Tips and Tricks for Comedy (Assignment)

04-09-2020

Comedy comes naturally to some people, while others have to work for it. Regardless of a person's innate talent or lack thereof, you will find that funny people have a tendency to follow certain comedic patterns, whether they are aware of it or not. Here are a few ways I think anyone can improve their comedy skills:

1. Incongruity in Storytelling - Oftentimes when I am telling a story, I will throw in some incongruous commentary, meaning I will say something that does not "fit" with the scenario I'm describing. It is a type of sarcasm delivered with a straight face and tone, as if what you're saying isn't unusual at all. For example, I might say, "My friend and her fiancee started snuggling while we were watching the movie. It was super cute, so I dumped my soda and popcorn on them and told them to stop being disgusting." Or I could say, "Yeah my dog scratched the hell out of my arm, but I love bleeding so it's all good." For anyone who likes dry humor, it's a lot of fun.
2. True Stories > Jokes - Sure, everyone likes a well delivered joke, but in real life scenarios, dropping jokes can seem awkward. I always think it's much funnier to hear stories from people's lives. It usually turns out that real life is much funnier than anything a person can make up. My favorite comedians usually tell personal stories that they've built up rather than making up material for their acts, and those are always the parts that stand out to me. 
3. Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously - We all know at least one person who thinks a little too highly of themselves, and odds are that person isn't very funny. At the end of the day, comedy is all about taking a risk by putting yourself out there in a vulnerable position. If you're too caught up in worrying about how others might receive your humor, you'll never be able to let yourself be fun and free. You can't take yourself too seriously. In fact, you actually have to be able to laugh at yourself. If all else fails, self-deprecating humor is something that pretty much everyone can relate to.
4. Observe the World Around You - On top of all that, observation allows you to read the room. Yes you should be able to crack a joke and have a good time, but you should also be able to know when not to be funny. I don't recommend testing out your stand-up routine at a funeral, for an obvious example. Additionally, a keen sense of observation allows you to read your audience as well. For a simple example, you would almost certainly tell different stories and jokes on a night out with your closest friends than you would at your family's Thanksgiving dinner. You need to be able to assess what other people will find funny and find those who will be most receptive to your humor. Comedians do this all the time when they pick out people from the audience to interact with. They get a feel for the crowd and find people they think will be the best to pick on or joke with.
5. Use The Rule of Threes--It Really Works - It's a bit obvious and maybe overstated, but the rule of threes is essential for comedic success. I could talk about it, but I find examples are excellent comedic teachers. I once watched a Dave Chappelle special where he started off by saying that he had three stories to tell about the three times in his life he'd met OJ Simpson. He told the first story, then moved on with his routine, but the moment he came back later with, "The second time I met OJ Simpson," the audience was reeling. He moved on again, and then, sure enough, he got to the end and told the story of, "The third time I met OJ Simpson." The audience went wild, and that was the end of the night, all tied up in a perfectly satisfying bow.