I wrote this book review as a 15 minute “free write” before my ten minutes of meditation yesterday morning… both prescribed by the first book on Stand-Up comedy I have read. Author Bobbie Oliver ditches traditional formulaic writing schemes for a holistic approach.
Using joke formulas can make your set formulaic and an audience can sniff out an unauthentic performance. Joke structure is important but Bobbie’s unique approach allows for a much broader range of humor. Besides, an uncountable number of techniques can be derived from her methodology. She doesn’t advise gimmicks or phony characters in one’s act. It’s a modern and refreshing form of comedy that entails discovery (“let the joke find you.”)
Both schools of comedy, the Tao and traditional, agree there is no substitute for experience, writing, and stage time - but only Bobbie focuses on how to get the most from each’s own comedy adventure.
The lessons in Bobbie’s book wouldn’t come from even ten years of performance whereas other writers on the topic give joke formulas and superficial tips that are easily discoverable through attention to comedy performances. Bobbie’s advice is irreplaceable. Despite the requisite “10,000 hours” Bobbie admits it takes to master the craft, The Tao of Comedy provides the aspiring comedian the mindset to take to the club, bar, stage, writing process, and business.
In terms of performance Bobbie focuses on mindset and process not directions that worked for her. In fact my only complaint is when the book does offer specific advice that althought mostly good can feel too particular or even outdated. The value in this book is its universality to all types of comedians and all time no matter where comedy goes.
The namesake advice of this volume is to “embrace the pause:” in life and on stage. To meditate before writing sessions and performance and while on stage to create a dialogue with the audience. The “slow down” advice would help just about every comedian. I get more laughs and connect with the crowd when I leave room for (often drunk) listeners to understand jokes, ones I’ve spent hours with, that they are hearing for the first time. Let them think (“do the math”) and then let them laugh!
Finally her sections on the business of standup and the process of improving are realistic and motivating… enjoy the journey! In my track as a comedian and in each performance! There is no finish line so enjoy the race.
Time for me to meditate so I can enjoy my next writing session.
https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjN9IrLna_8AhVTxIYKHeRtDZcYABABGgJ2dQ&ae=2&sig=AOD64_2xRknWGPasIC3opsSYgaHfOv20ng&adurl&ctype=5&ved=2ahUKEwiR0__Kna_8AhURAlMKHRCSAAAQwg96BAgBECs&dct=1