Pinworm
Well-Known Member
When delivering humor, do not beg. It's a lesson easily learned. I call it gagging...
Trying too hard works against you. It sets up a confrontational feel to your delivery. You feel as though you are challenging people to laugh or whatever. The attitude is that it’s important to “make them laugh!” That if you do not win then you are not in control and you fuck up. It sets up an expectation that the laughs HAVE to come. And you feel bummed out when your expectations are not met. You tell a joke. You get no laughs. You give the crowd the “look of expectation.” Don't beg. It's beneath you, dude....
The harder you try to be funny, the less funny you will sound. Going for the easy or obvious retarded joke.You start to gag. You start to choke. Better to just fucking relax and be in the moment. Connect with others. Let the fun flow from your character, your stories, what you do with your body, how you pause or whatever. The audience will like you more when you are less “up in their grill” with the humor.
So when you toss a joke (one that YOU thought was funny) and the crowd clams up, just realize that they are gently correcting your faulty assumption.They are making you a better presenter the next time you step on the stage. They are doing you a favor. They are coaching you to eliminate the joke or change it. When you are greeted by silence, pretend you were serious. Because a well delivered crack should come as a surprise. So if they don’t laugh, it’s your fucking secret. And maybe use a stock line like, “the reason I told you that story was…” And make a learning point. Pretend that you never did expect them to laugh in the first place, and keep moving. They won't even fucking know!
Less is more. Do not try so hard and your funny will usually flow with a more natural and powerful style.
You are welcome.
I am dedicating this thread to me. Because I am fucking cool.
Trying too hard works against you. It sets up a confrontational feel to your delivery. You feel as though you are challenging people to laugh or whatever. The attitude is that it’s important to “make them laugh!” That if you do not win then you are not in control and you fuck up. It sets up an expectation that the laughs HAVE to come. And you feel bummed out when your expectations are not met. You tell a joke. You get no laughs. You give the crowd the “look of expectation.” Don't beg. It's beneath you, dude....
The harder you try to be funny, the less funny you will sound. Going for the easy or obvious retarded joke.You start to gag. You start to choke. Better to just fucking relax and be in the moment. Connect with others. Let the fun flow from your character, your stories, what you do with your body, how you pause or whatever. The audience will like you more when you are less “up in their grill” with the humor.
So when you toss a joke (one that YOU thought was funny) and the crowd clams up, just realize that they are gently correcting your faulty assumption.They are making you a better presenter the next time you step on the stage. They are doing you a favor. They are coaching you to eliminate the joke or change it. When you are greeted by silence, pretend you were serious. Because a well delivered crack should come as a surprise. So if they don’t laugh, it’s your fucking secret. And maybe use a stock line like, “the reason I told you that story was…” And make a learning point. Pretend that you never did expect them to laugh in the first place, and keep moving. They won't even fucking know!
Less is more. Do not try so hard and your funny will usually flow with a more natural and powerful style.
You are welcome.
I am dedicating this thread to me. Because I am fucking cool.
