What if the secret to becoming a better stand-up comedian isn’t more jokes—but better stories?
In this episode of My First Joke, I sit down with Toronto-based comedian and producer Michael Salvatore to explore how storytelling can elevate your comedy, strengthen your stage presence, and create deeper connections with audiences.
Michael shares how he got his start in comedy through Second City classes, what it was like performing his first joke, and why those early experiences can give comedians a false sense of confidence before stepping into real open mics. From there, we dive into how he discovered storytelling as a powerful complement to stand-up—and eventually built his own storytelling show.
We talk about the key differences between stand-up and storytelling, including audience expectations, performance style, and structure. Michael also breaks down what makes a great storytelling set—from being concise and intentional to using surprise, timing, and emotional arcs to keep audiences engaged.
One of the biggest takeaways: storytelling helped him move away from rigid, memorized material and become more natural and present on stage—something many comedians struggle with early in their careers.
If you’re a comedian, writer, or creative person looking to improve how you connect with an audience, this conversation offers practical insights into blending humor with authentic storytelling.
You’ll also discover why storytelling shows are gaining popularity, how they differ from traditional comedy nights, and why they might be one of the best spaces for comedians to grow.
Listen to the full episode and explore more conversations at My First Joke.
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