So You're A Comedian

SO, YOU'RE A COMEDIAN. TELL ME A JOKE

INTRODUCTION

You are embarking on a incredible journey by taking this first step on your way to becoming a stand up comedian by perusing this book. I am not implying that in studying the words printed on these pages you will become the next Henny Youngman, Jerry Lewis or even Marvin Cohen, sorry I am aging my parents. You want to become the next Adam Sandler, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy and the list continues.

How do I become comedian you ask. How can I be funny? It is sold at the candy store, the fun size Snickers works for me.

I should stop making fun about stand up comedy because it is a serious business, a multi-billion dollar business. Stand up comedy has produced many offspring. There are sit coms, books, magazines, movies, t-shirts, cd's, cassettes, bumper stickers, web sites, festivals, clubs, workshops, writers, radio shows, news papers, toys, promotional items and the list goes on that is related to comedy.

There are some questions that reporters answer in a news story. Comedians should be good reporters and ask the same questions.

Who makes people laugh?

Anyone can make another person laugh. Sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, co-workers, garbage men, doctors, teachers, sales clerks and everyone on the earth has the ability to produce laughter in another human being.

What makes people laugh?

A word, sentence, gesture, sound or facial expression that happens to be funny to that person. Some people will laugh at pratfalls, anothers' misery or mistakes. While others will laugh all the way to the bank. Each person has a different concept on humor. It is subjective to a persons background and the amount of alcohol consumed.

Where do people laugh?

Earth. Enough said.

Why do people laugh?

Laughter is a emotional response that humans have when they are nervous, scared, stressed, tired or even drunk. It is in some ways related to the fight or flight response.

When do people laugh?

If you remember the where question this is a good question to follow up. The time to laugh is when you find something funny. Granted during your trial for being the Jeffrey Dahlmer of your neighborhood with farm animals might not be the opportune time to remember a punch line but you may be acquitted on a insanity plea.

Throughout the ages people who invoked laughter were in demand. The court jester, vaudevillians, burlesque acts and yes even lawyers. All of these people made the art of making someone laugh appear to be easy when it is a hard job to accomplish. You can say something witty and get a chuckle from your friends. To get a room full of strangers who do not know you and your style of speech to laugh is a science.

I can hear the scoffing at that last statement. Stand up comedy is an art and a science for someone to go the distance for a joke to bomb. In the following chapters you will learn a plethora of useful information and a pile of garbage. Some things you can use while other information you can file in the little section of your brain that you reserve for your tax return. It is your responsibility to take what is needed.

Order your copy by using a credit card or sending $9.95 to The Funny Line.

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