Joke Writing Tips

Comedian Gary Gulman has been sharing a new joke writing tip every day on Twitter. It’s cool to watch a ton of comedians commenting on how great they are.

When I first started doing comedy I was OBSESSED with any and every interview with a comedian I liked because I really wanted to hear about their process. How do they write jokes? How does it change over time?

If you’re interested in that stuff to then you should check out Jerry Seinfeld’s documentary COMEDIAN and the podcast GOOD ONE.

Here are some of my favorite joke writing tips so far this year:

15)You know that joke you’re sick of telling? Write/type it w/ space in between each sentence. Add some details, change a word or unpack an idea. To me, unless it’s on a Special a joke isn’t done. When the audience is mouthing the words with you it’s done. #GulManTip #WriteNow

— (((Gary Gulman))) (@GaryGulman) January 15, 2019

I don’t know why I never thought of this. I have several jokes I’m really tired of saying so I need to do this SOON.

20)Today, try to eliminate those verbal tics. The “and aaaahs” (I Call it Miller-ing) after the flat punchline, the “What else...” when you forget your next bit. The ahms, y’knows and stammers that muddy your rhythm. Again, record and LISTEN to your set! #GulManTip #WriteNow

— (((Gary Gulman))) (@GaryGulman) January 20, 2019

My stand-up pet peeve is when people say “right?” at the end of the set up. It’s like they’re not confident that they explained it well enough.

There’s a comedian I love who has an album I can’t listen to anymore because it feels like he says “right?” every other sentence.

21)I could never prove it but I believe that young Jews started walking a bit taller in 1995. I did. That was the year Adam Sandler released The Chanukah Song. Comedy is influential. Comedians are powerful. Just jokes??? #Preachy #GulManTip #WriteNow #GoldieHawn!

— (((Gary Gulman))) (@GaryGulman) January 21, 2019

Comedy is influential. I love that.