6 ways to learn comedy writing

There are people who are naturally funny and people who believe they are funny, but for most people the thought of getting up on stage fills them with dread. Learning some of the basics of comedy writing and stage presence can increase your confidence and help you to move forward and get that first gig out of the way.

Below are some of the ways that I have been learning to write comedy.

1. Attend a comedy course. This is not mandatory however there are lots of courses listed online. Some courses are led by industry professionals who have all started just the same way as you. When you attend a comedy course you will get the opportunity to meet like minded people, ask questions and test your comedy material with each other before stepping onto the stage. Some courses also include a showcase in front of an audience at the end of the duration.

2. Read a book. Many professional comedians have written books about writing comedy which can be found by searching on the internet. Some books include practice exercises designed to help you develop your own stand up material.

3. Put pen to paper. This can be a scary but important step so go at a pace you are comfortable with. Here is an example of how I write:

   a) Start with an idea - just one word will do. I always try to think about something that I have some emotion about, something I love or hate e.g. how I dislike shopping.

   b) Draw a mind map for the word you have chosen. Think of as many words related to the subject as possible e.g. sizes.

   c) Write a little story about the subject you have chosen. Aim to fill two sides of A4 paper. Choose one word at a time from your map and write until you can write no more. Then move on to the next word. Don't worry about making your story funny at this point. Just write, rip it up, write again for as long as it takes until you have a story that YOU find interesting.

   d) One or two days later read through your story again and underline all the interesting points (e.g. I can't find a size to fit me) and then expand on these points using various exercises you have learnt in class, from a book, online etc. Keep exaggerating your story to make it more funny. Note there are many different styles of writing. This approach may not be useful for writing one liners for example so find a method that suits you.

4. Ask for feedback. When you are happy with your comedy material and have performed it in front of the mirror enough times, perform it in front of family and friends, classmates etc. to test your material before you step in front of a larger audience. Notice where there are laughs and long silences in your deliver and then go back and rewrite.

5. Watch comedy online. Watch your favourite stand-up comedians but this time from the perspective of a writer. Notice how the comedian constructs jokes, notice their timing - when do they pause? How fast or slow do they speak? What makes the audience laugh? Then compare your observations to what you have learnt.

6. Go to watch live comedy. If you have the opportunity before you book your first gig go and watch some live comedy. It's a great way to get a feel for the crowds at particular venues and to learn from others.