I don't think that comedians have a tradition of trashing the next generation.

I don't think that comedians have a tradition of trashing the next generation.

You must not be afraid of small bits of silence. To use it well is the height of confidence and skill for a comedian. It increases the tension in a good way and adds contrast like a curveball complements the fastball of a good pitcher.

When you take a pause before delivering your punch line, you will be using silence as a creative entity in itself.

An aspiring comedian must be determined to get to his or her true feelings on a subject and convey that to the audience. Figure out what you're feeling or interested in because the goal is to get the audience interested in what you're interested in. Good stand up comedy is drawing people into your head.

Walking back and forth also helps by creating the illusion that you are thinking of the routines on the spot, giving your performance a more spontaneous feeling.

A technique I developed quite naturally to help me make smooth transitions was to use a word or phrase from the next routine in the preceding one.