Johnny Carson hosted The Tonight Show for 30 years, from 1962 - 1992. He won six Emmys, had 17 million viewers a night and the show grossed $40-50 million dollars annually. Younger readers might need to Google Carson, and will find his routines incredibly corny, but that’s the point. Few late-night hosts will ever match his success, and his secret sauce was likability.

Carson was a master comedy writer, but as a performer, he never appeared to be working very hard. He was skilled in light banter and easygoing punchlines. He was calm, inoffensive, apolitical, and self-deprecating, critical for engaging audiences. Bob Hope told Carson “Win an audience’s confidence, and they’ll go along with a gag.” Carson was known for animal bits that failed, then pulled a what are you gonna do? face to the camera, and in seconds, won the audience’s hearts.

Carefully consider how you want to be perceived-- whether on camera or live. Your message will be welcomed if the messenger is liked and trusted. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and let your personality emerge. Before delivering a keynote, David tells Deborah to bring her warm and friendly side. Know that even the driest material can be served sunny side up.