3 Tips to Improve Your Standup Comedy

Stop joking around! If you're serious about becoming a successful comedian, then start taking some action so as to make sure the last laugh is on you.

How do you know you're funny? Do you 'break your friends up' after a few beers or wine? Does your girl/boyfriend 'split their sides' at even your slackest joke? Can you not only tell a good joke, but can you take it beyond its original content and add your own 'spin' to it? Do you feel you have a natural funny bone? What about holding people's attention whilst you're telling jokes? If so, you may have just what it takes to be successful at standup comedy and perhaps turn it into a lucrative career.

It can be a real challenge to make people laugh. If you find you are able to do this easily, then you may have a natural ability and you should give serious consideration to using this gift...yes become a 'serious comedian'. You'll need to develop your talent so that you stand up and face hundreds of people and make them laugh, day in and out. Not an easy task if you're unwell, or going through personal issues.

I've watched a lot of comedy shows and there are a lots of people who think they're funny, but it becomes quickly obvious if they haven't got it what it takes...they struggle on stage, they don't connect with their audience well, they don't look comfortable and the laughs are few and far between. So following on from this, if you can connect well with a large group of people, look relaxed, have a good routine that's been tried and tested, then you'll do well. Here are a few tips that may help you on your way.

Check out the great comics

You could learn from the best. Watch live or rent videos of popular stand-up shows featuring no less than the masters. Slapstick comedy still makes people laugh and Charlie Chaplin was the master. Carefully study how they make people laugh. Analyze what makes them really funny. This way, you could learn comedic timing on your own. This is critical for every standup comedian.

Take note of how each comedian assumes a different persona. For example, Adam Sandler is often naive and silly - have you seen Funny People yet? Chris Rock makes people laugh by being an angry man, while Dennis Miller does great in political ranting. Decide what kind of a stage persona you should develop. However, do not imitate a comedian’s exact personality or try to steal his material. To be truly funny, be unique.

Develop and write your routine

Try to write new material each day. Carry a small notebook or a pocket tape recorder wherever you go so you could write down or record any humorous idea of observation you may have. Compile your notes into a single ideal folder. Try to assemble all your best stuff. Write at least a five-minute long routine for every funny observation.

When writing your own comedy material, remember to write only what you know. In this way, it is advisable to touch subjects that are timely and that truly interest you. You may talk about sports, politics, history, relationships, and family. Every anecdote or joke should feature a setup and a punch line (the funny part). Also, consider a writing partner/buddy who - as in Funny People - can give you ideas and/or feedback for your routines...as well, this could lead to a famous duo/trio etc, act.

Rehearse for your act

Public speaking training or improvisation acting could be very helpful. It is important that you feel comfortable whenever you are on stage or in front of the audience. To feel comfort in the act, start by memorizing your best materials. Rehearse your lines and your delivery on your own, in front of the mirror. Again you could also ask a trusted friend to criticize your performance for improvements.

Have several acts or routines ready for any act. This way, you could use the best ones that would truly make the audience laugh. Observe initial audience reaction on the first antics and then try to adjust your performance as you go on to sustain viewers’ interests. Also try and film/video your performances for later analysis - select what works and do more of that. Training for the stage is one effective way to learn standup comedy and master it, too.

All the best laughs to you (lol)

Alan

Recommended Resource: "Learn Standup Comedy: The Secret to Becoming a Successful Comedian!"

http://nicheelibrary.com.au/standupcomedy/index.html