Here is the long awaited (!) Part 2 to Notes I give my beginnerโs students (that can help everyone). For fun I have included the people pleasing thing I usually say ๐ and what Iโd sometimes like to say ๐.
Part 1 is here
๐ Slow down
๐ I only caught half of that and now Iโm going to pretend I got it all
Remember that your audience might not be native English speakers, itโs also generally harder to understand people through a microphone. Speaking fast is usually a sign of nerves. Slow down, and pause for laughter.๐ This is from day 1, time to write something new
๐ This wasnโt funny the first time
Especially when youโre a beginner, the new stuff you write will always be better than the old stuff so keep on writing! Donโt cling on to old stuff. So many experienced comics do this and it beggars belief they want to trot out some 6 year old set rather than โriskโ new material. Always Be Comedy-writing!๐ That reference is not universal
๐ The US is not the default country
Itโs a mistake to think your audience is just like you. Humans are similar on an emotional level, but on a cultural level we are wildly different. Iโve heard of Beyonce, obviously, but I almost know nothing about her. That doesnโt mean donโt mention her. But remember that youโre talking to people that arenโt so have fun educating the plebs! This is the same for specific country things, products and shops. Some people have never been to Target.๐ That made me feel bad
๐ I hope this is just a crap joke and you are not an actual bigot
I mostly give people the benefit of the doubt when they say offensive shit on-stage in class. Itโs usually the urge to be edgy, and say edgy things because you think itโll make you just like your hero, 30 year comedy veteran Bill Burr. Saying edgy stuff isnโt funny, jokes are funny.
Itโs not always edge-lords. Sometimes your self-deprecating joke is also perpetuating a harmful stereotype.๐ Iโve heard this kind of thing a lot, make it original by telling us your story
๐ Iโve seen this meme 3 times, today
I donโt generally think people mean to steal jokes, I just think itโs a lack of effort and a lack of experience. After a while you get a feel for whatโs been done before and whatโs more original. Adding specificity and personal examples makes things more original.๐ What exactly is this about? Give it a heading.
๐ I zoned out
Sometimes a student will just present a load of random waffle as material. Sometimes a bit will be almost right, but it is somehow confusing. Donโt get me wrong, I love a creative tangent, if it serves the joke. I love a โFamily Guy cutawayโ, but you canโt confuse your audience.If you watch professional comedians, even if they are very surreal, you always know exactly what they are talking about. Use headings to chop your material in to clear sections.
Great post. By the way, my ex was a โpremium greengrocerโ and โcuratedโ a plate of fruit for Beyoncรฉ! She only eats organic. So now you know a bit more about her.
I guess Noah must have destroyed all evidence of the ele-penguin, because I see none now...