Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking for the Florida Speakers Association—and what a treat to discover their meeting was held at the fabulous Fort Lauderdale Improv! The venue itself inspired me to share one of my favorite stories and offer a suggestion every speaker can use.

For those unfamiliar, Budd Friedman was the founder of the original Improv Comedy Club in New York.

Opened in 1963, it became a legendary stage for stand-up comedy, which helped to launch the careers of Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin, Jay Leno, Bette Midler, and many others.

In the early 1990s, Budd spoke for the Learning Annex in San Francisco. I was thrilled to hear him and, as usual, sat in the front row. My advice to the Florida speakers—and to any professional—is this: when you hear someone famous speak, ask them an interesting question.

That’s precisely what I did. I asked, “Mr Friedman, is there such a thing as natural talent?”

He smiled and replied, “Yes. However, there is no overnight success. Jay Leno had natural talent, and it still took him 15 years to become established.”

To every novice and intermediate speaker, I say, your challenge may not be a lack of talent. It may be a lack of patience.

Perseverance is the real secret.

Every masterful speaker you admire once struggled through quiet rooms, technical glitches, and half-filled audiences. What separates the professionals who endure is not charisma—it’s commitment. They work to improve, show up, and believe the effort will pay off. The applause, the clients, and the confidence are earned one disciplined rehearsal, one brave performance, and one insightful question at a time. That’s how you build a lasting career.

Budd Friedman passed away on November 12, 2022, at the age of 90.

His legacy lives on through the comedians he inspired and the audiences he delighted. Rest in peace, Budd.

Remember my new Frippicism©, “There’s no overnight success—only daily progress.”

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