Comedy Techniques
Acknowledge Audience's Intelligence
You don't need to explain the joke. People like to feel smart for understanding a joke that relates to shared experiences or knowledge.
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Anchor
Saying a standard statement to set a baseline of the norm
Used so its more surprising when you say something absurd later.
This could be "playing the straight man" (quite literally in a queer context).
Call Back
Referencing a joke you made earlier
Used to create a sense of a full narrative
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Familiarity
A well known theme or type of joke that the audience can understand easily
Can be used as an anchor to say more absurd things later, or can subvert expectations in the punch-line
"A deer walks in to a gay bar and blows twenty bucks"
Farce
Taking things to an absurd extreme, slowly building up the ridiculousness as the story progresses.
Entertainment is created through extravagant and improbable situations that seems to go beyond its logical end.
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Gross Out Comedy
Humour that is wilfully tasteless and disgusting, often nudity, unrealistic aggression, or schadenfreude.
Generally aimed at a younger audience.
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Imagery
Describing something in weird and/or insightful ways, often using similes and metaphors.
Only works if the comparison is believable and understood (don't just say something random).
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Joke Topper
A second punchline after the first
Only works if the second one is funnier
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Misdirection
Starting a normal set-up or sentence where the audience will mentally assume the end, then quickly changing it and recontextualising the scenario.
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Parody
The use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize other's stupidity
Particularly used in the context of political and topical issues, or to belittle stereotypes and tropes in the media.
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Pastiche
Similar to parody in its use of exaggeration, but with a deep respect of the original source material
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Persona
An overall attitude and tone that is consistent throughout the project (or multiple projects)
This is not a fictional character, but an exaggerated version of your own personality and beliefs
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Positive vs Negative Attitude
Saying something that is assumed to be either good or bad, but in the opposite tone or phrasing.
This includes sarcasm and can use misdirection.
"The news is full of new bad things happening to the queer community... which means there is always new comedy material"
Rule of Three
Starting with something small and logical, then a bigger but more logical answer, then something completely absurd.
Tip: Make a list of all potential answers (both logical and absurd) and then choose your favourites later.
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Self-Deprecation
Being mean to yourself using real or fictional flaws that make you seem self-aware
Make sure the audience is both laughing at you and with you. If you don't find it funny, then that is just bullying yourself and not comedy.
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Shock
Something outlandish, inappropriate, or taboo said without warning to unexpectedly surprise the audience.
This must still fit the overall theme and persona, not just saying something forbidden (like a slur or prejudice sentiment).
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Slapstick
Physical and violent acts committed to a character (either by accident or aggression).
Often used on an innocent character as it is more shocking to see them get hurt, but should avoid being stereotypical or glorifying abusive acts.
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The Ludicrous
Things that happen when they are not supposed to due to external forces
Differs from "The Ridiculous" as it is not the actions of the characters themselves, thus we feel somewhat sympathetic for the characters uncontrollable life.
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The Ridiculous
Things that happen when they are not supposed to due to the actions of the characters
Differs from "The Ludicrous" as it is not external uncontrollable forces but rather the character's own flaws and foibles that have unfortunate or karmic results.
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Verbal Wit
An imaginative and often disruptive use of language.
Includes catchphrases, taboo, malapropisms, Freudian slips, insults, fast-talking, free association, and rearrangement of structure.
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Vocal Intonation
Speaking with an "attitude" (such as sarcastic, confused, or snarky comments).
Used to state something obvious in a demeaning way to the butt of the joke (not to the audience).
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