Art Malloy Vice President for Student Affairs | University of North Dakota
Art Malloy Vice President for Student Affairs | University of North Dakota
Matthew Ternus, a stand-up comedian and director of marketing at the Alerus Center, recently spoke at the University of North Dakota as part of their 18:83 Speaker Series. His presentation focused on the parallels between comedy and leadership.
Ternus emphasized the importance of public speaking in leadership roles. “It teaches you how to command a room, keep people engaged and make your message memorable,” he stated. He likened a comedy show to a conference, where audiences remember key details.
During his speech, held at UND's Memorial Union’s Social Stairs, Ternus shared insights from his diverse experiences. In addition to his role at the Alerus Center, he has been involved with local organizations like the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals.
He recounted an anecdote illustrating humor in challenging situations: “There was a time that I booked a meeting room for my team...it ended up being a broom closet,” he recalled. “The first thing I quipped was ‘this is the perfect place for us to clean up this project.’”
Ternus argued that true leadership comes from personality rather than titles. “The best leaders I know are ones who show their genuine selves,” he explained. Authenticity and vulnerability are strengths in both professional and personal realms.
Reflecting on his improvisational comedy experience, Ternus noted its impact on connecting with audiences—a vital leadership skill. “It’s amazing how much overlap there is between telling a joke and giving a pep talk,” he said.
He concluded by highlighting key leadership practices such as adaptability and understanding organizational dynamics—skills akin to reading an audience in comedy.
The 18:83 Speaker Series will continue with Dave St. Peter, president and CEO of the Minnesota Twins, on January 30th.
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