Anthony Ackroyd
Anthony Ackroyd is the Creator and CEO of Feel Betterer and a Professional Motivator through Humour.
A prominent figure in Australia’s comedy scene. Anthony’s career spans over three decades and has remained a prominent figure in Australia’s comedy scene. His reputation for sharp wit, intelligence, and social insight has made him a beloved personality in both stand-up and media.
Anthony Ackroyd is one of Australia’s most successful stand-up comedians and comedy writers, celebrated for his intelligence, lightning-fast wit and ability to connect with any audience. A regular favourite on ABC Radio’s Thank God It’s Friday! and a familiar face on TV programs including Q&A, Anthony has built a career as a performer, satirist and storyteller with rare versatility.
A highly sought-after corporate comedian and MC, Anthony is also an expert speaker on the power of humour, wellbeing and human connection. Recognised as a leading authority on the social and cultural impact of comedy, he brings unique insight into how laughter can transform workplaces, boost resilience and create communities.
Anthony rose to national prominence on ABC TV’s legendary The Big Gig and went on to perform and write for hundreds of television and radio programs, feature films and live productions — including The Comedy Company, where his iconic impersonation of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd became the stuff of political comedy legend.
His career has taken him across Australia and around the world, performing everywhere from intimate private events to crowds of over 110,000 at ANZ Stadium. He has worked alongside comedy greats such as Billy Crystal and Rowan Atkinson, contributed material to Jim Carrey’s Ace Ventura, and co-starred in the cult film Reckless Kelly.
Driven by a commitment to using humour for good, Anthony has spent years bringing joy to children as a clown doctor, supporting dementia patients as a humour therapist, and leading laughter programs through Laughter Club International. He founded and directed the Bowral of Laughs Comedy Festival and his political satire series has been featured by major Australian media outlets.
Today, Anthony is CEO of Feel Betterer, the wellbeing company he created to help people change their lives through fun, connection and high-quality online programs. Inspiring, thoughtful and always hilarious, Anthony Ackroyd remains one of Australia’s most distinctive voices in comedy and culture.
Speaking Topics:
Stress Less Laugh More – How to use humour and laughter to create happiness, energy and success in business – Let’s face it – stress sucks! It sucks the the energy, happiness and motivation out of people and prevents any business from reaching maximum potential. This presentation teaches potent tools and techniques for using the energy of laughter, humour and associated positive energy states to propel a business to a whole new level of motivation, engagement, influence, happiness and achievement in the workplace.
Humourvation – Using Humour toAccelerate Creativity and Innovation
Creativity and innovation are critical to the success of any business. Fresh ideas and perspectives are the pathway to creative problem solving and innovative new directions that boost productivity and profit. When it comes to generating creativity the utilisation of humour techniques may be the most powerful and fun way to tap the well. Edward de Bono: “Humour is by far the most significant activity of the human brain.”
The Power to Present – How to be a presenter who makes an impact
Communicate with purpose, presence and power in every facet of your presentation. Construct narrative and storytelling devices to create logical and emotional resonance with your audience. Impact through congruent body movement, gestures and eye contact. Influence audience responses through vocal energy, pace and tonal variation. Use slides skilfully and effectively to support, enhance and enliven content and structure. Master the power of challenge, questioning, surprise and humour. Avoid the most common mistakes of unskilled presenters.