How To Fix A Joke WITHOUT Changing The Words

Hello, Friend! In this solo episode of the “Messed-Up to Set-Ups” podcast, I’m digging into the concept of “timing” or, more specifically, “comedic timing.” I talk about why a joke that isn’t landing may just need a different pause, rather than a rewrite. Using a scholarly study, I’ll look at how rhythm, audience expectations, surprise, and timing shape the way people respond to a punchline. Connected to this, I’ll also share practical ways to experiment with pause length and delivery, so you can keep growing as a performer instead of getting stuck repeating the same approach. Whether you’re working on your first open-mic set or refining material you’ve performed for years, I hope these ideas give you something useful to try the next time you take the stage. Tune in!

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