How To Write Your Own Funny Jokes
Can You Write Your Own Funny Jokes?
Who becomes a comedian? Usually ridiculous people who'd be cleaning bathroom or pumping gas if they hadn't made it in the comedy world... are YOU one of this elite group!?
The truth is that anybody can be funny, but it takes some work. Some people have a natural knack for humor, but everybody has to work at it if they want to be a comedian. Being funny is just the first step.
Making jokes takes a little inspiration and a lot of craft. Telling jokes takes works and practice. Nobody walks onstage and just makes stuff up. If you've ever seen a comedian twice, you've noticed that they will tell the same jokes. That's because they have an "arsenal" of jokes, and these jokes have been honed and chiseled and perfected and altered and aged like a fine wine. In other words, they've been worked over.
The first step is to see the humor in things!
The best ideas for jokes come from everyday situations that are funny. Write down every joke idea that you have, and never throw anything away. Your notes could become future jokes.
The Anatomy Of A Joke
There are two parts to a joke: the set-up and the pay-off. The pay-off is commonly referred to as the "punchline." The purpose of the set-up is just to lead up to the punchline. Most jokes actually don't need a set-up; it's just to get the audience ready for the eventual explosion of laughter.
The punchline is the meat of the joke, the funny part. Most comedians write jokes by starting with the punchline. This is the funny observation or stupid idea that creates the joke, so it's usually what you think of first. Create a good punchline, and then write a story or anecdote leading up to it.
Timing Is Everything
You've got to try out your jokes so that you can figure out how to best deliver them. It is always better for a joke to be too fast than too slow. It's something about the nature of humor; things that happen suddenly are funnier. A joke that is too long will wear out its welcome, and then the punchline won't draw the laughs.
Pay close attention to audience reaction. If a joke fails once, try it again another time. If it doesn't get laughs, drop it. You should also try out different set-ups to your punchline's to see which work best.
Once you've got a solid 10 minutes of jokes, you're ready to hit the stage. Give your new jokes a try and keep 'em laughing!
