What’s a Tell That Someone is Gonna Be Funny?

In real life, I have no idea. But on stage, I always watch the first 30 seconds of a comedian's set. You can usually tell right away, mostly because they already got the audience to laugh. Some people can just be funny without saying a word. Every comedian has a bunch of jokes that are quick to get a laugh and they start their sets with that material. The best stuff is at the beginning and the "closer" joke for professional comedians.

If I have to go up to a crowd that doesn't know me, I always try to get a laugh quickly and within 20 seconds when I get on stage. I have a few jokes that are short and quick and help to establish to folks who are unsure, that I am funny or at least, gonna be.

Other tells to tell the audience they are professional is they move the mic stand to the side. When someone doesn't do that, I know they are new and it may not be a funny set. If someone doesn't get a laugh for a full minute, then I would worry.

If you wanna see if I am funny, I am in Gilbert and Scottsdale, Arizona this weekend. Come see for yourself. #standup #funny #formerlawyer #comedylife