5 Killer Comedy Tips
Insights From Episode 3 of Kevin Hart's "Funny AF" (Comedy Resources #19)
Episode 3 of Kevin Hart’s Funny AF is similar to the first two episodes but also a bit different. To me, as a writer and comedian, the focus of this episode feels more grounded in reality, that is, what it actually takes to function in comedy as a working environment. Of course, there’s still plenty of breakdown happening as that’s at the heart of the show. But this one leans harder into discipline, being ready at all times, and how a set holds up under pressure. In that way, it’s less about theory and more about what survives on stage. So, here are 5 key takeaways that stuck with me from episode 3.
Takeaway #1: Be Ready: One of the first things that comes up in this episode is how strange (and pointless?!) comedy competitions actually are. And despite this show being exactly that, a comedy competition, the judges admit their irritations with comedy competitions in a way that feels honest. And I’m glad they do because I feel the exact same way. Every comedy competition I’ve ever been in has been a ruse. Anyway, right after that, the judges double down on the importance of a tight five. So, there’s a part that doesn’t change across the episodes. I appreciated the emphasis here on the fact that most opportunities, in life as in comedy, come in small windows. So, if those five minutes aren’t ready, nothing else matters.
Takeaway #2: Be Personal: There’s a strong push in this episode toward being real and authentic on stage. They don’t really mean that in a vague way either. For the judges, it’s about making sure the material actually connects back to who the comedian really and truly is. I, for instance, have written plenty of jokes that worked in isolation but, at the end of the day, didn’t say anything about me. Those might’ve got some laughs, but they never went anywhere. The jokes that start to stick are the ones where the material feels tied to something personal.
Takeaway #3: Be Precise: This episode leans into joke density in a way that’s hard to ignore. Where they emphasize keeping things tight and active, many other comedians often talk about LPMs (Laughs Per Minute). While LPMs is not the most important metric, there is some value to it. Personally, I’ve been on stage and felt the drag of a long setup that doesn’t earn its space. But I’ve also experienced having a long setup then hitting the audience with a strong punch and a string of tags that made it worth it. A good rule of thumb, however, is when the time between laughs stretches out, the room is more likely to start to drift. Shorter setups force clarity, and that clarity typically makes the punchlines hit harder.
Takeaway #4: Be Prepared: There’s also a lot of attention given to how a comic handles themselves before they even get on stage. I’ve been that person pacing around, running through lines, burning energy before the set starts. What comes through here is that doing less can actually help more. If I walk up already drained, it shows. The best way to combat this? Be prepared. That is, plain and simple. Be prepared.
Takeaway #5: Be Cool: The last thing that stuck with me is how much composure matters in the moment. Things will go off script. Comedy shows are “live” and they happen in real time. Comedians have to be ready for that. The room won’t always respond the way they expect. What separates stronger performers is their ability to stay steady and adjust without letting it unravel everything. As a friend told me this past weekend, “You did a great job staying in the pocket.” That kind of control only shows up when the preparation is there. So, here’s what I’m keeping from episode 3:
Be Ready: A tight five still carries more weight than anything else;
Be Personal: Material needs to connect back to who I actually am;
Be Precise: Shorter setups help keep the room engaged;
Be Prepared: Energy before the set affects what happens on stage; and,
Be Cool: Composure matters when things don’t go as planned.
At the end of the day, this episode keeps circling back to readiness, which I think is so on point and so practical. In the comedy world, as in most of life, work has to be done before opportunities show up. Are you ready to level up in your comedy journey? Check out these resources:
FREE - “The Round-Up”: My weekly comedy newsletter, choc-full of insights from videos, articles, and so on. This’ll also give you FREE access to “The Joke Blueprint Playbook.” Get the newsletter HERE.
FREE - The Joke Blueprint Playbook: Act now and get an exclusive, 17-page toolkit that I designed specifically to solve some of the biggest joke-writing struggles comedians have. This comprehensive guide is packed with actionable advice, and it’s entirely exclusive to this community. Get it HERE.
The Joke Writer’s Lab: Stop guessing at what makes people laugh. In this self-paced, online course, you’ll get the tools to find your unique comedic persona and learn the exact mechanics of writing a bulletproof joke. Get it HERE.
The Comedian’s Memory Lab: Never blank on stage again!!! Learn my insider method to build and flawlessly memorize your entire set, whether you are doing 3 minutes at an open mic or headlining for an hour. Get it HERE.