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Comedy Writing Secrets

Comedy Writing Secrets

The Best-Selling Book on How to Think Funny, Write Funny, Act Funny, And Get Paid For It
by Melvin Helitzer 1987 352 pages
3.66
1k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Humor Writing Fundamentals: Target, Hostility, Realism, Exaggeration, Emotion, and Surprise

Humor is criticism cloaked as entertainment and directed at a specific target.

The THREES formula. Successful humor writing relies on six essential ingredients: Target, Hostility, Realism, Exaggeration, Emotion, and Surprise (THREES).

  • Target: Choose a subject with universal appeal, such as yourself, celebrities, or common experiences.
  • Hostility: Tap into shared frustrations or criticisms, but avoid excessive negativity.
  • Realism: Ground your humor in relatable truths to connect with your audience.
  • Exaggeration: Stretch reality to create comedic effect, but maintain a logical connection.
  • Emotion: Build tension and anticipation to enhance the impact of your punchline.
  • Surprise: Deliver an unexpected twist that subverts the audience's expectations.

By mastering these elements, writers can create humor that resonates with audiences and delivers consistent laughs.

2. Play on Words: The Building Blocks of Comedy

Humor writers are wordsmiths. They obsess about how words sound, skillfully select words, and if the words aren't just right, they will reform them.

Mastering wordplay. Play on Words (POW) techniques form the foundation of most humor writing. Key POW strategies include:

  • Double entendres: Words or phrases with multiple meanings, often with a risqué interpretation
  • Malaprops: Humorous misuse of similar-sounding words
  • Oxymorons: Combining contradictory terms for comedic effect
  • Puns: Exploiting multiple meanings of words or similar-sounding words

To develop POW skills:

  • Keep a list of funny-sounding words and phrases
  • Practice reforming common expressions and clichés
  • Look for opportunities to create unexpected word associations

Regularly exercising these techniques will sharpen your ability to craft clever, memorable jokes and one-liners.

3. The Power of Threes in Humor Construction

The concept of a triple is simple. Whenever you have a sequence of actions, comments, or categories, the magical number is three.

Leveraging the rule of three. The triple is a fundamental structure in comedy, building tension and increasing humor impact. Key aspects of the triple technique:

  • Structure: Two setup lines followed by a punchline
  • Timing: The first two items create a pattern, while the third breaks it unexpectedly
  • Versatility: Can be used in various formats, from one-liners to longer anecdotes

Examples of effective triples:

  • "I celebrated Thanksgiving in an old-fashioned way. I invited everyone in my neighborhood to my house, we had an enormous feast, and then I killed them and took their land." - Jon Stewart
  • "There are three ways to get something done: do it yourself, hire someone, or forbid your kids to do it." - Monta Crane

Practice creating triples by listing three related items and finding ways to make the third item surprising or incongruous.

4. Balancing Realism and Exaggeration for Maximum Impact

Exaggeration is the Silly Putty of humor writing. You start with a realistic scenario, then bend and distort it for comic effect.

The art of stretching reality. Effective humor requires a delicate balance between realism and exaggeration. This balance allows the audience to relate to the premise while being surprised by the comedic twist.

Techniques for balancing realism and exaggeration:

  • Start with a truthful, relatable situation
  • Gradually amplify specific elements for comedic effect
  • Maintain logical connections to the original premise
  • Use overstatement and understatement strategically

Example: "I thought I was a good drinker, but I'm nothing compared to Mike. He doesn't drink when he's driving, not only because it's dangerous, but because he might spill some." - Anonymous

By mastering this balance, writers can create humor that feels both familiar and absurdly funny, resonating with audiences on multiple levels.

5. Brainstorming Techniques: Unleashing Your Creative Potential

Write drunk; edit sober. - Ernest Hemingway

Cultivating creativity. Effective humor writing requires a combination of creativity and structured thinking. To overcome writer's block and generate fresh ideas:

  1. Create a playful work environment:

    • Surround yourself with inspiring and humorous objects
    • Use chalkboard or whiteboard surfaces for spontaneous idea capture
    • Keep toys or gadgets nearby to stimulate creative thinking
  2. Implement brainstorming techniques:

    • Listing: Break down topics into categories and subcategories
    • Free association: Write down every idea without judgment
    • Word play exercises: Practice creating puns, double entendres, and other wordplay
  3. Warm-up exercises:

    • Write humorous letters, applications, or reviews
    • Create top ten lists on various topics
    • Compose fake news headlines or absurd instructions

By regularly engaging in these activities, writers can develop a more fluid and productive creative process, leading to higher-quality humor writing.

6. Crafting Humor for Speeches and Print Media

Humor is the affectionate communication of insight. - Leo Rosten

Tailoring humor to format. Different mediums require specific approaches to humor writing. For speeches and print media:

Speeches:

  • Use self-deprecating humor to connect with the audience
  • Incorporate local references and current events
  • Practice delivery to ensure proper timing and emphasis
  • Limit humor to 10-15% of the total content

Print media (columns, articles, greeting cards):

  • Develop a consistent voice and style
  • Use anecdotes to illustrate points and engage readers
  • Craft attention-grabbing headlines and openings
  • Tailor humor to the publication's audience and tone

For both formats:

  • Research your audience and tailor content accordingly
  • Use the MAPP principle: Material, Audience, Performer, Purpose
  • Edit ruthlessly, focusing on brevity and impact

By adapting humor techniques to specific formats, writers can maximize the effectiveness of their content across various platforms.

7. Adapting Humor for Digital Platforms and Social Media

Twitter is the bathroom wall of the Internet. - Jason King

Navigating the digital landscape. Writing humor for online platforms requires understanding their unique characteristics and limitations:

Twitter:

  • Master the 140-character limit through aggressive editing
  • Use hashtags as setups for jokes
  • Engage with trending topics for timely humor

Facebook:

  • Craft attention-grabbing status updates
  • Use visual content to enhance written humor
  • Engage with comments to build a community around your humor

Blogging:

  • Create catchy, humorous headlines to attract readers
  • Front-load your best material to keep readers engaged
  • Develop a consistent voice and posting schedule

Email:

  • Use humor in subject lines to increase open rates
  • Incorporate funny signatures or quotes
  • Tailor humor to your audience and purpose

By adapting to the nuances of each platform, humor writers can effectively reach and engage diverse online audiences.

8. Incorporating Humor in Education for Effective Learning

It's not what's taught, but what's caught. And if we can get our students' mouths open for laughter, we can slip in a little food for thought. - Virginia Tooper

Enhancing education through humor. Integrating humor into educational settings can significantly improve learning outcomes and student engagement.

Benefits of humor in education:

  • Reduces anxiety and creates a positive learning environment
  • Increases student attention and interest
  • Improves retention of information
  • Encourages creativity and critical thinking

Strategies for incorporating humor in teaching:

  • Use relevant jokes or anecdotes to illustrate concepts
  • Employ wordplay and puns related to the subject matter
  • Create humorous mnemonics or acronyms for key information
  • Incorporate funny images or videos into presentations

Cautions:

  • Ensure humor is appropriate for the audience and subject
  • Avoid offensive or exclusionary content
  • Use humor as a supplement, not a replacement for substantive content

By skillfully integrating humor into educational practices, teachers can create more engaging, memorable, and effective learning experiences for their students.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "Comedy Writing Secrets" about?

  • Comprehensive guide: "Comedy Writing Secrets" by Mark Shatz and Mel Helitzer is a comprehensive guide on how to think, write, and act funny, with the ultimate goal of getting paid for it.
  • Humor techniques: The book covers various humor-writing techniques, including plays on words, reverses, triples, and exaggeration, providing a structured approach to creating comedy.
  • Practical applications: It offers practical advice on writing humor for different markets, such as speeches, print media, social media, and educational settings.
  • Historical context: The book also provides a historical perspective on humor, discussing its evolution and the theories behind why we laugh.

Why should I read "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

  • Skill development: It helps aspiring humor writers develop their skills by providing detailed techniques and exercises to practice and refine their comedic writing.
  • Market insights: The book offers insights into various markets for humor writing, helping readers understand where and how they can sell their material.
  • Expert advice: With contributions from experienced humorists, the book provides valuable advice and anecdotes from professionals in the field.
  • Versatile application: Whether you're a stand-up comedian, a writer, or someone who wants to add humor to speeches or teaching, the book offers applicable strategies.

What are the key takeaways of "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

  • THREES formula: The book introduces the THREES formula (Target, Hostility, Realism, Exaggeration, Emotion, Surprise) as a foundation for creating humor.
  • MAPP strategy: It emphasizes the importance of the MAPP strategy (Material, Audience, Performer, Purpose) to ensure humor is targeted and effective.
  • Humor techniques: Readers learn various humor techniques, such as plays on words, simple truths, takeoffs, and reverses, to craft jokes and comedic narratives.
  • Market adaptability: The book highlights the adaptability of humor writing across different platforms, from print to digital media, and the importance of tailoring content to specific audiences.

How does the THREES formula work in humor writing?

  • Target: Identify a specific target for your humor, which can be a person, idea, or situation that resonates with your audience.
  • Hostility: Incorporate a level of hostility or criticism, as humor often involves poking fun at something or someone.
  • Realism and Exaggeration: Balance realism with exaggeration to create a believable yet surprising comedic effect.
  • Emotion and Surprise: Use emotion to build tension and surprise to deliver the punchline, ensuring the humor is impactful and memorable.

What is the MAPP strategy in "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

  • Material: Choose material that is relevant and relatable to your audience, ensuring it aligns with the purpose of your humor.
  • Audience: Understand your audience's preferences and sensitivities to tailor your humor effectively.
  • Performer: Consider the performer's style and strengths when crafting humor, as delivery is crucial to comedic success.
  • Purpose: Define the purpose of your humor, whether it's to entertain, inform, or persuade, and ensure your material supports this goal.

What are some humor techniques discussed in "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

  • Plays on Words (POW): Utilize wordplay, puns, and double entendres to create clever and witty humor.
  • Simple Truths and Takeoffs: Use literal interpretations of clichés and common phrases to surprise and amuse the audience.
  • Reverses: Employ unexpected twists in perspective or narrative to catch the audience off guard and elicit laughter.
  • Triples: Structure jokes in threes to build anticipation and deliver a powerful punchline.

How can humor be used in speeches according to "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

  • Engage the audience: Start with a humorous title and introduction to capture attention and set a lighthearted tone.
  • Integrate humor: Use humor throughout the speech to maintain interest and emphasize key points without overshadowing the message.
  • Self-deprecating humor: Employ self-deprecating humor to build rapport and make the speaker more relatable.
  • Conclude with humor: End with a humorous remark or anecdote to leave a lasting positive impression.

What advice does "Comedy Writing Secrets" offer for writing print humor?

  • Column writing: Focus on anecdotes, one-liners, and ironic truths to create engaging and memorable columns.
  • Greeting cards: Use plays on words and takeoffs to craft concise and impactful messages for greeting cards.
  • Abbreviated humor: Write short, punchy humor for bumper stickers, T-shirts, and fortune cookies, using double entendres and reformed clichés.
  • Market research: Understand the target audience and tailor humor to fit the publication's style and readership.

How does "Comedy Writing Secrets" suggest using humor in social media?

  • Twitter: Craft concise, punchy jokes within the 140-character limit, using word economy and hashtags to engage followers.
  • Facebook: Use witty statuses and updates to connect with friends and followers, maintaining a balance between humor and personal sharing.
  • Blogging: Write engaging and entertaining blog posts with catchy headlines and humorous openings to attract and retain readers.
  • Online dating: Incorporate humor in profiles and headlines to stand out and attract potential matches, while maintaining authenticity.

What role does humor play in education according to "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

  • Enhances learning: Humor makes learning more enjoyable, engaging, and memorable, helping students retain information.
  • Reduces anxiety: It alleviates stress and anxiety, especially in challenging subjects, making difficult concepts more accessible.
  • Promotes creativity: Humor encourages creativity, exploration, and critical thinking, fostering a positive learning environment.
  • Instructional tool: Use humor strategically to support educational objectives, ensuring it is appropriate and relevant to the subject matter.

What are the best quotes from "Comedy Writing Secrets" and what do they mean?

  • "Humor is a rubber sword—it allows you to make a point without drawing blood." This quote highlights humor's power to address sensitive topics in a non-threatening way.
  • "Comedy is very controlling—you are making people laugh." Gilda Radner's quote emphasizes the control and influence a comedian has over their audience.
  • "Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. They both die in the process." E.B. White's quote suggests that overanalyzing humor can strip it of its spontaneity and fun.
  • "If you want to succeed as a humor writer, you must become a serious student of humor." This underscores the importance of studying and understanding humor to excel in writing it.

How can "Comedy Writing Secrets" help aspiring humor writers succeed?

  • Skill development: The book provides exercises and techniques to practice and refine humor-writing skills.
  • Market insights: It offers guidance on navigating various markets and understanding audience preferences.
  • Professional advice: Readers gain insights from experienced humorists, learning from their successes and challenges.
  • Versatile application: The book's strategies can be applied across different platforms, from stand-up comedy to digital media, broadening opportunities for success.

Review Summary

3.66 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Comedy Writing Secrets receives mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.67 out of 5. Many readers find it useful for understanding humor theory and techniques, praising its comprehensive coverage of comedy writing. However, some criticize its dry, textbook-like approach and question whether humor can be taught. The book's exercises and examples are generally well-received, though some find them outdated or too American-centric. Several reviewers note that while the book provides valuable insights, natural comedic talent remains essential for success in comedy writing.

Your rating:

About the Author

Mel Helitzer was a renowned humor writer, professor, and author. He taught comedy writing at Ohio University for over three decades, earning the title "funniest professor in the country" from Rolling Stone magazine. Helitzer's expertise in humor writing led him to pen "Comedy Writing Secrets," which became a best-selling guide for aspiring comedians and writers. His approach combined practical techniques with theoretical understanding of comedy, drawing from his extensive experience in the field. Helitzer's influence extended beyond academia, as he also worked as a humor consultant for corporations and politicians, demonstrating the wide-ranging applications of his comedic knowledge.

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