Denis Grignon
Bilingual Corporate Comedian & Writer
Denis Grignon's brand of comedy works above the neck, not below the belt (and he can do it in two official languages!). He's an extremely versatile comedian who knows how to research his audiences, drawing on his experience as a former journalist. (He continues to contribute radio documentaries for the CBC as well as writing feature articles for major magazines and newspapers, including the Toronto Star).
A masterful MC, a disciplined writer of funny scripts, Denis knows how to enliven any event – whether it’s at a corporate conference or on a tour of military bases in Afghanistan where he’s entertained Canadian and international troops.
Grignon has earned enthusiastic praise for everything from hosting language summits and writing awards shows - which have been hosted by the likes of Steve "Red Green" Smith and members of the Royal Canadian Air Farce - to his own hilarious digs at politics and corporate culture. It's one reason his clean and clever comedy is seen regularly on the Comedy Network.
The Globe and Mail says he’s "wonderfully relaxed," while the Ottawa Citizen describes him as “a sharp and likeable comic who respects an audience’s intelligence.” The Voice of the Farmer, meanwhile, said his comedy is "a refreshing change." You’ll find him hilarious.
Stand-up Comedy & Host-Emceeing
Sure, Denis Grignon can – and does – perform his standup comedy routine to urban and corporate audience. But he’s equally at home performing to rural audiences – largely because he’s a rural guy himself. Indeed, much of his act – its material but especially its tone - reflects life beyond the big cities. After all, how many comedians have to head home after the show to shut the chickens in? A true crowd pleaser for any audience, Grignon can make the CEO laugh as heartily as the woman who sells the best corn at that outdoor market.
Not only were you funny, but you managed to find humour in both the banking industry and farming that allowed you to strike a familiar chord with us. You managed it without sounding parochial or like an episode of Hee-Haw; it was still sophisticated (and clean) comedy that we could relate to. I'm not sure how many performers - if any - can do that.
–TD Canada Trust, Agriculture Services
Not only were you funny, but you managed to find humour in both the banking industry and farming that allowed you to strike a familiar chord with us. You managed it without sounding parochial or like an episode of Hee-Haw; it was still sophisticated (and clean) comedy that we could relate to. I'm not sure how many performers - if any - can do that.
–TD Canada Trust, Agriculture Services
You tailored your opening remarks to our participants and to the event and you included appropriate humour. Responsible to introducing each of our eleven presenters, you used appropriate biographical and career comments as well as personal humorous anecdotes where possible. You made people whom many of the participants knew only as titles sound human, friendly and real. Your closing wrap-up remarks, thanking all those who participated and attended and congratulating the winners provided exactly the right ending to our ceremony.
–Public Works and Government Services Canada
At our annual general meeting this past year, we were dealing with the aftermath and stress of some very trying contract negotiations. Thankfully, Denis Grignon was able provide some much-needed levity to the evening. His humour was a nice tonic for a group of teachers needing a good laugh. Moreover, he did it while still adhering to the standards we'd requested of him – that his act be devoid of any off-colour or offensive content. We are a very culturally diverse local and not only did Denis manage to not offend anyone, but his act was actually quite inclusive. Occasional teachers, especially, are a unique lot and we really appreciated the work Denis did to write material that resonated with us. He was well received.
–Peel Elementary Occasional Teachers
I have only received positive comments about your show. In fact, one of our staff commented on the fact that you spoke French and were able to swing back and forth between both languages and still keep everyone laughing. They thought that you were extremely talented! Thank you for your intelligent and funny performance. I should mention that I was very impressed by the time you put into researching our organization and becoming familiar and aware of some of the important and 'hot' topics.
–Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
Denis surpassed our expectations ... while creating a warm atmosphere that was consistent with our discussion. With his intelligent scripted humour and his well-chosen impromptu remarks, he knew just how to keep our attention.
–Nunavut Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth
