Why the physical room matters for both stand-up comedy and corporate presentations/workshops

In stand-up comedy, the physical space plays a huge role in the quality of the show and how engaged the audience feels.

The best comedy clubs have low ceilings, no windows, dim lighting, a stage close to the audience, and a full house (i.e. 100% of seats filled). In other words, the kind of room you’d avoid during COVID-19 is perfect for comedy.

Why? Because this setup keeps the audience focused, amplifies laughter, and creates a sense of shared experience.

Now, think about corporate presentations and workshops. Too often, room selection is an afterthought—but it has just as much impact on engagement.

From my experience facilitating workshops worldwide, the best training spaces share key elements: natural light, a comfortable (but not too large) size, no distracting background noise, and a temperature that doesn’t leave people shivering or sluggish.

The right environment shapes how people connect, participate, and ultimately, how much they take away. So, if you have a say in the space for your next corporate event—choose wisely. It makes more of a difference than you might think!