Stand-Up Comedy - Tips and Tricks
Here is some guidance on creating stand-up comedy (although the ideas can be applied to any form of comedy). These are not set rules (comedy is about subverting expectations after all), but rather some helpful tips to get you started.
Stand-Up Comedy StYLES
Standard Set-Up and Punch
This is the most popular type, where you tell joke after joke in quick succession. There is no need for tangents, or an overall overt theme.
The fluent structure allows it to sound "off the cuff", like you are talking to a mate at a pub. This is also great for beginners as you do not need to memorise an order (if you accidentally skip a joke, nobody will notice and you can come back to it).
Stand-Up Comedy Structure
Performance Tips
This relates to both live stand-up comedy, or if you are filming yourself on a camera. Both can be daunting, but that does not mean you shouldn't try.
It's okay to be nervous
Adrenline can both help you to be excited and focused, but can also cause stress, so do something relaxing before and after if you can.
Keep The "errs" to a minimum
Hesitation can break the flow, so try not to unless it is a purposeful part of your set.
Prepare and Practise
Know your lines and the cues, have any props and water ready, so you can just focus on the set and nothing else.
Pace Yourself and Allow Space For Laughter
There is no point in rushing, this is your moment and people need to understand what you are saying. Also, if people are laughing, let them, take a breather yourself, and don't try and talk over the noise.
Don't Worry If You Miss A Bit
No single joke should make or break your routine, and you can always try and be flexible and come back to it if you can.
Don't Pursuade Yourself Its Going To Be Difficult
This will become a self-fulfilling prophecy, so (as cliche as it sounds) think postive thoughts.
Don't Move Around Too Much
This can confuse the audience to also have to follow you around the space, so either be still or pan the camera with your movements.
Have Direct Mode Of Address
Look at the audience or down the lens, acknowledge that they are there as you are there to entertain them.
Don't Pick On the Same audience member
Look around the room at everyone, and don't limit crowd work to just one individual (it might scare them and might make other's jealous)
Enjoy the spotlight
This is supposed to be fun, so enjoy your moment (and the attention)
