Picking up the phone and hearing a call center agent say the very generic “Hello, how are you,” immediately results in irritable clients.
So how do you innovatively captivate the person on the other side of the line?
Kurt Schoonraad is confident that the planning system stand-up comedians’ use on stage can be implemented in sales and equate to an increase in business.
When a comedian walks on stage, they have little to no time in order to grab their audience’s attention. An assumption is made pretty fast however if it’s positive, you’ll have their ears for as long as you want!
Kurt will show you the basic survival guide that comedians use to last on stage while holding their audiences attention. A couple of sample tricks in the bag will be explained so that you can interact a whole lot better with your potential client.
This technique will be adjusted to the environment of sales communication and presentation. Your skill quality will inevitably increase.
Improve your strike rate by learning the way of “funny”.
It’s important to remember that success depends on how likeable you are as a person because the customer buys into YOU not the product.
When you pick up the phone and hear those infamous lines, you usually switch off.
Let Kurt show you how to cleverly change the way you do things in order to get results. It’s time for those outdated scripts to get a makeover.
Google it. You’ll find that Google itself has no idea how to explain it. We are living in a world where we are not all cut from the same cloth. Everyone has their own cross to carry, a past, present and future.
Kurt Schoonraad would like the chance to share the importance of diversity in the workplace and why it shouldn’t just be ‘accepted’ or tolerated but understood and celebrated.
Sympathy is no longer adequate. Empathy needs to become like second nature for us, so that we can allow ourselves to imagine walking in other peoples shoes.
Who is sitting at the desk next to you? Do you know why your fellow co-worker is always coming in 10 minutes late? Or have you written them off as lazy and lacking punctuality?
Have you considered that maybe the few minutes delay is a result of the two buses and a taxi that they needed to take, just to get to work?
Understanding diversity in the works is essential to any successful business.
We shouldn’t just tolerate and accept our co-workers; instead we should be celebrating one another, and embracing those differences.
With over 20 years of experience captivating audiences as one of South Africa’s most celebrated comedians, Kurt Schoonraad brings charisma, confidence, and razor-sharp wit to the role of Master of Ceremonies (MC). Known for his magnetic stage presence and natural ability to read and energize a room, Kurt is the ideal emcee for corporate events, awards evenings, conferences, gala dinners, product launches, and private functions.
As an emcee, Kurt does more than simply introduce speakers or announce program segments—he becomes the heartbeat of the event. His quick thinking, professionalism, and personable nature ensure that transitions between sessions are seamless, on time, and always entertaining. Whether engaging with executives, international guests, or diverse multicultural audiences, Kurt tailors his approach to suit the tone, theme, and objectives of each event.
Kurt is adept at balancing humor with decorum, making him a trusted choice for formal and informal events alike. He brings a light, engaging tone that puts audiences at ease while maintaining the flow and integrity of the program. His experience working with high-profile clients and production teams ensures clear communication, adaptable pacing, and smooth event execution from start to finish.
When Kurt Schoonraad is your emcee, expect your event to run like clockwork—punctuated by laughter, energy, and unforgettable moments.
Kurt Schoonraad is one of South Africa’s most recognized comedians and corporate entertainers, with over two decades of stage experience. Known for his magnetic presence, razor-sharp wit, and ability to connect with audiences instantly, Kurt has become a trusted name in both comedy and corporate circuits.
His unique approach integrates humor with practical lessons on sales, diversity, and communication, making complex topics relatable and memorable. From his lead role in the acclaimed sitcom Skeem to sold-out comedy shows and corporate keynotes, Kurt brings authenticity, cultural insight, and laughter wherever he performs.
Whether hosting as a master of ceremonies, delivering tailored stand-up, or inspiring sales teams, Kurt’s performances create lasting impact, uniting audiences through shared humor and fresh perspective.
With over two decades of stage experience, Kurt Schoonraad has become a household name in South Africa’s entertainment landscape. Celebrated for his infectious humor, magnetic stage presence, and ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life, Kurt brings a refreshing blend of observational comedy, cultural insight, and pure charisma to every event he graces. His ability to find hilarity in the everyday and deliver it with impeccable timing makes him a must-have presence for both live and virtual events.
Kurt’s comedic genius doesn’t just entertain it enlightens and unites. Whether he’s addressing corporate professionals, festival-goers, or television audiences, he uses humor as a tool for reflection, resilience, and social commentary. As a sought-after speaker and entertainer, Kurt transforms stages into spaces of laughter, learning, and connection, leaving a lasting impact on all who experience his work.
Kurt Schoonraad’s journey as a comedian began in the bustling streets of Cape Town and quickly skyrocketed onto national and international platforms. He is best known for his lead role in the internationally acclaimed sitcom “Skeem” which showcased his unique voice in South African comedy. From comedy clubs to sold-out arenas, Kurt has continuously raised the bar with his signature mix of witty storytelling, physical humor, and authentic South African flavor.
Beyond his role as a stand-up comedian, Kurt has carved a niche in the corporate circuit. His tailor-made comedy sets resonate with business audiences, infusing events with energy and laughter while subtly addressing themes of teamwork, diversity, and workplace dynamics.
Kurt Schoonraad is more than a stand-up comedian, he’s a storytelling maestro, corporate favorite, and cultural commentator wrapped in laughter. With a career spanning over 20 years, he brings a wealth of experience, humor, and emotional intelligence to every stage he steps onto. His ability to connect, inspire, and entertain diverse audiences makes him one of South Africa’s most enduring and adaptable performers.
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In this short introduction from his Stand Up For Sales program, Kurt Schoonraad sets the stage with relatable comedy about the intimidating atmosphere of gyms. He humorously explores the unfamiliar language and culture of gym-goers, from cryptic workout terms to the universal “gym smell,” instantly connecting with the audience through shared experiences. Using sharp observational humor, he highlights how people often mimic others when they feel uncertain, drawing a parallel to how sales professionals sometimes act without true understanding.
Kurt then transitions into the core message of his keynote: the similarities between comedy and sales. He explains that in stand-up, he is both the product and the salesman, with the audience as clients. Success is measured instantly through laughter—just as sales success is measured by client response. Over his 20-year career, he has developed strategies that apply directly to sales: engaging an audience, adapting quickly, and selling authentically. His promise is to share these insights so salespeople can improve their own ability to connect, persuade, and succeed.
00:00–00:45 – Kurt opens with comedy about feeling out of place in gyms, confused by gym jargon and group culture.
00:46–01:30 – Expands on the strange smells, 80s-style workout gear, and outdated gym equipment with observational humor.
01:31–02:05 – Uses “monkey see, monkey do” analogy, showing how people mimic others when unsure—setting up sales parallels.
02:06–02:30 – Introduces himself as a professional comedian with 20 years of international experience.
02:31–02:46 – Bridges comedy and sales, explaining that stand-up is selling, and he will share proven lessons to boost sales performance.
Yes, his keynotes and MC style are tailored to your event goals.
Sales communication, diversity in the workplace, leadership engagement, and comedy entertainment.
Cape Town, available for events across South Africa and internationally.
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