The NEW Comedy Bible
Judy Carter
17 min
7 Key Points
4.4 RateWhat's inside?
Discover the secrets of humor writing and performance in this comprehensive guide, perfect for aspiring comedians or anyone looking to add a touch of laughter to their life.
You'll learn
1. How to write and perform jokes2. Making funny stories out of daily life3. Mastering the timing of a joke4. Dealing with stage fright and audience5. Making money from comedy6. Finding your unique comedy style.Key points
01Get ready to amp up your funny bone!
Hey there, aspiring comedians! Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of joke creation. You see, a joke is like a sandwich, it's got five layers: the topic, the attitude, the premise, the payoff, and the tag. The topic is the bread of your joke sandwich. It's what your joke is about. Say, 'grocery shopping'. The attitude is your take on the topic, your unique spin. The premise is the meat of your joke, the idea or concept that your joke is based on. The payoff is the cheese, the punchline, the part that makes people laugh. It's often delivered through act-outs, which are just physical or verbal demonstrations of your joke's premise. The tag is the pickle, a follow-up comment or joke that adds an extra zing of humor. Let's say you're joking about 'toddlers working'. Your attitude could be disbelief or absurdity. The premise might be a toddler going to work instead of their parent. The payoff could be an act-out of a toddler trying to operate a computer or a disgruntled parent sulking at home. The tag could be a comment like, "At least they get to compete for the game console." But a good joke isn't enough. You need a killer opening and closing. Your opening is your handshake with the audience. It sets the tone and makes them feel included and engaged. Your closing is your mic drop moment. It should leave a lasting impression. One way to do this is to use callbacks, which are just references to earlier jokes or topics in your set. It's like an inside joke with your audience. And don't forget to seize the moment. If something unexpected happens, like a prop falling over or an audience member's reaction, use it. This is called 'calling the moment', and it can add a dash of spontaneity and authenticity to your set. Lastly, deliver your jokes with confidence and volume. Even if a joke isn't that strong, a confident delivery can make it funnier. Confidence is contagious and can help to engage the audience and enhance your performance. So there you have it, folks. A crash course in joke creation and performance. Follow these guidelines, and you'll have your audience in stitches from start to finish.
02Stop dilly-dallying and start your comedy journey
Hey there, aspiring comedian! Let's talk about a little something that might be holding you back: procrastination inertia. Sounds fancy, right? Well, it's not as complicated as it sounds. Procrastination is just a fancy word for delaying or putting off tasks. Inertia is a term we borrowed from physics, which means resistance to change. So, when we talk about 'procrastination inertia,' we're talking about the struggle to break free from the habit of procrastination. In the comedy world, this could mean putting off writing new jokes, skipping practice sessions, or dodging opportunities to perform. And let me tell you, this can really put a damper on your comedy career. So, how do we beat this? Well, comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld has a simple trick: write every day. Now, don't freak out. This doesn't mean you have to churn out a comedy goldmine every day. It's more about getting into the habit of observing the world around you, jotting down your experiences, and finding the funny in everyday situations. These notes can then become the building blocks for your jokes. Seinfeld himself only writes for twenty minutes each day. This short, focused time keeps him productive and motivated, and it helps him keep his comedy skills sharp. You can easily do this too, whether you're a pen-and-paper kind of person or you prefer to tap out your thoughts on your phone. Another key step in kick-starting your comedy career is to start performing, no matter how small or informal the platform. This could mean doing a set at a local pub, cracking jokes at a community fundraiser, leading a group presentation, or braving an open mic night. Sure, these early performances might not all be home runs, but they're a great way to gain experience and hone your skills. For instance, winning a comedy contest can really put your career on the fast track. But remember, it's important to take your time and not rush into performing at big venues until you've got enough experience and confidence under your belt. Those high-profile gigs are usually reserved for seasoned comedians who've got the right connections and resources. So, to wrap it up, beating procrastination inertia is a key step in launching a comedy career. This means getting into a daily writing habit and actively looking for opportunities to perform, no matter how big or small. By doing this, you can keep improving your comedy skills, gain priceless experience, and slowly but surely climb your way up in the comedy world.
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03Use your life's funny moments for joke material
04Learn the secret recipe for writing killer jokes
05Broaden your joke horizons
06Learn how to deliver jokes like a pro, even if you're not one
07Conclusion
About Judy Carter
Judy Carter is an American author, speaker, and humorist. She is renowned for her expertise in comedy and self-improvement, having written several books on these topics. Carter has also been a comedy coach, helping individuals and corporations use humor to deal with change, stress, and adversity.
