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. Dont 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
youre 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 dont laugh.
5 REASONS AN AUDIENCE WILL NOT LAUGH
Dont feel bad. Ive experienced every single one of these moments.
Your audience will NOT laugh if they are: FIX IT!
Get clear in the least amount of words possible. Use the
Confused 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
Unsafe 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 youre okay even if they dont
laugh. Crowds respond to confidence. Your unaddressed
Feeling bad/worried for you 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 cant go full force
funny all the time. You have to have serious for the
Not experiencing a contrast 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.
Dont give away the laugh by saying, this is so funny You
Not surprised 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 Incorrect way to get a laugh

Set-up: I dont want company to see my dirty dishes. I always feel so self-conscious about my dirty dishes.
Im uncomfortable with company coming over. What
Punch line: I dont want people to think I eat. are they going to think about me if they see my mess?

Set up: I let my potty training toddler choose stickers
to put on his reward chart.
Punch Line: He chose the dump truck.
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

Clear, serious set-up. Clear punch line (application of Its not laughter friendly because there is no clarity, no contrast,
misdirection-both examples use the irony joke structure) with no application of misdirection, too many unnecessary words,
the funniest word at the end. Use the least amount of words and no punch word.
possible.

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
comedians 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. Dont 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.
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.
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 doesnt 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.
2015 Be Originally Funny --The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write The LIST BUILD 7 created by Karen Eddington -- www.MomComedian.com
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. Dont 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 __________________
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 weve always wanted. K.E.
I dont care. Ill start my own group. Rejection from
society is what created X-Men! -Liz Lemon from 30Rock
Pun/Word play: I asked my neighbor when she
was dueshe 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-Whos-Name-I-Cant-Remember.
Jimmy Fallon Monologue
 4. Create an Assumption I recently had the big talk with my son. You
Writing a set-up that purposely leads your audience know that talkabout Star Wars. -K.E.
to think about something different than your punch
line. I am thankful for laughter except for when milk
comes out my nose. Woody Allen
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
I got some new underwear the other daywell
work in reverse. If you know the end concept you
want people to laugh about, you can then list build new to me. -Emo Philips
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 Goldfish are a great pet for kidsIf you want to
teach them about death. Joe Machi
Your set up will be a big bold absolute. Your punch
line will discredit it. You will tell the audience one I dont want you to think Im a germophobe. Im not
thing then do the opposite like, Im not going to at all. Im just terrified of germs. Jim Gaffigan
point her out, but shes sitting in the front row.
I love baseball. At least, thats what I told myself
Note: Dont mistake the technique with sarcasm. when we were dating. K.E.
Sarcasm is not a technique. Providing a surprise
contradicting answer is. 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
Ive been flying a lot lately. Or as I like to call it being
Replace the assumed definition of a word with a stuck in pshc ward at 30,000 feet. Jimmy Shubert
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 Kids love picnics. Or what I like to call eating
you surprise the audience with a connecting truth. uncomfortably on the ground while swatting flies
away from your food. -Jim Gaffigan
What you call _______ I call __________________(truth)
Try it:
__________ or as I like to call it________________(truth)

__________which is another name for__________(truth) What you call __________________________

(a specific term you speak about)
___________ is a Latin phrase for ________________(truth)
I call ___________________________________
Or, define a truth using an acronym (a connecting truth from your list build)
CAT really means Crazy Animal Talking

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) People always say to me_________________
No, and (for added misdirection) I respond no/yes (agree with them and exaggerate)

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 Clich
Clichs 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.
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
NoI 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

Reverse a clich is about doing the opposite of what
the phrase would normally do. Exp: You put the
mint on the cleaning ladys pillow.
9. Alternate Use:
Describe a situation and insert an extreme example
of how an object could be used in an unexpected
way.
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 its expensive because its made of baby
skin. You have to clean it with a kitten. -Jim Gaffigan

10. A Mixed Description Joke

____ is like_____ why. Democracy is like a tambourine. Not everyone can be
trusted with it. -John Oliver
Mix two contrasting situations to list out what they
have in common.
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,
shes 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.
Karen@KarenEddington.com

2015 Be Originally Funny --The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write The LIST BUILD 7 created by Karen Eddington -- www.MomComedian.com
 Topic CreationJust Get started!
Comedy Writing Step 1: CHOOSE A PRIME TOPIC

FREE WRITE- QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU START

What are your struggles, anxieties, Explore a moment where you already got a laugh:
disappointments, and frustrations? 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? Think about a day in the life of your audience.
List some premise/set-up ideas: What does your audience want to laugh about?

Narrow it down. What ideas do you think have potential?

Divide it outGet 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 comedians most powerful creative skill.
THE LIST BUILD 7
Your topic:
1.Basic List Build 2. The Struggle and 3. Assumptions 4. Opposites and 5. Animate it 6. Mix it 7. Make it
Emotion and Clichs Extremes personal
Name the What would it say if Describe it using a
connecting truths. What is hard about this Common phrase we Look at extreme it had a voice? new scenario. How do you relate?
What comes to your topic? Get to the could fill in the ends of the view. What has happened
mind? Rapid fire list struggle,disappointment, blank to. What do How can you How would we Detail out what the to you? Make it
anything you think. anger, crushed people assume about exaggerate emotion quote your topic? mix situation unique by making it
expectations,emotion. this topic? or explore the other actually looks like yours.
perspective? and does.

2015 Be Originally Funny --The 10 Easiest Jokes to Write The LIST BUILD 7 created by Karen Eddington -- www.MomComedian.com