THE “LAUGH” TEST
Meet The “LAUGH” Test! A simple guide to determine the effectiveness of your jokes and sets.
L - LAZY
How well-crafted is your joke? Did you take time finding the best ways to say what you want to say, or did you just use whatever came to the top of your mind? Are you willing to edit and refine your joke if the material does not land? Don’t be LAZY with the writing process!
A - ACCESSIBLE
How accessible or relatable is your joke? Is it so far off the charts that most audiences have no idea what you are talking about? Is it so “smart” that nobody cares? Make sure your joke connects with the audience. Be ACCESSIBLE!
U - UNDERSTANDABLE
Use language (words, phrases, etc.) that are clearly understood. And make sure your joke follows a logical path. Don’t begin with a set-up about politics and then suddenly switch to a punchline about oatmeal. Be UNDERSTANDABLE!
G - GAS
This takes time - but MAKE SURE YOUR JOKE GOES SOMEWHERE! Often our jokes fizzle out because we have not taken time to craft our joke, ensuring it move forward. Get to the punchline quickly. Make sure your joke and set have GAS!
H - HUNGRY
Again, this comes with time. Know when you are done with your set. It might be BEFORE your last “big” joke. Let the audience guide you with this. Big laugh? Get off the stage! Leave the audience HUNGRY for wanting more from you!