Lesson 12 · Joke mechanics · 5 min · Deadpan
Deadpan and understatement
Say the ridiculous thing like it's a weather report
The big ideaDeadpan is the gap between a wild idea and a flat delivery. Understatement is the gap between a big situation and a tiny description. Both make the listener do the laughing.
Watch the pro do it
Watch forWright barely moves. His voice is flat, his face is blank, and the ideas are completely absurd. Notice that he never signals “this is a joke”. That refusal is what makes the room explode.
Via Johnny Carson on YouTube
Backstage only
This lesson comes with the Backstage Pass
From $4.99/mo. You also get the full breakdown on every bit. Cancel anytime.
Get your passAdmit oneAll rooms