 By Harmon Leon |
Being verbally funny isn’t necessarily the order of the comedy day. Hell no. Just look at Jim Carey, or go farther back in time and marvel at the physical humor-prowess of silent film comedians Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. |
Nine times out of ten, even the world's greatest joke just can't hole a candle to a good slip-and-fall, and that's a fact. Here’s some suggested shortcuts on becoming a great physical comedian, and most importantly, funny!
FUNNY QUICK TIP #1-THE SPIT-TAKE!
The “spit-take is a classic comedic gesture which can be practiced and mastered to the delight of all. Here’s a few pointers to make this a guaranteed chuckle:
STEP #1: Place glass of water at your side.
STEP #2: Listen intensely while a friend recounts a story with either a surprise ending, shock value or dramatic twist.
STEP #3: Bring glass of water to your to your lips. Take a mouthful of water. DON’T, and I repeat, DON’T swallow.
STEP #4: When the unexpected twist or shock element arrives in the story, spray the contents of your mouth on everyone and everything in spitting range.
Making a loud “P-f-f-f” sound while doing so is even funnier. Also remember: Timing is everything!
WAY TO GO! YOU HAVE PERFECTED THE SPIT-TAKE!
FUNNY QUICK TIP #2-THE HEADSLAM
You leave a room, open a door and slam your head on the door as you open it. Howls of laughter ensue!
STEP #1-Choose a door to slam your head into.
STEP #2-Place your foot closer than your head.
STEP #3-Hit your foot, rather than your head when swinging the door open. Bend your toes up, so that the door is hitting the ball of your foot.
STEP #4-Snap your head back when the door hits your foot, cover your forehead with your hands.
STEP #5-Mime extreme pain.
The hand that isn’t holding the doorknob can also hit the door at the same time as your foot, adding to the sound of the head slam. Avoid the temptation to kick the door. If the door is too heavy, you’ll not only hurt your toes, but miss out on the nice whacking sound.
WAY TO GO! YOU’VE PERFECTED THE HEADSLAM!
