Comedy Writing Tip #3: Why Your Jokes Bomb (And How to Blame the Audience)

Let�s face it: your jokes *will* bomb. Here�s how to weaponize failure: 1) **The Reverse Heckle**�when silence hits, gasp and say, *"Wait� did YOU guys forget the punchline?"* 2) **Blame Geography**�*"This joke KILLED in [last city]� but then again, so did their economy."* 3) **The Fake Tech Glitch**�mime turning an invisible dial: *"Hold on, I think the �laugh� setting�s stuck on �polite coughing.�"* 4) **Self-Deprecate Like a Pro**�*"I told my agent this bit would work� which is why I now have a paper route."* 5) **Emergency Exit**�if all else fails, suddenly �remember� your phone is ringing and take a fake call from �God� demanding you stop. **Pro Tip:** Add *"�unless?"* to any failed joke to imply the crowd missed depth�*"No one got my Kafka bit� unless� [dramatic pause] �unless YOU�RE the cockroach?"* **On-Stage Line:** *"Dating in [city] is like a game of Monopoly�mostly waiting, and eventually someone flips the table."* SOURCE: https://bit.ly/4kdwKCY