More is caught than taught.
This truism haunted me as I raised three impressionable children. Now it inspires me as I seek to improve my humor skills.
It also gives me a great excuse to go out or stay in. Going out to the latest comedy now qualifies as needed research. Hunkering down at home with an amusing book is necessary study time.
This is not to say that all is caught and none is taught. Even if we were born with a comedic gift, writers need to examine the various forms and styles of humor such as epigrammatic, ironic, and farcical humor.
But not today.
Today we’ll focus on a less technical and more fun way to develop comedic voice. I suggest we watch and learn from the pros.
Grab your favorite witty book, blog, or magazine and a pen. Mark the lines that grab you. Then after you’re done laughing, study them.
Or watch a comedy and note the moments that stand out. Study those moments.
As I’ve done this, I’ve noticed a pattern emerge of the type of humor I prefer. This in turn reveals a course of study for improving my own comedic voice as I emulate my favorites and study their specific styles.
One of the blogs I study often is Jon Acuff‘s. He offers helpful and inspirational articles about career development in an entertaining manner. His sense of humor draws me in every time.
In his article 3 Reasons to Give Someone A Book For Christmas (12/15/15), Jon opens with the following:
Do you know when I realized I was an adult?
When I got luggage for Christmas and was excited.
I got a new suitcase and was thrilled/depressed. I was thrilled because it had a tri-fold department that would keep my shirts from getting wrinkled when I flew. I was depressed because I cared whether shirts got wrinkled.
As part of my studies, I watch a lot of comedies and comedians. Michael Jr. is my current favorite. He tells everyday life stories from a unique perspective with excellent timing. He’s helping me learn to stop and see the humor in life from a different angle. His take on being Jesus’ little brother is great study material.
My all-time favorite author to read and study is C.S. Lewis. I’ve never heard anyone call him a comedian, but I find much of his work not only insightful but quite humorous. The opening line in his book The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is one of the best first lines ever written.
“There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.”
What about you? If it’s true that more is caught than taught, which authors and comedians will you begin to study? Share your suggestions in the comments.
More Is Caught Than Taught: A Fun Way to Develop Your Comedic Voice #AmWriting #Authors #Humor Share on X
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4 Comments
I agree. My own sense of comedy has mostly come from observation and instinct. I know how to do it, but when I think about teaching it to others I am at a loss. Two favorite funny authors are Patrick McManus and Lindsey Davis
Honestly, I feel unqualified to teach humorous writing to others, which is why I wanted to tackle this column. As I study, I can pass on what I learn. In the process I hope my skills will grow until it becomes almost natural to me.
I’m going to check out Patrick McManus and Lindsey Davis. Thanks for those suggestions, Lisa!
Good post, Jean! I’ve studied speakers for years, noticing their inflections and the way they “land” their points. Of course the same thing would apply to writing!
My favorite comedians right now: Tim Hawkins and Jim Gaffigan. Talk about great deliveries!
Writers? I’m with you on Jon Acuff, and I’ll read his stuff no matter how busy I am. That Christmas post was funny!
Oh my, yes! Ditto!
Tim Hawkins did a bit on why Christians should have their own curse words that still has me laughing each time I think about it. It’s something I’d never thought about before. Learning how to incorporate their perfect timing and, as you said, how they “land” their points has become one my latest passions. Glad to see I’m not the only one. 🙂