Four Strategies Louis C.K. Uses to Better Tell Jokes
It’s actually not easy to tell a great anecdote, even if comedians like Louis S.K. make it easy. While practice is part of being a good joke teller, there are some strategies you can learn from masters like Louis S.K. This is what we mean.
In the video above Nerdwriter1 analyzes the “joke of the monopoly” Louis CK , in which he describes playing Monopoly with his daughters. Here are four strategies used in this joke that you can use to improve your own jokes.
- Make every word (and pause) count . While the joke example contains many placeholders, repeated words, and pauses, they all serve a purpose. They promote the correct rhythm and timing of the joke, which is critical for creating flavor and making your joke feel natural rather than rehearsed.
- Create a room . If you misrepresent the premise of your joke, the public will not “understand” and your joke will fail. Be clear about your premise so they know where you are headed and where you are generally going.
- Use counterpoint to create anticipation. Not every joke needs a counterpoint, but it helps illustrate what your premise is and underlines. Continuing the Monopoly joke, Louis S.K. paints a picture of how dark Monopoly compares to another famous children’s game – Candyland.
- Stay in the know when the audience is laughing. Instead of moving on to the next part of an anecdote or the next joke, use this time to highlight what you just said with phrases that have the same mood.
Of course, these are not the only strategies you can use, but you can apply them directly. For a more detailed analysis (and a highlight of the joke) watch the video above.
Like Louis S.K. tells a joke | Nerdwriter1 (YouTube)