The art of comic timing and other joke skills
The benefits of jokes and making the most of the punchlines
How important is comic timing? Very, according to three comedians we asked who are on the club gig circuit.
Jason Gibons, 30, has toured stand up clubs around New York state for the past five years and has some advice for any aspiring stand-up comics and comedy writers. “The joke is the all important thing but timing is right up there.
“Timing is everything; in some cases if you leave the audience guessing at what the punchline is by insinuating it, they start to laugh before you have to say anything,” Mr Gibbons added.
“There's no point in talking through a joke,” adds Scott Melua, 30. “You can't just say for example 'A and B ended up in situation C' and expect your audience to laugh. It ain't gonna happen man. You need to develop the story and make your audience feel part of the joke”
Rina Demiso, 28, believes there is another point which is important; the viewpoint of the crowd you are sharing the jokes with. She said: “You have to remember your audience. Unless you are doing stand-up to a wide selection of public who have paid and have an idea what you are going to talk or tell jokes about, then it may be sensible to tailor your act.
“For instance you can't be booked to do a comedy gig at a religious convention and spend the entire night making inappropriate religious jokes,” she added.
All three of the comedians are in agreement that as funny as the jokes are, the delivery is what will make or break the act.