Thank you for joining us in The Writer’s Playground series!
Here we run through writing games to spark imagination and sharpen your craft.
Today’s Exercise is
Comedy: The Rule of Three
- Objective: To practice the fundamental comedic structure of setup, anticipation, and punchline.
- How to Play:
- This game is played in groups of three. The facilitator gives a simple setup (e.g., “A cowboy walks into a coffee shop and orders a latte.”).
- Writer 1 adds a normal, expected detail to the story. (“The barista asks for his name.”)
- Writer 2 adds a slightly more specific or unusual detail that builds on the first. (“He says his name is ‘Tex.’ The barista writes ‘Tax’ on the cup.”)
- Writer 3 must add the third detail that subverts the expectation and delivers the punchline. (“When the drink is ready, the barista yells, ‘I have a large latte for the IRS!'”)
- Best for: Comedic timing, joke structure, and collaborative humor.
Comedic Mastery can be implemented in any work. You might burst into laughter. Just don’t be upset if the room goes silent; they don’t have a sense of humor.
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