Conan O’Brien calls David Letterman “the North Star” for comedians of his generation. Jimmy Kimmel says Letterman was more important to him than sleep, and he refers to Dave as “my Jesus.”

Even if you didn’t watch late-night television throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s (back when DVRs didn’t exist), you knew Letterman.

Before we jump in… I get it. The irony isn’t lost on me that Letterman is famous for his Top-10 lists.

But let’s face it, you’re busy, I’m busy, so a Top 5 list it is.

My first time on stage I absolutely BOMBED. I was so deep inside my own head about what the audience was thinking of me, I totally blanked.

Since then I’ve learned active listening is the best way to take the focus off of ourselves and dial down our own personal judgment.

When we’re fully present in the moment there’s no room for self-consciousness.

Why is sitting in uncomfortable silence so hard?

Creative Mornings’ December theme was Silence and while I’m an ironic choice for this topic, it was fun to share stories from my career as both a sales leader and stand-up comedian on how to use silence to build tension, truly be heard and find your authentic path.

The holidays are full of cheer, let them be full of laughs too!

Make a good decision for once at your company’s holiday party and host a Pitch Lab improvisation workshop!

This year give your team the gift of stronger communication, creativity and collaboration!

When it comes to presenting, it’s all about connection.

So what’s the best way to connect with your audience?

Not by being perfect, but by being authentically you. Here’s how.

What could possibly be funny about tree-ring dating or Russian gem carvings? Lots, if you hear about them from Steve Nash.

As Director of Anthropology and Curator of Archaeology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (whew!), this author has a list of accomplishments longer than a Diplodocus tail.

Pitch Lab caught up with Steve to ask him a few questions about his worst experience on stage, what’s so funny about ancient Pompeii and why every scholar needs to work on their public speaking skills:

Most Pitch Lab workshop attendees have one thing in common: the fear of public speaking prevents them from landing their dream job, getting the promotion they deserve or helping their team succeed.

So when our local elementary school asked for public speaking coaches to volunteer their time, I jumped at the opportunity to give my daughter and her friends an advantage we all wish we had at their age.

Every now and again you collaborate with someone that motivates you to take your work to the next level.

For me this is Dr. Peter McGraw: author of The Humor Code, TEDx Speaker & Professor of Marketing & Psychology at CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business.

I had a blast on “I’m Not Joking” talking stand-up comedy, sales and the joke Demetri Martin stole from me: