Years ago, I taught an acting and film unit called “The Seven Causes of Laughter” and it covered things like Exaggeration, Incongruity, Protection Factor, Relief of Pressure, and more. Relief of Pressure is an important concept when trying to find humor in difficult situations. When tension builds or emotions are already high, a well-timed quip can create a burst of laughter like a pressure valve letting off steam. Those who understand it, who can find humor in even the toughest situation, can get a lighten the mood and deescalate tensions . . . because they can get a laugh. And people like to laugh.
Scott Dikkers reminds us of that in his book, How to Write Funny. What I would add is that this kind of humor must be even more sensitive with the audience–or those within ear shot. For example, a paramedic’s lighthearted quip in close-proximity of a victim’s family can be seen as insensitive and professionally problematic. (On the bright side, it may be an excellent way to initiate a career change.)
Keep looking for humor…in any situation. Then, use some of the other tips in Dikkers’ book to learn how it can be written…funny.
I’ve been reading–and attempting to write–funny. The former is easier than the latter, though it is surprisingly rare to find a book that makes you laugh out loud. It takes more time to set-up the joke in literature than it does using quick visuals or physical humor seen in film and television. Scott Dikker’s book How to Write Funny attempts to offer a recipe. (Dikkers is the founder of The Onion.) In his book, Dikkers’ mentions a quote from E/B. White: “Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process.” Dikkers chose a smart quote; his book isn’t funny, but there were a few interesting tips I’ll share. You can learn more about Dikkers and his writing in GoodReads. And if you know of any books that made you laugh out loud, let me know!
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