Step by Step to Stand-Up Comedy

by Greg Dean, Steve Allen (Foreword)

If you think you're funny, and you want others to think so too, this is the book for you! Greg Dean examines the fundamentals of being funny and offers advice on a range of topics, including:

- writing creative joke material
- rehearsing and performing routines
- coping with stage fright
- dealing with emcees who think they're funnier than you are
- getting experience
- and lots more.

Essential for the aspiring comic or the working comedian interested in updating his or her comedy routine, "Step by Step to Stand-Up Comedy" is the most comprehensive and useful book ever written on the art of the stand-up comedian.

Genres: Comedy, Humor, Nonfiction, Writing, Self Help, Stand Up, Audiobook

191 pages, Paperback

First published July 13, 2000

Reviews

[John G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps the best "how-to" stand-up comedy books out there. This guy is a pioneer in teaching comedy, he's been a clown, has taught comedy workshops for years and his wife is a stand-up comic. It's in his blood and you can tell he loves what he's doing and wants to share what he's discovered to help others find their voice and improve their skill level. This book gave me some definite tools, especially in the mechanics of joke telling and an overriding philosophy of humor. He also has a website and teachers a workshop out in Cali. Can't recommend this book highly enough!

[Sumit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent book for improving my stand-up technique. I had always wanted to try stand-up comedy, and had gone to three or four open mics this spring with low to medium success, then decided to do a bit more research on techniques and theory. I tried a few other books but this one resonated the most with me. The author, Greg Dean, is a well-respected comedy coach who has helped many aspiring comics, and does a great job distilling his wisdom into practical advice in the form of this approachable guide. I was still skeptical, but even the first time I incorporated his joke-building technique from the initial chapters I got much bigger laughs. The book does a great job of discussing what makes jokes funny and what makes audiences laugh, but does so in a way aimed at improving your jokes, rather than focusing on an academic discussion of the psychology. I found the explanation of joke structure, first and second narratives, setup, punchline construction, personas, and delivery extremely useful. The middle parts of the book on editing and refining jokes and material felt a bit pedantic to me - if you've spent time doing other kinds of public speaking this will seem fairly obvious, and you'll recognize you just have to find your own process for editing and revising your routines. The last few chapters have some great insights on dealing with performance issues specific to comedy (hecklers, flopping) and some that are less specific (stage fright), as well some ideas for finding (or making) venues when you're getting started.

[Mike Kowis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave plenty of practical tips for newbie stand-up comedians like me. I especially liked the explanation of joke structure (set up and punch line), what makes a joke funny, and the formula he recommends to writing jokes. I found this book extremely helpful and would highly recommend it to others who want to try stand-up. I didn't care for the discussion of the point of view and using different POV at different times. But I did like the many useful tips for handling a microphone and stand, how to handle hecklers, and how to write the MC's introduction of you. I used this book (along with Steve Martin's Masterclass) to prepare for my first stand-up performance this summer at a local Open Mic Night and it went very well. So I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking to perform stand-up comedy!

[Nick Argiriou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A how-to introductory book on stand-up comedy skills. Although the basics remain the same, it is a bot out-dated and old-fashioned. Still a good compendium. The description of how a joke works, is sufficient. I would read another more recent book about the subject, any recommendations welcome.

[Ibrahim Abouzied · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Dean has been teaching stand up for decades, coaching comics who've gone on to have their own specials. This is a workbook teaching you how to write jokes, as well as a guide on how to break into the industry. I was only interested in the joke writing portion and only skimmed the latter.

I was blown away by how methodically joke writing was broken down. As Dean says, most writers sit around thinking over and over "Hmmm where is the joke here... where is it...". With his system I'm never lost. The previous epiphany from Setup -> Punchline is now broken down into Setup -> Assumptions -> Connector -> Reinterpretation -> Punchline. I'm never stuck wondering how to move forward, the process feels more fun, and systematizing didn't stifle creativity, but actually led to MORE epiphanies. This really felt idiot-proof.

Here are some jokes from my first session:

"I tried to solve my problems by adopting a cat. I found her entirely useless at absolving my gambling debts."

"I embarked on a quest to find the best coffee in town. A place that could really deliver on quality unattended laptops."

"Anytime my work email is a cacophony, I chuck it into ChatGPT. Its really taken out the tedious work and helps me focus more on copy pasting."

If you love comedy, or you've never felt that funny and want that to change, this is really fun to work through. The writing portion is ~50 pages.

Loved it.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menulis komedi itu sulit, titik. *kalau ada yang mau komplain soal statement ini, silakan pamerkan karya lucunya, dan kita lihat berapa banyak yang akan tertawa karenanya*

Jadi, saya membaca self-help terjemahan ini dengan rada-rada sinis. Ah, yang boneng nih bakal membantu menulis komedi. Ah, masa sih kalau di-set up tetep bisa dianggap lucu.

Setelah membaca buku ini, saya terpaksa menggigit lidah saya sendiri. Ternyata bisa--dan lumayan ampuh juga kalau mau serius menggarap komedi yang nggak slapstik dan kerjaannya cuman menghina artis doang. How to write good humor, itu yang ditawarkan oleh Greg Dean. Dia hanya memberi kita clue untuk menemukan hal-hal lucu, melatih sense komedian dalam diri kita, dan sisanya adalah tanggung jawab masing-masing deh. Mau bawa komedinya ke arah mana: sarkas, bokep, ABG banget, de-es-be.

Saya membaca ini bukan karena kebutuhan sebagai stand-up comedian. Believe me, that's not gonna happened. Tapi untuk bahan referensi saat menulis line-line lucu di novel, buku ini DAPET BANGET. Believe me, rom-com writer out there, you are sooo gonna need this.

[Ricardo Castañeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw a comedian I really like (his name is Alex Fernandez) that he recommended reading this book to get started in writing comedy.

I really liked it. It helped me understand the joke structures and how jokes work and why they are funny. The Joke Mine and the Joke Map are extremely useful.

I must admit that I felt this methodology is useful to create simple jokes (hey, you need to start somewhere, right?) and I feel that my humor is different (haven't found out what's the name of it). So just to take that in mind while reading this book.

Great read though.

[Kristupas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most practical book on comedy that I have encountered.
Breaks down clearly the joke structure.
Gives a tool to create even without any inspiration

[Ângela Maresch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as a way to spice up my public speaking, and I found a number of valuable recommendations on the matters of content, form and attitude towards the presentations. I also laughed very hard at some of the jokes throughout the book. Step by Step to Stand-up Comedy is a as clear and sincere view as possible to the process of giving life to a joke and provoking laughter.

[Наталія Толмачова · Rating 5 out of 5]

Хороша книжка, автор якої дуже детально розповідає як створювати жарти методом несподіваної зміни сюжету (cетап + панчлайн). Коли я вже думала, що в книжці більше нічого не буде, автор почав розповідати, як виступати, взаємодіяти з публікою, реагувати на критику. Книжка буде корисною для будь-якого письменника.

[Haley Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was written well and the voiceover for the audiobook was fantastic, but it just wasn't quite what I was hoping for. I was hoping to read more about stage presence, improv, storytelling, etc., and not so much about joke-writing and what to do before you get on stage.

[Pranshu Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lives up to the name, the joke writing method is the most detailed and helpful of all the books I've read on the craft.
It succeeds in explaining something that's not an exact science, and should be a good reference for new comics.

[Ralph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun small book. Some nice nuggets of information into there for me, who took a long break from stand up but is getting back in the game

[Michał Kurzeja · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Audible version is almost useless. Probably a great book, but offering it as an audiobook without the workbook makes the reading/listening experience awful.

[Carlos Xavier · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a good book to begin to understand how to write in stand-up format

[Logan Horsford · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow was this horrible. Even the jokes were horrible.

[Kharlanov Sergey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Очень толковая книжка. Раньше считал юмор какой-то магией, но с этой книгой понял, что это все таки поддающийся алгоритмированию процесс и очень тяжелая и кропотливая работа.

[Basira . · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

[Marcus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Its inflated, the most interesting/useful section is its discussion and application of joke structure, and the rule of three.

[Sherwin Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I know why Anthony Jeselnik is a great comedian. He learned from the best teacher.

[Dovydas Saldis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong summary of comedy fundamentals and also plenty of useful tips not only for writing, but also rewriting and rehearsing comedy bits and acts.

[Chandra Anggoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step by Step to Stand-Up Comedy by Greg Dean is a practical and insightful guide that takes readers through the fundamentals of becoming a successful stand-up comedian. Whether you’re an aspiring comic looking to get started or an experienced performer wanting to refine your craft, this book offers valuable tools and techniques to help you navigate the world of stand-up comedy.

Greg Dean’s approach is clear, structured, and methodical, making it easy for readers to follow along and apply the lessons to their own comedic endeavors. The book is broken down into specific steps, covering everything from joke writing and delivery to stage presence and dealing with hecklers. Dean’s emphasis on the mechanics of comedy—such as timing, punchlines, and the setup—provides a solid foundation for anyone serious about mastering the art of making people laugh.

One of the book’s key strengths is its accessibility. Dean’s writing is straightforward and engaging, making complex concepts easy to understand. He uses examples and exercises throughout the book to illustrate his points, allowing readers to practice and hone their skills as they progress through the chapters. This hands-on approach is particularly beneficial for beginners who may feel overwhelmed by the idea of performing stand-up comedy.

Another highlight of Step by Step to Stand-Up Comedy is Dean’s focus on the psychology of comedy. He delves into the mindset of a comedian, offering advice on building confidence, connecting with the audience, and handling the inevitable failures that come with the territory. This emphasis on the mental and emotional aspects of stand-up is crucial, as it prepares readers for the realities of life on stage and the resilience needed to succeed.

However, while the book is comprehensive, it may feel a bit too structured for some readers. Comedy is often seen as spontaneous and unpredictable, and the step-by-step format might seem rigid to those who prefer a more organic approach to learning. Additionally, the book is more focused on the technical aspects of comedy, which means it might not delve as deeply into the creative process or the more intangible elements of what makes comedy truly resonate.

Overall, Step by Step to Stand-Up Comedy is a valuable resource for anyone looking to break into the world of stand-up or improve their comedic skills. Greg Dean provides a well-rounded guide that covers the essentials of writing and performing stand-up comedy, making it an excellent starting point for beginners and a useful refresher for seasoned comedians. If you’re serious about pursuing stand-up comedy, this book offers the tools and insights you need to build a solid foundation and take your performance to the next level.

[Lenny Husen · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIO BOOK Version: this was good, a lot of helpful information and fascinating for anyone who is interested in comedy as an art form. I learned a lot about the craft. But I have two serious criticisms: I couldn't stand Greg Dean's voice. His voice is fine, but his mannerisms are dreadful. He read so slow-ly, e-nun-cee-ayte-ing each syl-lah-bull that I ended up hating him by the end. There were parts where he forgot to be condescending and those were good, he just read at a normal speed. His decision to loudly whisper the "Secrets" also to me, was like nails on a chalkboard. Also, his joke examples sucked. They really weren't very funny, and then he repeated the same jokes over and over and over. It was a very repetitious book. I will give it 4 stars because if you didn't have to deal with Dean's voice and just read the book, it would be fine.

[Robert Bogue · Rating 3 out of 5]

What makes a joke? Well according to Greg Dean, it’s surprise. In Step by Step to Stand-up Comedy Dean lays out how jokes are fundamentally about causing the audience expect one thing while delivering another. Of course,what you surprise them with must be related to what they assumed. In short form, a joke is two stories that are connected. The trick is to get the audience to think of the first story while the comedian finishes with the second. While I think that there are other definitions for what makes up a joke – and even more about what makes funny – I like Dean’s definition because it’s easy to work with and create material. You take anything that can mean two things and you can make a joke out of it.

Click here to read the full review

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 2 out of 5]

822 - 2012

Buku ini pasti lebih menarik kalau dibaca dalam bahasa aslinya. Sungguh. Humor memang universal, tapi banyak unsur yang hilang kalau joke yang dijadikan contoh di dalam buku ini diterjemahkan.

Lantas, penerjemahannya juga jadi nggak konsisten. Ada joke yang diterjemahkan tapi jadinya kurang lucu, ada joke yang tak diterjemahkan karena ya... kalau diterjemahkan bisa-bisa malah aneh jadinya.

Memang yang penting ilmunya, sih. Tapi teteup weh mengurangi banyak kenyamanan dalam membaca... Mending cari buku aslina, kitu?

[Fee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comedy textbook. It learns you concrete steps to follow in order to write jokes. It's very practical and helpful with a lot of examples and diagrams. You don't have to wait around for inspiration. With these steps you can start writing at any time.
So why 4 stars and not 5? I didn't find all the examples that funny (and that is kind of the point, right?) Also, I think this book teaches one kind of joke specifically. I believe there are more kinds of jokes and more ways to write funny material.

[Sal Coraccio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, to be sure. Can't evaluate any of the practical teachings, but much of the advice reads true for other types of public speaking for which I have more experience.

As a Kindle book, there are a few formatting issues, but they are relatively minor (and so would be easy to fix, and therefore should be).

I'v heard it recommended by several well-known comics, and it isn't difficult to see why.

[Skyler Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book is perfect for starting to learn comedy. I can help you understand the basics behind jokes and how to make them. But, It does deploy a more strict guideline to writing jokes that can end up harming you in the future. On the other hand, it does give you the tools you need to start writing your jokes right after reading. In the end, this is perfect for starting off comedy, just not all the methods are practical.

[Khae Mohamad khaerul fahmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buku ini benar2 mengajarkan stand up comedy mulai dari dasar, lenkap dengan teori, praktik, dan apa yang mungkin terjadi kedepannya. Terjemahannya sesuai. Saya masih belum menguasai tentang teori-teori yang banyak itu, mungkin perlu membaca berkali-kali :D Tapi ya sudahlah, nambah ilmu tentang stand up. Semoga bisa diaplikasikan :D Mari Mulai :D

[Melly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never done stand-up and last week (March 12, 2008), I decided I was going to give it a go. My friend Sammy gave me this book (to borrow...I'll give it back) and it's a good start. It won't make you funny but it just might help me learn to deliver.