There are many resources that you will find once you begin your search about how to learn standup comedy.
It doesn't mean that after reading all these, you will be able to perfect your craft immediately.
It takes time and lots of practice before you can even try doing this in front of a big audience.
It will help a lot if you really have the talent and you are naturally funny.
If this is the case, these pointers will help you in starting out and moving you to what you want to be.
1.
Read, read, read - Some of your best material can come from from everyday events that are reported in the news, on blogs or in magazines.
When reading, try and see a comedic angle so it can become a part of your act.
It will at least give you a starting place to create something.
Don't forget to keep it current.
Telling a story about something obscure that happened a year ago probably won't get many laughs.
Current events from the political arena are especially full of material.
When an election year rolls around, you will be able to find content everywhere! 2.
Tie a string around your finger - Just as you should read, read, read; you should also remember, remember, remember.
It will do you no good if you find the perfect subject for your act and forget it before you have time to write it down.
To solve this problem, just carry around a small notebook and a pen with you.
A mini tape recorder is also a very good alternative.
With a tape recorder, you can also catch the tone in which you said it instead of trying to remember that detail.
With cell phones now days equipped with video and recording capabilities, you should have no problem remembering.
3.
Work on your confidence and self-esteem - Let's face it standup comedy can be very lonely - just you and a microphone.
Make sure that you do not spend too much time alone if you can help it.
As much as possible, try and be in the company of positive people.
Their attitude is contagious.
Be with people who build you up instead of tearing you down.
Having very low self-esteem will definitely show in your act.
When you get up there on the stage when it is just you and the microphone, you want to be on top of your game.
4.
There is a time and place for everything.
Just as there are many different genres of comedy, there are just as many places to do your comedy.
When preparing for a show, make absolutely sure that you match your material to your audience.
Take into consideration the venue (church talent show vs.
open mic night at a comedy club), the age of the audience (college age vs.
baby boomers) and location (rural fair vs.
urban comedy club).
You should also be prepared to think on your feed for this one.
If your assumptions are wrong about your audience, you will have to change up your act and wing it to keep 'em laughing.
As you begin to learn your craft, these points will begin to be second nature.
But when you are first starting out you must make a deliberate effort to do these things to ensure the best chance for your success in the field.