Hi, I’m Beth.

Comedian, award-winning tv comedy writer, and speechwriter. I love helping clients create heartfelt and funny toasts and speeches for life’s biggest moments.

Why? Laughter has an amazing power to bring people closer together.

A heartfelt and funny speech can break down barriers and unite a room that’s divided on just about everything else - from politics to party favors.

Want to know more? Scroll down to the frequently asked questions.

Get to know me... in 60 seconds!

There's no dress rehearsal. You get one shot at this.

We've all endured awkward wedding speeches filled with cringey roast jokes or painful dad jokes. Even if you don't consider yourself to be a funny person, you can get real laughs by using simple honesty.

Life is funny, and people are unique.

No matter who you are, or who you're speaking about, I can promise you there are tons of genuine comedic opportunities to explore.

Wait, you write eulogies?!

Yep. I write a lot of eulogies.

Great comedy breaks tension.

Just like weddings, funerals are full of family drama and emotional baggage. I love helping clients navigate those challenges. I'll help you remember the good stuff, and talk around the bad stuff, and make this tribute a true celebration of life.

let's do this right

Frequently Asked Questions

What tv shows have you written for?

STAND OUT: AN LGBTQ+ CELEBRATION (2022) - Netflix - Head Writer

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS (2022) TBS - writer

YOU BET YOUR LIFE WITH JAY LENO (2021) FOX - writer

28th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS (2021) TBS - writer

TINY TALK SHOW (2020) Quibi - writer

92nd ACADEMY AWARDS (2020) ABC - writer

27th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS (2020) TBS - writer

ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS & SCIENCES GOVERNORS’ AWARDS (2019) - writer

LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW (2019) - writer

MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (2019) MTV - writer

LAUGH IN: THE STARS CELEBRATE (2019) Netflix - writer

91st ACADEMY AWARDS (2019) ABC - writer

COUNTRY MUSIC TELEVISION AWARDS (2019) CMT - co-producer

STAND UP AND AWAY WITH BRIAN REGAN (2018) Netflix - writer

THE TALK (2017-2018) CBS - writer/producer

ANIMAL NATION WITH ANTHONY ANDERSON (2017) Animal Planet - producer

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS (2016) ABC - writer, special material

WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS DINNER (2016) - contributing writer

YOU CAN DO BETTER (2016) TruTV - producer

FIRST IMPRESSIONS WITH DANA CARVEY (2016) USA - producer

iHEART RADIO MUSIC AWARDS (2015) - writer

THE QUEEN LATIFAH SHOW (2013-2015) syndicated - writer/ segment director

ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW (2009-2012) syndicated - writer/ producer

TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO (2004-2009) NBC - writer/ segment director

THE ROSIE PEREZ SHOW pilot (2001) HBO - writer

LATE SHOW W/ DAVID LETTERMAN (1999-2000) CBS - writer

THE ROSIE O'DONNELL SHOW (1996-1997) syndicated - writer

POLITICALLY INCORRECT (1996) (ABC) ABC - writers’ assistant

What awards have you won or been nominated for?

AWARDS

DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS (7 wins) - Ellen Degeneres Show (6) + The Talk (1)

PRIMETIME EMMY AWARD NOMINATION - Late Show With David Letterman

WRITERS GUILD AWARD NOMINATION - Late Show With David Letterman

WRITERS GUILD AWARD NOMINATION - Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration

I want my speech to sound like me. Will it be obvious someone else wrote it?

Your speech will sound like you. My job is to ask the right questions and coax the best stories out of you — and then to craft that raw material into a well-structured speech (which means a clear beginning, middle and end,) add transitions and connective tissue, and of course, dial up the organic humor wherever possible.

Can you coach me to deliver the jokes?

Sure. If you're not comfortable speaking in public, or you want comedy-specific coaching, book a Live Punch-Up Session, and I'll help you fine-tune your speech and your performance.

But remember, wedding or funeral, this is the warmest, most supportive audience you’ll ever have. They have as much love in their hearts for the subject of your speech as you do, and they want to hear what you have to say about them. They aren’t expecting you to be a stand-up comedian, they just want to hear you be you. They’re rooting for your success. Ok, maybe not your annoying cousin (you know the one,) but everyone else is.

How’d you get into comedy writing?

When other kids were listening to music (and y’know, socializing,) I was up in my room memorizing comedy albums; George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin, Moms Mabley, Tom Lehrer, Lenny Bruce.  Mom loved Gilbert & Sullivan and Stephen Sondheim. Dad adored Mel Brooks.  My brain was wired to find the funny.

Once I realized being funny was a marketable skill, it was the only thing I wanted to do with my life. I moved to LA and worked my way up, show by show; from production assistant to writers’ assistant, and ultimately, to writer.

25+ years later, I have a bunch of Emmys and years of experience writing for Leno, Letterman and Ellen, as well award shows including MTV’s Video Music Awards, the Screen Actors’ Guild Awards, and the Oscars, where I’ve written for everyone from Queen Latifah to Tom Hanks.

Are you also a comedian?

Yep. I spent more than a decade doing stand-up, performing at clubs, colleges and military bases all over the world, including Kuwait and Iraq. I know what an audience wants – and needs – to hear. 

I’m also a keynote and conference speaker on how to use humor as a tool for connection, resilience and leadership. Want to book me for your group’s virtual or in-person event? Visit bethsherman.com.

Do you still write for tv?

I do indeed. Take a look at my work history (above) and decide if you think I’ve got the skills to make yours the best speech of the night.

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  • Emmy award-winning comedy writer

  • #1 Wedding Speech Channel on YouTube

  • 24 Hour Turnaround for Video Speech Audits

  • Speech Delivery Tips From A Comedian

  • You'll Work Directly With Me

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Complete list of television writing credits:

STAND OUT: AN LGBTQ+ CELEBRATION (2022) - Netflix - Head Writer

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS (2022) TBS - writer

YOU BET YOUR LIFE WITH JAY LENO (2021) FOX - writer

28th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS (2021) TBS - writer

TINY TALK SHOW (2020) Quibi - writer

92nd ACADEMY AWARDS (2020) ABC - writer

27th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS (2020) TBS - writer

ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS & SCIENCES GOVERNORS’ AWARDS (2019) - writer

LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW (2019) - writer

MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (2019) MTV - writer

LAUGH IN: THE STARS CELEBRATE (2019) Netflix - writer

91st ACADEMY AWARDS (2019) ABC - writer

COUNTRY MUSIC TELEVISION AWARDS (2019) CMT - co-producer

STAND UP AND AWAY WITH BRIAN REGAN (2018) Netflix - writer

THE TALK (2017-2018) CBS - writer/producer

ANIMAL NATION WITH ANTHONY ANDERSON (2017) Animal Planet - producer

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS (2016) ABC - writer, special material

WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS DINNER (2016) - contributing writer

YOU CAN DO BETTER (2016) TruTV - producer

FIRST IMPRESSIONS WITH DANA CARVEY (2016) USA - producer

iHEART RADIO MUSIC AWARDS (2015) - writer

THE QUEEN LATIFAH SHOW (2013-2015) syndicated - writer/ segment director

ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW (2009-2012) syndicated - writer/ producer

TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO (2004-2009) NBC - writer/ segment director

THE ROSIE PEREZ SHOW pilot (2001) HBO - writer

LATE SHOW W/ DAVID LETTERMAN (1999-2000) CBS - writer

THE ROSIE O'DONNELL SHOW (1996-1997) syndicated - writer

POLITICALLY INCORRECT (1996) ABC - writers’ assistant 


Awards & Nominations

DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS  - Ellen Degeneres Show (6 wins) + The Talk (1 win)

PRIMETIME EMMY AWARD NOMINATION - Late Show With David Letterman (CBS)

WRITERS GUILD AWARD NOMINATION - Late Show With David Letterman (CBS)

WRITERS GUILD AWARD NOMINATION - Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration (Netflix)