If you think about how everything you watch on tv or on stage started out in written form, it puts a whole new light on writing.
Even comedians' routines, unless it's improv, are usually scripted (and practiced and tweaked - much like creating and editing in the writing process).
I think about some of my favorite comedians: Bill Cosby, Ron White, Denis Leary, Tim Allen... If you watch some of their routines, what do you notice? And what can we learn from their delivery and apply it to writing?
The set-up: Usually, they'll just start right in. They don't give a lot of background to make our eyes glaze over. Apply to writing: Don't give the reader all the background... just jump right in so you don't lose him/her.
Body language: Sometimes body language and facial expressions can contradict the words being said. Apply to writing: This is a little harder, of course. Use sarcasm or outright refute a statement.
Pause: It creates tension and has you waiting on the tip of your seat for the next word. Wait for it.... Apply to writing: Use ellipses like I just did, or start a new paragraph. Make the reader have to wait until the next paragraph to find out what's coming next.
Repetition and Parallel Structure: Many times, a comedian will repeat a word or phrase in a different part of the routine to tie the many different jokes together, to make a coherent piece. Apply to writing: If you're focusing on a theme - increasing profits, for example - repeat your catch-phrase throughout your sales page.
Strong Voice: If you like certain comedians, you'll notice they have a strong voice. You can recognize them from one routine to another. Apply to writing: Embrace your authenticity and write as if no one were looking. Confidently state what you want to say.
Transitioning: So that their routines don't seem disjointed, comedians employ transition devices (like a word or phrase, "Now take this other time..."). Apply to writing: You need your writing to flow as well, so use transition words (in addition, also, however, though, although...).
Timing: This is the most important part of being a comedian. He/she has to have the timing right. Apply to writing: Use shorter sentences and more paragraphs.
What are you going to apply to your own writing? I'd love to hear in your comments below!
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