コメディ・ライティング・シークレッツ：面白い文章を書いて報酬を得るためのベストセラーガイド

What's "Comedy Writing Secrets" about?

• Comprehensive guide: "Comedy Writing Secrets" by Mark Shatz and Mel Helitzer is a comprehensive guide on how to think, write, and act funny, with the ultimate goal of getting paid for it.
• Humor techniques: The book covers various humor-writing techniques, including plays on words, reverses, triples, and exaggeration, providing a structured approach to creating comedy.
• Practical applications: It offers practical advice on writing humor for different markets, such as speeches, print media, social media, and educational settings.
• Historical context: The book also provides a historical perspective on humor, discussing its evolution and the theories behind why we laugh.

Why should I read "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

• Skill development: It helps aspiring humor writers develop their skills by providing detailed techniques and exercises to practice and refine their comedic writing.
• Market insights: The book offers insights into various markets for humor writing, helping readers understand where and how they can sell their material.
• Expert advice: With contributions from experienced humorists, the book provides valuable advice and anecdotes from professionals in the field.
• Versatile application: Whether you're a stand-up comedian, a writer, or someone who wants to add humor to speeches or teaching, the book offers applicable strategies.

What are the key takeaways of "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

• THREES formula: The book introduces the THREES formula (Target, Hostility, Realism, Exaggeration, Emotion, Surprise) as a foundation for creating humor.
• MAPP strategy: It emphasizes the importance of the MAPP strategy (Material, Audience, Performer, Purpose) to ensure humor is targeted and effective.
• Humor techniques: Readers learn various humor techniques, such as plays on words, simple truths, takeoffs, and reverses, to craft jokes and comedic narratives.
• Market adaptability: The book highlights the adaptability of humor writing across different platforms, from print to digital media, and the importance of tailoring content to specific audiences.

How does the THREES formula work in humor writing?

• Target: Identify a specific target for your humor, which can be a person, idea, or situation that resonates with your audience.
• Hostility: Incorporate a level of hostility or criticism, as humor often involves poking fun at something or someone.
• Realism and Exaggeration: Balance realism with exaggeration to create a believable yet surprising comedic effect.
• Emotion and Surprise: Use emotion to build tension and surprise to deliver the punchline, ensuring the humor is impactful and memorable.

What is the MAPP strategy in "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

• Material: Choose material that is relevant and relatable to your audience, ensuring it aligns with the purpose of your humor.
• Audience: Understand your audience's preferences and sensitivities to tailor your humor effectively.
• Performer: Consider the performer's style and strengths when crafting humor, as delivery is crucial to comedic success.
• Purpose: Define the purpose of your humor, whether it's to entertain, inform, or persuade, and ensure your material supports this goal.

What are some humor techniques discussed in "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

• Plays on Words (POW): Utilize wordplay, puns, and double entendres to create clever and witty humor.
• Simple Truths and Takeoffs: Use literal interpretations of clichés and common phrases to surprise and amuse the audience.
• Reverses: Employ unexpected twists in perspective or narrative to catch the audience off guard and elicit laughter.
• Triples: Structure jokes in threes to build anticipation and deliver a powerful punchline.

How can humor be used in speeches according to "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

• Engage the audience: Start with a humorous title and introduction to capture attention and set a lighthearted tone.
• Integrate humor: Use humor throughout the speech to maintain interest and emphasize key points without overshadowing the message.
• Self-deprecating humor: Employ self-deprecating humor to build rapport and make the speaker more relatable.
• Conclude with humor: End with a humorous remark or anecdote to leave a lasting positive impression.

What advice does "Comedy Writing Secrets" offer for writing print humor?

• Column writing: Focus on anecdotes, one-liners, and ironic truths to create engaging and memorable columns.
• Greeting cards: Use plays on words and takeoffs to craft concise and impactful messages for greeting cards.
• Abbreviated humor: Write short, punchy humor for bumper stickers, T-shirts, and fortune cookies, using double entendres and reformed clichés.
• Market research: Understand the target audience and tailor humor to fit the publication's style and readership.

How does "Comedy Writing Secrets" suggest using humor in social media?

• Twitter: Craft concise, punchy jokes within the 140-character limit, using word economy and hashtags to engage followers.
• Facebook: Use witty statuses and updates to connect with friends and followers, maintaining a balance between humor and personal sharing.
• Blogging: Write engaging and entertaining blog posts with catchy headlines and humorous openings to attract and retain readers.
• Online dating: Incorporate humor in profiles and headlines to stand out and attract potential matches, while maintaining authenticity.

What role does humor play in education according to "Comedy Writing Secrets"?

• Enhances learning: Humor makes learning more enjoyable, engaging, and memorable, helping students retain information.
• Reduces anxiety: It alleviates stress and anxiety, especially in challenging subjects, making difficult concepts more accessible.
• Promotes creativity: Humor encourages creativity, exploration, and critical thinking, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Instructional tool: Use humor strategically to support educational objectives, ensuring it is appropriate and relevant to the subject matter.

What are the best quotes from "Comedy Writing Secrets" and what do they mean?

• "Humor is a rubber sword—it allows you to make a point without drawing blood." This quote highlights humor's power to address sensitive topics in a non-threatening way.
• "Comedy is very controlling—you are making people laugh." Gilda Radner's quote emphasizes the control and influence a comedian has over their audience.
• "Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. They both die in the process." E.B. White's quote suggests that overanalyzing humor can strip it of its spontaneity and fun.
• "If you want to succeed as a humor writer, you must become a serious student of humor." This underscores the importance of studying and understanding humor to excel in writing it.

How can "Comedy Writing Secrets" help aspiring humor writers succeed?

• Skill development: The book provides exercises and techniques to practice and refine humor-writing skills.
• Market insights: It offers guidance on navigating various markets and understanding audience preferences.
• Professional advice: Readers gain insights from experienced humorists, learning from their successes and challenges.
• Versatile application: The book's strategies can be applied across different platforms, from stand-up comedy to digital media, broadening opportunities for success.