John Krasinski is pretty nearly the ideal talk-show guest. Casual, quick, dry and funny as hell. Not only did he listen during his time on screen, but he obviously was watching show from the green room (the talk show guest’s “on deck circle”) even before he was on stage. This is a sure fire way to win the respect of the host and a golden opportunity to insert humor when the comic groundwork has already been laid for the audience.  It’s a nice trick that works nine times out of ten.  On his recent visit to Craig Ferguson’s Late, Late Show, Krasinski heard Ferguson talking about the trend of actors in commercials for the new fall TV season posing in over-the-shoulder model stances. Ferguson proceeded to do several versions for the audience… as did Krasinski when he came out, immediately endearing himself to Ferguson and the crowd.

As you know, we talk about knowing your host, your audience and your show before you make an appearance. That means doing your homework… and Krasinski did his, literally, and talked about it, too. In discussing Ferguson’s spot on the Emmys where he grabbed Brooke Shields’ ass, Krasinski said “ You got a little randy in your bit, didn’t you? That’s what they say in the UK, right? Randy? I did my homework for this show!” More brownie points.

Krasinski brought a little of everything to the show – from playing with the audience to talking directly to camera (to Eric Stoltz, actually) to impressions (Brando and a Muppet). And he made them all work beautifully. The only thing he didn’t do, which is a real Guest Whisperer no-no, is talk about his role in NBC’s The Office, which he was most likely there to promote. It’s a good thing Craig showed a clip at the top of the segment. This, of course, is partly the host’s fault, but you must remember why you’re there in the first place.  If a segment is going well by the hosts standards, then it is incumbent on the guest to subtly take charge and steer the conversation to the topic at hand.  This is primarily why I can’t give him a five out of five rating for this appearance.

I wish all guests were as clever, relaxed and entertaining as John Krasinski.  Next time we hope he can hit it out of the park.