The psychology of humour and comedy.
We'll dive into the psychology of humour, showing you what's happening in your brain when you're being naturally funny. The key to comedy is sharpening your awareness and instincts, not memorising endless tricks. Most people have some natural humour, the problem is, they don't fully realise what they're doing right. Once you understand how spontaneous comedy works, you can clearly identify your strengths, weaknesses, and where to focus your efforts.
How to improvise in conversation.
Banter is your toolkit for crafting comedy. You can't blame others for uncomfortable silences or conversion that goes nowhere. You're the one responsible for bringing the spark. We'll teach you to think fast, play off the moment, and steer the conversation into unexpectedly comedic territory.
How to turn boring conversation into laughter.
Comedy isn't about inventing the outlandish; often, it's finding the absurdity in the perfectly ordinary. We'll sharpen your eye for those hidden comedic gems in the everyday – a clever twist, a playful reframing. It's wit, not slapstick. Not by being silly or goofy, but by injecting a playful perspective.
How to be funny without saying anything.
Plenty of laughs can be found without uttering a syllable. Master nonverbal comedy – the sly glance, the perfectly timed gesture, the expressive pause – and you'll unlock a whole new dimension of humour. Subtlety is an underappreciated art, and we'll show you how to wield it.
Practical examples you can use right away.
Theory's all well and good, but you won't improve without practice. We'll arm you with techniques you can test-drive on your unsuspecting friends and family (consider them your comedy lab rats). Success and spectacular failure are equally instructive – it's how you refine your skills.
Analysis of famous comedians, actors and fictional characters.
We'll analyse a variety of comedians, actors and fictional characters and go through the different styles. Some comedians use word-play, some get laughs from character comedy, others might be masters at observational comedy. It's important to explore all forms of comedy to understand what works for you.
How to calibrate and get the right balance.
Playfulness is the essence of humour, but it doesn't have an on/off switch. Think of it as a finely-tuned dial. Too little, and you're a bore; too much, and you're just that overly enthusiastic fool no one wants to sit next to. We'll show you to find your sweet spot.
How to develop a comedic style that suits your personality.
Authenticity is key. You can't fake being funny, and you shouldn't try. We'll explore different comedic styles, help you find the humour that comes most naturally and fits your personality. Then, we'll teach you how to adapt it to any situation.
Common traps you need to avoid
Trying too hard is the most common pitfall – it practically screams insecurity. Even worse, you probably aren't aware of the subtle signals that sabotage your attempts at comedy. We've got a keen eye for these missteps, and will help you steer clear before you become a cautionary tale.