Lessons in leadership from a stand-up comedian

Leadership, like comedy, requires improvisation, says former UND student body president in latest 18:83 address

As a stand-up comedian, Matthew Ternus is no stranger to public speaking – a skill he considers indispensable to effective leadership.

“It teaches you how to command a room, keep people engaged and make your message memorable,” he said. “Everyone walks out of a comedy show just like they walk out of a conference – remembering one key detail.”

Last week, Ternus, director of marketing at the Alerus Center and former UND student body president, returned to campus to outline his approach to the practice.

Ternus’ speech was the latest in UND’s 18:83 Speaker Series, held at the Memorial Union’s Social Stairs. Speakers time their addresses to last about 18 minutes and 83 seconds, a figure that coincides with the University’s founding year.

In addition to his current role at the Alerus Center, Ternus has served on boards of local organizations, including president of the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals. The organization provides networking and professional development opportunities, with the goal of enhancing the region’s workforce and community involvement.

Ternus said it is important for leaders to demonstrate composure, finding humor in difficult situations whenever possible.

“There was a time that I booked a meeting room for my team, confidently led them in there, and it ended up being a broom closet,” he said. “The first thing I quipped was ‘this is the perfect place for us to clean up this project.’”

Ternus added that true leaders command respect not from their titles, but from their personality and acumen.

“The best leaders I know are ones who show their genuine selves,” he said. “Their flaws, quirks – they try to carry both in their professional and personal capacities. Being authentic and vulnerable isn’t a weakness – it’s a superpower.”

Ternus said his experience doing improvisational comedy instilled in him the importance of connecting with his audience, a trait he considers essential to leadership.

“It’s amazing how much overlap there is between telling a joke and giving a pep talk,” he said. “In both cases, you are trying to connect. To inspire, and to leave people better than you found them.”

Other leadership advice from Ternus

• Leadership follows you everywhere: The practice is not confined to the workplace or boardroom – it is lived out in everyday moments.
• Acknowledge the moment: Much like comedians, leaders must be adaptable to the changing dynamics of their organization.
• Learn to read the room: Great leaders know when to listen, speak and act.

The 18:83 Speaker Series continues Thursday, Jan. 30 with Dave St. Peter, president and CEO of the Minnesota Twins.

A video of Ternus’ talk is below.