The #1 question to ask yourself when writing jokes
According to Mike Birbiglia, there's a key question to ask when writing standup material.
On a recent Working it Out podcast, Ira Glass is trying standup and he wants Mike Birbiglia’s help.
Ira recently listened to a stand-up set he performed years ago, he has the itch to try it again, so he’s come to Mike for advice. On this episode, Mike and Ira listen to Ira’s old stand-up set in real time, break down what works and what didn’t, and brainstorm ideas for Ira’s next set.
Around 28:35 in, there’s a great section where Birbigs gives solid advice for any newer comic (paraphrased below):
It’s all about trial and error. Write down a setup (something that’s true) and then write 5 punchlines and try them on a friend (ideally another aspiring comedian).
You don’t know what is going to work. Repetitively getting up onstage (or run it with 3+ people) is the only way to find out what hits.
Does it make you laugh? Not can you imagine other people laughing. That doesn’t mean it’s a good joke. You want the middle of the Venn diagram of what is funny to you and what the audience thinks is funny.
Here’s that section:
Does it make you laugh? You want the middle of the Venn diagram of what is funny to you and what the audience thinks is funny.
Tons of other good Birbigs’ wisdom (and Ira stuff too) from previous newsletters in the archives.
P.S. Bolo just went over 50k views at YouTube. Check it out if you haven’t already…
