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Put some pep in your rep
You only sound natural after saying it a hundred times... unnaturally.
Kevin Hubschmann
July 09, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
If you missed last week’s issue AND you still have all of your fingers after lighting fireworks this past weekend, feel free to give it a click here - Don’t Drain the Main Brain.
This week’s Workplace Meme of the Week is an ode to returning to the office after Fourth of July weekend. And in your Laugh Break, AI tries to fool us by throwing in “hmms” and “uhhs”… but we’re not buying it.
But before we get to the candy, here’s a fresh plate of veggies:
LAUGHING & DEVELOPMENT
Get your reps in
And if you ask any comic how to get better, the answer’s always the same: more stage time.
Seasoned comics aren’t talking about literal stages; they’re talking about more audiences.
Laundromats, coffee shops, Zoom calls (which, when performing on a Laugh Event, is a dream gig) - if there’s a warm body within earshot, that’s a rep.
I worked a health food restaurant for about four months where people would just come in - there would be six people, eating rice and vegetables, and I would do forty minutes.
Skip the reps, miss the growth
Veteran comedians often talk about how young comics are being hurt by avoiding these reps.
They build a following online, go viral, and suddenly they’re selling out clubs ten years before they’re ready. Sure, they get the quick payoff on their first tour.
But long term? They struggle.
A 20-year vet and a guy with 3 viral clips are getting paid the same - at first. But only one of them has an hour that works anywhere.
The science of stage time
Those messy early reps? They’re backed by real research:
Neuroplasticity: Repeating a skill - especially in varied conditions - literally rewires your brain. New neural pathways strengthen your ability to adapt in the moment. (Kolb & Gibb, 2011)
Deliberate practice: Focused, feedback-rich reps explain up to 30% of the difference between novices and pros. (Macnamara & Maitra, 2024)
Variable environments = stronger retention: Practicing the same pitch in different settings improves transfer and retention. (Schmidt & Lee, 2019)
If I came up now, I’d be tempted to skip the grind. But doing those bar gigs? That’s where you learn how to survive when nobody’s listening.
Reps aren’t just for comedians
In business, creative work, or everyday life, it’s no different. Your stage might be
Coffee chats with a person in your industry
Slack channel at work
Room of three coworkers
Posting on social media
Dinner with a friend
The New York City subway (if you’re a complete lunatic)
Every one of these is a chance to try out a new idea, story, or message. And at first, your delivery might feel stiff - like you're playing a version of yourself.
But the more you say it out loud, the more it starts to sound like you.
Try it out
Pick one “micro-stage.” Somewhere you wouldn’t normally practice your story.
Do the rep. Share the concept, pitch, or idea - out loud.
Note the reaction. Polish, tweak, repeat.
When the pressure’s on, you won’t have to think - you’ll just do. That’s what the reps are for.
WORKPLACE MEME OF THE WEEK
Disclaimer: These are memes submitted by real attendees from Workday Update describing their year. If you relate to them, please take a lunch break (or a Laugh Break).
Next week will be better, I promise.
TAKE A LAUGH BREAK
Disclaimer: No offense is ever meant—just a laugh I couldn’t keep to myself.
Jump to 3:21…
About a decade ago, Kyle Dunnigan did this joke about airline’s robot customer service that helps you change your flight. Fast-forward to today and it still hits - especially now that ChatGPT-style voices sprinkle in those “uhh” and “hmm” pauses to sound extra human.
If you’ve ever fought with an AI airline rep, this video is for you.
See ya next week,
