How to stand out at an open-mic
How to stand out at an open-mic
Wear a big bow-tie!
This is follow-up to this recent article
On the Berlin comedy scene I often reference “Berlin Comedy Bingo”, because there are so many common topics that come up again and again. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I’m sure your scene has its own bingo card, I’m interested to hear what specific topics always come up.
Berlin is special because hardly anyone who lives here is actually from here, including the Germans. So lots of comedians have the same kinds of experiences and observations on settling in the big B. And boy does it get samey! Yes, learning German is hard, nowhere takes cards, people are rude etc etc.
BTW If you’re worried about AI taking over the world here is Dall-e’s attempt at making a “Berlin comedy bingo card” - my eyes!
Personally, I have a lots of material that appears on the bingo card, and I *like* to think it’s original? But it does make me think I need more material that’s just about my myself and how I relate to the world, as that’s the kind of material I connect to the most.
It’s the execution that counts. Like it would be bonkers to say “dating” material was off the table because it’s a common topic. But maybe we don’t need another Tinder “men swipe right on everyone” joke.
However, if you’re doing a mic with 15 other people, how can you stand out if you’re the 8th person to do a “Ferding Aapartment” joke? What are specific traits that make people stand out? What are traits that people *think* make them stand out but are actually cringe. I shall now attempt to answer all of this!
Needless to say these are just tips, and there are always exceptions.
How to stand out from the crowd
Be adaptive to the scene around you
Watch other peoples sets (I know, ugh - right?). But if your set feels a bit similar to what other people are doing then you literally have the power to change that! Dig a little deeper, and vary the type of material you have. Talk emotionally from your own experience. I’m not saying don’t do local observational humour, but if a lot of people are observing the same thing - see if you can put a unique spin on it. Go for a “third thought” - see below.
Now when you are writing, still write down all the unoriginal ideas or you’ll get blocked, plus the great ideas are usually hiding behind them.
Go for the “Third Thought”
Third thought is one step removed. It’s something that you never would have thought of, and that’s where the best jokes lie. - Antony Jeselnik
Perhaps this advice is easier said than done, it’s like saying “be really really really funny”. Nobody said this wouldn’t be hard work!
Be yourself 🫶
It’s a classic, but if we haven’t found out who you are by the end of your set then your set was probably about nothing. Do a set that only you could do.
Use your natural speaking rhythm
I observe so many comics doing “comic rhythm”. It’s this little mask that people put on that I guess gives them a little boost of “I am a comedian doing the comedy now”. It can be a nice confidence booster, but it’s making you blend in with all the other noobs, by creating predictable rhythms in your material.
I picked this video quite random but it illustrated “comedy rhythm”, nothing against this chap!
Laughter is all about surprise, so bury the lead of your punchlines by talking in your regular speaking voice (plus a little more oomph for the stage).
Say how you’re feeling
Emotions are always relatable. Saying how you’re feeling in the moment, or in your material will help you make a connection with your audience, which will help you stand out.
Love your material
Your audience can tell if you’re just going through the motions. If you’re done with a joke then time to write some new ones!
Add afterthoughts
Add jokes to your jokes (tags). Amateurs stop after the first thought and end up with an unexplored idea. Original jokes are often long and detailed. At least start with this goal and then cut it back to the gold.
Be Specific
Be! Specific! Be-Be Specific! Specificity is the key to originality. Use specific nouns and unusual adjectives. This will make your material more unique to you.
Things that people think make them original but are actually shit
Being very loud
In some cases this might be a very valid part of someone’s schtick, but replacing good material with loud volume is usually just vaguely threatening - especially if you’re a dude.
Wearing a crazyyyy outfit / outfit for one joke
There’s nothing wrong with dressing up for your act, but stick to your regular clothes. If you have a special wacky outfit for your act it’s soon going to get dog-eared and become a burden.
Doing pointless crowd-work
Please stop asking the audience questions if you don’t care about the answer. Making the audience cheer or clap, doesn’t mean you’re making a connection with them. They’re just being obedient servants to their microphone wielding overlord. It’s certainly not going to set you apart from the newbie crowd to ask questions that go nowhere just to get a little cheer from the audience.
Props
With very few exceptions, props are cringe. This stupid bag of “punchlines” you have to bring with you to every gig? No thanks.
Too dark / sexual
Life is dark, I get it. And I love dark humour. But there’s discovered dark, and invented - just to get a cheap laugh. Most dark jokes aren’t original anyway - they’re just copies of copies.
Online comedy coaching
I do 1 on 1 classes and coaching sessions for stand-up comedians - Email
Teaching plugs Berlin
I have a new 6 week class starting November 2nd, there’s still a couple of spots - Link
Show plugs Berlin
Wed 18.09.24
8pm - The Improvised Stand-Up Show - Link9.30pm - Young & Dumb - Link
Thu 19.09.24 @ 9.30pm - Action Jackson - Link
Fri 20.09.24
9.30pm - Drive Time with Roadkill - Link
11pm - No Joke - LinkSat 21.09.24 - It’s That Time Of The Month - Link
World Wide Web Plugs
Berlin Stand-Up School - berlinstandupschool.com
Linktree - carolineclifford.com
dear caroline,
another banger! love what you say here and how you say it as always! some fave lines from this dispatch:
"if your set feels a bit similar to what other people are doing then you literally have the power to change that!"
"I observe so many comics doing “comic rhythm”. It’s this little mask that people put on that I guess gives them a little boost of “I am a comedian doing the comedy now”."
"Please stop asking the audience questions if you don’t care about the answer."
"Most dark jokes aren’t original anyway - they’re just copies of copies."
"Love your material"
i love YOUR material.
thanks for sharing!
love
myq