yes, here’s your chance to unleash it before a live audience.

Frankie’s Italian Bar & Grill, which hosts a weekly dine and laugh show, is running a first-of-its-kind Comedian Quest at its two outlets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to unearth home grown talent.

To enter the competition, you need to upload a one-minute video clip on Instagram telling your favourite joke and tag @frankiesuae, using the hashtag #FrankiesComedianQuest.

If the judges like your act, you will be among the finalists who will get a chance to perform in front of an audience.

Entries must be posted before November 1 but if you aren’t quite confident how to go about it, none other than the master of ceremonies (MC) at Frankie’s, the renowned stand-up comedian Simeon Goodson is here to help. “There is plenty to laugh about in life. One just has to have a sense of humour to be able to make a joke of everything around you. Of course the real skill lies in being able to keep the audience engaged in your humour,” says Goodson.

“At Frankies we have regular diners who know their comedy. They love to laugh and this contest is a great opportunity for budding comedians to showcase their talent.”

Tried and tested topic

Accordiing to Goodson, there are many ways to tickle a bone in someone.

“Make jokes about yourself. That is one tried and tested topic in comedy that can get people laughing off their chair. Mums, dads, grand-parents, a nagging old aunt or uncle make great topics for stand-up comedy. They say things out of the blue that can get people cracking up.”

Here are his five tip tips for aspiring comedians:

Establish a connection with the audience: One of the advantages of trying to be funny during a presentation is that the crowd welcomes it. If you are not a comedian or don’t feel like taking your first shot at comedy in front of a full house, read a funny quote that fits your demographic and give the person who came up with it credit.

Don’t expect a laugh, and you’ll get it: You cannot expect a laugh every time you say something. If someone doesn’t laugh at your joke move on from that topic.

Keep track of what works with the audience: Pick a topic that has made others laugh. If you’ve never made an audience laugh before, start by saying things that you think are funny. It may work or may not. But keep your perseverance.

Take risks, be specific: Be true to yourself and take risks on the topics you choose. It doesn’t matter if the audience agrees with what you say but at least they will see where you are coming from.

Get their attention right away: Remember you have only 30 seconds to make an impression so your introduction has to be packed with humour and catch the attention of the audience.

Share your experience: Share your life’s experience with the audience and make sure to add humour in all your anecdotes.