Writing Comedy - A Lot More Than Just Funny Words

By Jackson Gervais


If you are a naturally funny person you may assume that writing stand up comedy is effortless. Well, it isn't. Although you believe it sounds funny when you write it down, it doesn't always translate well to a live audience.

Writing fantastic stand up comedy material requires quite a bit of experimenting at the same time as expertise. You should do your homework initially and rehearse on live audiences. It is a bit like mastering how to swim, you will panic a lot to start with, swallow a great deal of unpleasant water just before you begin to get the hang of it.

One technique to check that what's in writing isn't always going to do the job, is to transcribe a well recognized stand up comedian's show. While they got laughs, it does not always sound funny if you read it! In other words, it's not what we say, but how you say it and that is the key to good results.
The written word is merely one dimension of the step by step stand up comedy act. Additionally towards the words, you'll want to vary the tone in your voice as you perform and link that up along with your body language. Put simply, these three facets need to come together to create a great routine. Funny words on paper may be funny in greeting cards, but not on stage without having the other variables. If you leave one piece out it won't work.

One of the far better approaches to write comedy material is to consider real life events that you have experienced, been involved in or see as completely weird. Writing about something you already know as a basis will enable you to put your own spin on it more easily.

Now, it is possible to kill a funny story if you get the punch line completely wrong. By itself, the punch line is often meaningless and has to be delivered in a particular way, at a specific time. To help you get this right, watch as many comedians as you can to discover how they do it; is it an 'off the cuff' remark, will they have a pause etc.

Lastly, you should discover your own style which you are comfortable with. Don't try and emulate someone else's style as it won't ring true. This could take just a little time, but will be far better in the long run as you may create your personal following a lot more simply. Expect to get a few dead pan faces on stage occasionally; it's all part of the learning curve however unpleasant. In case you do not have a thick skin, give up now!

The only method to write stand up comedy material that actually works, is to practice and cultivate your craft. Just because it appears easy for some, don't be fooled, they had to do their apprenticeship too. Keep true
Now, it is possible to kill a funny story if you get the punch line completely wrong. By itself, the punch line is often meaningless and has to be delivered in a particular way, at a specific time. To help you get this right, watch as many comedians as you can to discover how they do it; is it an 'off the cuff' remark, will they have a pause etc.

Lastly, you should discover your own style which you are comfortable with. Don't try and emulate someone else's style as it won't ring true. This could take just a little time, but will be far better in the long run as you may create your personal following a lot more simply. Expect to get a few dead pan faces on stage occasionally; it's all part of the learning curve however unpleasant. In case you do not have a thick skin, give up now!

The only method to write stand up comedy material that actually works, is to practice and cultivate your craft. Just because it appears easy for some, don't be fooled, they had to do their apprenticeship too. Keep true to yourself and let your natural humor manifest into your signature style.




About the Author:

If you wish to find more stand up comedy tips visit www.standupcomedytips.net where you are going to discover some good step by step comedy tips and much more on how to write comedy.


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