Writing can be a very fulfilling experience, and it can be a lot of fun as well. The problem is that when there’s so much content out there, it can be hard to keep your readers engaged with your writing. A great way to do this is to add some humor to your writing. Humor is a great way to keep people glued to the page, especially if you can get your point across regardless of the humor. But how do you add humor to your writing? Here are a few tips to help you out.
Timing Is Everything
The goal of comedy writing is to create small narrative arcs that culminate with a funny ending. This strategy can help you build a compelling story and keep the audience laughing until the end. Instead of trying to force a laugh, make sure that you’re thoughtful and deliberate about what you’re saying.
Short and Sweet
Stand-up comedians often have long setups for their jokes as part of their act. They’re there to tell funny short stories, and they’re not there to dominate the narrative. When writing comedy, make sure that the setup is short and sweet. Focus on the narrative, and throw good jokes into the story as you go. Readers will lose interest if the whole thing takes too long to tell.
Use Cliches In A Surprising Way
Although it’s usually frowned upon by writers, using clichés can still create some humor in a story. For instance, the phrase “They lived happily ever after” is a common one used in fairy tales. However, it can also be used in different ways, such as “They lived happily ever…after until she met her real soulmate.”
Be Absurd
One of the most effective ways to add humor to a story is by stretching the reality of what’s happening in the story. For instance, if you’re saying that you’re so hungry that you could eat a horse, this statement can emphasize a point. Absurdity often works well when it comes to allowing people to suspend their reality and better accept outrageous situations meant to make them laugh.
Pick A Target Audience
One of the most important factors that a comedian must consider when it comes to adding humor to his or her work is the target audience. A good joke that’s funny for one audience might not work for another. Your audience should be able to relate to the subjects that you’re trying to address.