If you don’t want to carry a notepad around, many smartphones have a notepad app built in.
Repeat this process over and over: develop a funny idea of observation, pair it with similar funny ideas, and write out a full-length joke or anecdote. [2] X Research source For example, if you jotted down that you hate being stuck in traffic and, the next night you went on a bad date, you could work these into a joke about how bad traffic and bad dates seem to go together in your city.
Pay attention to the comedians: note how they time their jokes, how they move from one topic into the next, and where they seem to draw their source material from.
For example, if you open with a joke about your childhood, you could structure your set list along somewhat autobiographical lines, and follow with a joke about your adolescence or high school. When you start performing standup comedy, a set list can be short, even as little as 5 minutes long. If you’re just starting out, it’s okay if there are some mediocre jokes in the middle of your set list. See how the jokes play to an audience, and then make alterations to your set list accordingly.
Some comics choose to be almost manic on the stage, and jump around with excessive energy. Others take the deadpan route and deliver joke after joke without altering their facial expression or delivery tone. You could also choose to engage mostly in self-deprecating humor, in which you and your life experiences are the butt of most jokes.
For example, you could gesture with your hands to accentuate a point you’re making. Some comics will even incorporate the microphone or mic stand into their act—you can gently tap the mike on your palm or the floor for the sound effect. As far as facial movements, you can make a funny face at certain points during your routine to accentuate an unexpected or ridiculous point in your joke. Or keep a straight face during the entire performance, and let your lack of reaction offset the humor of your jokes.
Don’t be afraid to revise your jokes or your set list. If you’re rehearsing your material and realize that one or two jokes don’t seem as funny as the others, remove them and swap in other, funnier material.
This can help you be better prepared to deliver jokes before your audience in a crowded room.
Bars, coffee shops, and even some music venues also host open mics.
Many beginning comedians think it’s wise to imitate an already established comic. In fact, it’s better to just be yourself—performing comedy in the style of an already established comic (e. g. Louis CK, Dave Chappelle, Sarah Silverman) can seem cliché or lazy.
If you see a more established standup comic, introduce yourself and say something like, “I’ve seen you at quite a few of these comedy events around town. Do you know of any good venues for up-and-coming comics?” Or say, “Do you know any booking or event managers around town who could help me get a show?”
Starting out, you’ll likely be placed in the middle of a comedy night, sandwiched between two reliable acts.
Audiences can also vary widely from one night to the next. What the crowd on Saturday found hilarious may bomb with a crowd on Monday.
