How to slow roll your setup to build tension in a joke
Typically, you want to get to the point onstage as quickly as possible. But sometimes, you want to draw out your setup.
Typically, you want to get to the point onstage as quickly as possible. Every word that isn’t getting you closer to the punchline is part of the problem. Each second between laughs is like air leaking out of a tire. Laughter is the inflation that fills it back up.
But sometimes, you want to draw out your setup. Laughter can come from a release of tension, so there are certain jokes that benefit from stretching out your setup. You’re building energy in one direction before the turn in the other direction slaps ‘em in the face.
Here’s a great example from Anthony Jeselnik:
The patience of the setup is 🤌. If he had rushed it, the joke wouldn’t hit nearly as hard.
Here’s a bit from my “Substance” special that relies on a lengthy setup.
I deliberately draw out my reaction to “Are you on the spectrum?” And that’s a big reason why the turn at the end pops. If I’d just kept it as brief as possible, the joke wouldn’t work nearly as well.
Any other example(s) of jokes that work because the setup is long/slow/patient? LMK in the comments.