Hi,

I'm really interested in sense of humor and how to be funny.

Do you have any material and suggestion about how to improve this ability?

Thanks.

I think magic and comedy have a lot in common. They both rely on misdirection, timing, and a surprise. Good comedians quickly establish rapport, lead someone toward a conclusion, and share with them a perspective not previously envisioned. That's all vague and what-not but those are the essentials that work for me.

I was influenced by Johnathan Winters as a kid and later Robin Williams (who studied under Winters). I was drawn to them, I think, because my brain is naturally wired in similar ways. It was easy or natural, I suppose.

To me, comedy is all about figuring out how you naturally communicate, and exploiting that in ways that make others eagerly anticipate your conclusion. When it works, they get a rush of dopamine and want another 'fix'.

You might want to check out Steve Matin's Masterclass.

Seinfield said the closer the humor is to you the better it will be for your audiences.

The latest combines two things I like

Sound gags and harmonica.
I have a bow and a harmonica.
I tap the bow on a table
Elegantly open a violin case
Remove a harmonica from it
Double take from bow to harmonica
& then with the bow make it play/sound

Go to comedy clubs in your area and see different styles and see if one fits you.

Falcon2600 wrote "Do you have any material and suggestion about how to improve this ability?"

Write or buy some material and go out and try it out. The only way to really learn is from doing it. Be prepared to have a thick skin as you're almost certain to crash and burn. But if you can deal with that go out and do it again and again until you get good.

Try several approaches. Not every style fits everyone. Your natural ability will soon surface.

Not to self-promote (so I'll let esteemed mentalist Paul Draper do it for me):

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=15

Take an improv class or workshop. I guarantee you will find ways your funny you didn't know.

Have kids. They provide an endless source of material.

Have you thought about the American Comedy Writing Convention? May 12, 2018 in Minneapolis.

Yes, as someone mentioned, take an improv comedy class, it's helpful in many ways, and it's a lot of fun. I just joined a part-time pro improv group. I've done improv for years, can't recommend it enough. And study whoever you think are masters of comedy, anyone from Laurel and Hardy to Steve Martin, and don't just watch them, study them. There may also be a stand-up comedy class available, that was also a very good experience when I did it.

I love learning improv - but also consider taking a writing class - esp. script writing

Also consider Toastmasters