A couple of tips ago, I quoted several comedians to illustrate how ‘camera angles’ and vocabulary go hand-in-hand to shape memorable thoughts.  One of them was Steven Wright.  Here are just a few more examples of his brilliance:

• “I remember when the Candle Shop burned down.  Everybody stood around singing ‘Happy Birthday.'”
• “If at first you don’t succeed… then skydiving definitely isn’t for you.”
• “Sponges grow in the ocean.  This bothers me.  How deep would it be if they didn’t?”
• “It doesn’t matter what temperature the room is.  It’s always room temperature.”
• “My friend has a baby.  I’m writing down all the noises the baby makes, so later I can ask him what he meant.”
• “I put instant coffee in a microwave oven and almost went back in time.”
• “What’s another word for thesaurus?”

While it seems like funny thoughts just flow out of him like water, here’s what he says about his process:  “For every four jokes I write, one is good enough to stay (in the act).”

So here are some questions for you:

• Do you write four punch lines for every one you use?  If not, why not?
• Are you funnier than Steven Wright?  (I know I’m not.  Chances are you’re not, either.)
• Is it because you’re lazy?  Or is it because you think “That’s good enough”?
• Because “good enough”… never is.

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Tommy Kramer
Talent Coach
214-632-3090 (iPhone)
e-mail: coachtommykramer@gmail.com
Member, Texas Radio Hall of Fame
© 2016 by Tommy Kramer. All rights reserved.