#44 The Craft that is Comedy with James Acaster
On this weeks episode of Getting Goosebumps, I am joined by Stand-Up Comedian James Acaster. James has been a comedian for the last 8 years and has appeared on Mock the Week, Live at The Apollo & Russel Howard’s Good News! He gives insights into the world of comedy that is far removed from the world of business.
Elements of inspiration and how these develop
Does a comedy sketch come from the same detail required to plot a story? James gives us insights into a much more spontaneous world that is his comedy. He reveals a technique premised on spontaneity as a way of ensuring his material isn’t constrained.
The key ingredients
We look closely at the techniques that tend to get a better response than others. Should you attempt to mislead your audience to emphasize the punchline? James reveals his discovery that taking the audience on the journey, giving insights into the punchline earlier on makes for a better comedic journey, allowing the audience to get the joke quicker.
Challenge conventions
I ask if gaining the empathy of the audience is a priority, to which James challenges this convention. He expresses his confidence in what he writes and performs is what gets him the audience that he wants. A strong understanding of this means the audience who he wants to attract will come, and those he doesn’t won’t.