Understand Humor – Explore the Creative Process of Comedy – Get Writing Techniques and Tools
With Karen Eddington
www.MomComedian.com
“Learn the rules of comedy so you can get on stage and break them.
Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Then go have fun.”
Part 1: Understand Humor
Why do people laugh? The act of true laughter is a natural, instinctive reaction. People tend to
laugh when they experience connecting truth and surprise. If you are going to make an audience
laugh, your real goal is to present real experiences in unexpected ways.
Connecting Truth: The moments and experiences of our lives. Truth is funny. Think about being
in the moment, tapping into nostalgia, describing struggle, connecting over disappointment, or
coming together about the world as it exists. Don’t try to be funny. Just try to be real.
Surprise: An experiencing you did not expect.
Misdirection: The ability to provide an experience for your audience. Create a diversion, use
assumptions, give the wrong answer, or lead people to think one concept when you really know
you’re going to present them with another. Point out what others overlook. Misdirection works.
Create a thought-shifting experience in the fewest words possible.
Set-Up (a.k.a premise): A clear, specific topic you will use to apply misdirection. A set-up is
typically serious and provides the contrast for the laugh. When creating a set-up DO NOT try to be
funny. Do try to be real.
Punch Line: The application of misdirection. How you are leading the audience to think different.
Punch Word: The most unique, surprising, or quirky word which should be used at the end of
your punch line.
Callback: Callbacks are like referencing an inside joke with a group of friends. Your audience will
share experiences together. Anytime the audience laughs during your event you can reference
that moment for an easy laugh. Call backs only work 3 times of 33 times (around the 4th reference
the audience gets bored).
© 2015 Be Originally Funny --The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write – The LIST BUILD 7 – created by Karen Eddington -- www.MomComedian.com
HELP! They smile but they don’t laugh.
5 REASONS AN AUDIENCE WILL NOT LAUGH
Don’t feel bad. I’ve experienced every single one of these moments.
Your audience will NOT laugh if they are:
Confused
Unsafe
Feeling bad/worried for you
Not experiencing a contrast
Not surprised
FIX IT!
Get clear in the least amount of words possible. Use the
simplest concept possible. Your goal should be to make
unique and interesting ideas easy to understand. They will
laugh if they understand you.
Help people feel accepted, unified, and comfortable. Give
people permission to laugh. True comedy, especially in a
roast, always honors other people. Start with laughter
friendly room set-up. Example: no center aisle. They will
laugh if they feel safe.
Show them you belong on stage. Love your bad jokes. Use
saver lines to show them you’re okay even if they don’t
laugh. Crowds respond to confidence. Your unaddressed
insecurities make an audience want to protect you not laugh
with you. Address your insecurities with confidence. Use
self-deprecating humor with honor and confidence. They will
laugh if they trust you are comfortable on stage.
Get real or serious in your set-up. A funny idea will usually
not get a laugh unless it has a contrast. You can’t go full force
funny all the time. You have to have serious for the
misdirection to work (you can do this within sentences). The
bigger the contrast the bigger the laugh. They will laugh if
you provide a release from tense or serious moments.
Don’t give away the laugh by saying, “this is so funny…” You
do not want to audience to know when the thought twist is
coming. Use more misdirection or try a new method of
surprise. They will laugh if you use misdirection.
Apply comedy structure to your speech.
Learn how to take stories from your life and speech and apply comedy structure. Using set-up, punch line,
and punch word structure in stories can help you create laughter.
Correct way to get a laugh
Set-up: I don’t want company to see my dirty dishes.
Punch line: I don’t want people to think I eat.
Set up: I let my potty training toddler choose stickers
to put on his reward chart.
Punch Line: He chose the dump truck.
Clear, serious set-up. Clear punch line (application of
misdirection-both examples use the irony joke structure) with
the funniest word at the end. Use the least amount of words
possible.
Incorrect way to get a laugh
I always feel so self-conscious about my dirty dishes.
I’m uncomfortable with company coming over. What
are they going to think about me if they see my mess?
My 2-year old son is potty training. I decided that we
needed a sticker chart for a reward. We made a
graph chart. He picked out a cool set of construction
stickers with a dump truck and demolition crane. We
put his sticker chart on the bathroom wall…
It’s not laughter friendly because there is no clarity, no contrast,
no application of misdirection, too many unnecessary words,
and no punch word.
© 2015 Be Originally Funny --The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write – The LIST BUILD 7 – created by Karen Eddington -- www.MomComedian.com
“Comedy is the balancing act of sharing extreme confidence and extreme humility.”
Part 2: Explore the Complete Comedy Process
How to Write
Tip: The hardest part of comedy writing is just doing it. Just get started. You can start with a moment in
your speech that has already gotten a laugh, start with a specific set-up idea you already have, start with a
general topic idea (refine it into a clear set-up later), or start by free writing your frustrations,
misunderstandings, flaws, or difficulties. Comedy is often born in struggle. If you need a starting point free
write based on the struggles of your life until you have a topic you want to write a joke about.
1. Choose a prime topic.
Just like there are prime numbers in math, there are prime concepts in comedy. If the topic is broad
or wide, divide it out until you have a specific topic. Working with something too broad like
“technology” will likely cause you to feel overwhelmed and get writers block when you try to get a
punch line. Where, if you explore “cell phone etiquette,” you will likely be able to list build out
better details which will get you better punch lines.
2. List build.
It is very difficult to create a punch line if you have no material to pull from. List building is a
comedian’s most important creative skill. It is simply a rapid fire brainstorm. Create a list of
anything that comes to your mind. Try not to filter or be hard on yourself. You must recognize
connecting truths before you can write a punch line. Getting an audience to laugh is more about the
ability to list build truth than it is about magically creating a funny line.
Try it. List build the word: “SHOE.” Write down anything that comes to your mind. Sole, shoelaces,
stinky, bowling…
3. Apply misdirection.
Using your LIST BUILD, apply a joke writing technique. Add a surprising experience for the
audience in the least amount of words possible. Don’t worry about writing a funny line as much as
thinking about how you can present your topic in an unexpected way. This becomes your punch
line.
4. Edit for clarity.
Review all you have and write clear set-up and punch line. Cut all unnecessary words. Read it again
to see if you can say it better. Get it as clear as possible. Do you have a punch word? Put the funniest
word or concept at the end.
5. Take it to a stage.
Perform it. Low, clear, louder voice pitch tends to work better on your misdirection line. Punch
your punch word. Use your voice to aide in the misdirection experience. Pause after the joke to
allow time for laughter.
6. Refine. Repeat. Refine. Repeat. Refine.
© 2015 Be Originally Funny --The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write – The LIST BUILD 7 – created by Karen Eddington -- www.MomComedian.com
Part 3: Get Writing Techniques and Tools
The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write
10 Forms of Misdirection
The Joke Format
1. The Rule of Three
Share two real examples. Make your third
example exaggerated, obscure, or unexpected.
The bigger your contrast in 1, 2 versus 3-- the
bigger your laugh.
This is the most basic joke writing structure. Learn
from it as it uses misdirection in an easy to
understand way. It naturally leads your audience to
think one way and allows you to surprise them with
another.
An Example
"There are only three things women need: food,
water, and compliments." — Chris Rock
“We learn a lot of lesson in life. Have integrity. Say
thank you. Don’t try to haggle at fundraiser yard
sale.” –K.E.
Tip use it in your introduction:
Try it. Write an example.
Fitness trainer Fred has: written a book, earned the
presidential award, and __________________
2. Extreme Optimism
Show the audience why a problem or negative
situation really is a good thing.
People expect you to be upset by hard situations.
Surprise them by being not just okay, but wildly
okay with shortfalls and setbacks. This is a great
technique for self-deprecating humor, showing the
audience you belong on stage, and sharing
confidence. Show people you are ok with your
problems.
“I had the biggest girl feet in my senior class.
Everyone should be so lucky. It makes you a better
swimmer. You can always find your shoe size in the
clearance racks. My balance is incredible.” -K.E.
“Our basement flooded. We now have that
indoor swimming pool we’ve always wanted.” –K.E.
“I don’t care. I’ll start my own group. Rejection from
society is what created X-Men!” -Liz Lemon from 30Rock
Pick a specific struggle/flaw/ negativity you have
and LIST BUILD out all the ways in really is positive.
3. Word UP Jokes:
a)Puns: Assigning a new meaning to a word. Puns
are great for comedy writing brain power and warm
up but the crowd doesn’t always love the pun.
b) Word Play: The smart or clever version of a pun.
c) Connecting Words: Repeating the same
word/phrase putting the twist on the same phrase
in your punch line.
Pun/Word play: “I asked my neighbor when she
was due…she said she was due for an apology.”
Connecting Word joke examples:
Ellen DeGeneres Thanksgiving monologue.
“…Wal-Mart is opening at 6
Best buy is opening at 5
My pants start opening at 4.”
(bonus this-- joke also uses rule of 3)
“Lord Voldemort is more popular than political
candidates. He-Who-Must-Not Be-Named has more
fans than He-Who’s-Name-I-Can’t-Remember.”
Jimmy Fallon Monologue
© 2015 Be Originally Funny --The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write – The LIST BUILD 7 – created by Karen Eddington -- www.MomComedian.com
4. Create an Assumption
Writing a set-up that purposely leads your audience
to think about something different than your punch
line.
This is one of your most solid forms of misdirection.
If used correctly you should be able to predict
laughter. These jokes are easiest to write if you
work in reverse. If you know the end concept you
want people to laugh about, you can then list build
out ways people may think of that topic differently
and use those different ideas to lead them on in your
set-up. Create set-ups that boldly mislead what you
are really want to say
5. Discredit Yourself
Your set up will be a big bold absolute. Your punch
line will discredit it. You will tell the audience one
thing then do the opposite like, “I’m not going to
point her out, but she’s sitting in the front row.”
Note: Don’t mistake the technique with sarcasm.
Sarcasm is not a technique. Providing a surprise
contradicting answer is.
“I recently had the big talk with my son. You
know that talk…about Star Wars. -K.E.
“I am thankful for laughter… except for when milk
comes out my nose.” –Woody Allen
“I got some new underwear the other day…well
new to me.” -Emo Philips
“Goldfish are a great pet for kids…If you want to
teach them about death.” – Joe Machi
“I don’t want you to think I’m a germophobe. I’m not
at all. I’m just terrified of germs.” –Jim Gaffigan
“I love baseball. At least, that’s what I told myself
when we were dating.” –K.E.
“You should never self-sooth with cookies. I
actually recommend ice cream.” –K.E.
Try it:
“Never ___________unless you are__________.”
6.
Dictionary Refresh
Jokes of re-definition
Replace the assumed definition of a word with a
connecting truth. Use your list build. This works as
misdirection because our mind will fill in the blank
with the dictionary explanation of the word, when
you surprise the audience with a connecting truth.
“I’ve been flying a lot lately. Or as I like to call it being
stuck in pshc ward at 30,000 feet.” –Jimmy Shubert
“Kids love picnics. Or what I like to call eating
uncomfortably on the ground while swatting flies
away from your food.” -Jim Gaffigan
What you call _______ I call __________________(truth)
__________ or as I like to call it________________(truth)
__________which is another name for__________(truth)
___________ is a Latin phrase for ________________(truth)
Or, define a truth using an acronym
CAT really means Crazy Animal Talking
Try it:
What you call __________________________
(a specific term you speak about)
I call ___________________________________
(a connecting truth from your list build)
© 2015 Be Originally Funny --The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write – The LIST BUILD 7 – created by Karen Eddington -- www.MomComedian.com
7. Yes, and… (for in the moment)
No, and… (for added misdirection)
An Improv comedy guideline is to accept a situation
presented to you and add your creativity to it. This
guideline is called, “Yes, and…“ These jokes use the
creativity of another person. It happens on the spot
with a comment someone makes, or if you are on
stage by yourself you bring the actions of another
person into the joke. This joke structure asks you to
quit being so proper and correcting. Instead agree
with false or wrong information and see how you
can exaggerate it more.
8. Replace a Cliché
Cliché’s are a great comedy to because they a
common phrases we could fill in the blank. To make
them funny, Replace or reverse the sentences in life
we can fill in the blank with.
Reverse a cliché is about doing the opposite of what
the phrase would normally do. Exp: You put the
mint on the cleaning lady’s pillow.
9. Alternate Use:
Describe a situation and insert an extreme example
of how an object could be used in an unexpected
way.
10. A Mixed Description Joke
____ is like_____ why.
Mix two contrasting situations to list out what they
have in common.
People always say to me_________________
I respond no/yes (agree with them and exaggerate)
What? you eat carrots sticks for breakfast.
Do you put syrup on them?
Yes… I drizzle them in syrup and wrap them in bacon.
or
No…I actually prefer powdered sugar.
“Man cannot live on bread alone…
He must have peanut butter.” -Bill Cosby
“…With liberty and chicken salad for all.” –K.E.
“I am two with nature” -Woody Allen
“Sometimes the road less traveled …is less traveled for
a reason” –Jerry Seinfeld
After looking at a bad haircut childhood picture
Ryan Reynolds said, “My dad cut our hair with a
hammer.”
“You can tell it’s expensive because it’s made of baby
skin. You have to clean it with a kitten.” -Jim Gaffigan
“Democracy is like a tambourine. Not everyone can be
trusted with it.” -John Oliver
“Having children is like living in a frat house - nobody
sleeps, everything's broken, and there's a lot of
throwing up.” – Ray Ramono
Karen Eddington works with families to IMPROV relationships.
Ever since a failed attempt at humor, Karen has wanted to know what makes an audience laugh. For six years,
every time Karen laughed she wrote down why. This helped her compile a list of over 20 joke/misdirection
structures and create the LIST BUILD 7. She performs stand-up comedy based on the struggles of family life,
she’s the author of Understanding Self-Worth, and her greatest accomplishment is getting family of five in the
car. You can learn more about her confidence and comedy programs on www.MomComedian.com.
[email protected]
© 2015 Be Originally Funny --The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write – The LIST BUILD 7 – created by Karen Eddington -- www.MomComedian.com
Topic Creation—Just Get started!
Comedy Writing Step 1: CHOOSE A PRIME TOPIC
FREE WRITE- QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU START
What are your struggles, anxieties,
disappointments, and frustrations?
Explore a moment where you already got a laugh:
Is there a moment in your speech where they
already laugh that you could explore deeper?
What topics do you wish you had a joke about?
List some premise/set-up ideas:
Think about a day in the life of your audience.
What does your audience want to laugh about?
Narrow it down. What ideas do you think have potential?
Divide it out—Get more specific. List a series of prime topics you can use to LIST BUILD OUT
© 2015 Be Originally Funny --The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write – The LIST BUILD 7 – created by Karen Eddington -- www.MomComedian.com
“List building is a comedian’s most powerful creative skill.”
THE LIST BUILD 7
Your topic:
1.Basic List Build
Name the
connecting truths.
What comes to your
mind? Rapid fire list
anything you think.
2. The Struggle and
Emotion
3. Assumptions
and Clichés
4. Opposites and
Extremes
What is hard about this
topic? Get to the
struggle,disappointment,
anger, crushed
expectations,emotion.
Common phrase we
could fill in the
blank to. What do
people assume about
this topic?
Look at extreme
ends of the view.
How can you
exaggerate emotion
or explore the other
perspective?
5. Animate it
6. Mix it
What would it say if
it had a voice?
Describe it using a
new scenario.
How would we
quote your topic?
Detail out what the
mix situation
actually looks like
and does.
© 2015 Be Originally Funny --The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write – The LIST BUILD 7 – created by Karen Eddington -- www.MomComedian.com
7. Make it
personal
How do you relate?
What has happened
to you? Make it
unique by making it
yours.