For years you have been a big hit at parties. You are the one that can always be counted on for a laugh. Friends and family have said you should be a comedian, and you've finally decided to do it! The only thing that's left to do is figure out find your stand-up comedy style among today's varied choices. There is a way to sort through the different styles and find the funniest "true you" that belongs on the comedy club circuit.
Instructions
1. Watch endless hours of comedians strutting their stuff on Comedy Central! Stand-up comedy is constantly on TV, and although copying somebody else’s style exactly is not advisable, you can study the different styles that are out there. If you are a natural storyteller, then it’s likely a story telling approach is the best way to go. If you are constantly making wry observations about life, then a “Seinfeld-esque” style might be for you. Studying and learning from other comics should be an ongoing habit.
2. Throw a party, and set up a video camera. Pay attention to the character you naturally assume. When you are making people laugh in social situations, is it because you become a ditz, a jaded guy who has had it with everybody, a rude guy who mocks everyone, or perhaps a lovable self-deprecating geek? Even if you think you don’t assume a role, there will be a character that everyone else sees emerging. Figuring out your character is of utmost importance because that character will dictate your stand-up comedy style.
3. Ask each close family member, and each close friend, to sit down with you individually and discuss the character they see in you. Take notes. Ask them to use very specific adjectives when describing the person you become when you tell a story, or a joke. If they are unsure of describe you, tell them a few stories right then and there. Some friends will be very specific and helpful, but even those with less to offer, will have at least a few adjectives in mind after seeing you tell the story.
4. Go through your notes from the friends and family interviews, and you will likely see similarities in their descriptions of your character. Go back and watch the video of yourself at the party, and decide what parts of your friend’s descriptions were accurate. Once your character is discovered, your stand up style is pretty much dictated. If you are the Ellen DeGeneres type, constantly correcting yourself, then long-winded storytelling would behoove you. Likewise if you are an "angry with the world" type, sarcastic one-liners might better suit you. Character dictates style.
5. Perform your stand up comedy routine in front of a mirror. Once you have decided on your character, take note of anything that you are doing physically or verbally that is out of character, and take it out of your routine. Be consistent in your character and style. Familiarity breeds laughter for an audience. If they feel they know who you are, and you then stray from that, the jokes will fall flat.
6. Practice! Practice! Practice! Just like your mom always said, practice really does make perfect. The only way to perfect your style is through practice. Get before an audience as often as you can. Local comedy clubs have open mic nights quite often, or if you are desperate to perform try the toughest crowd of all, go to your local nursing home! You may even make a little money performing for the old folks, some of whom are in desperate need of a laugh!
