Comedy is an art form, and like all art, it takes time, practice, and experimentation to develop a style that resonates with audiences. Whether it’s the sharp wit of a stand-up comedian, the observational humor of a late-night host, or the quirky delivery of a character actor, each comedian brings something unique to the stage. But how exactly do comedians develop their comedy style? What influences shape their voice? How do they make sure their style stands out in an industry filled with diverse comedic talent?
In this post, we’ll explore the process that comedians go through to create their own unique comedy style, from their early influences to the years of trial and error that ultimately lead to their signature delivery.
1. Starting with Personal Experiences and Perspectives
Every comedian’s style begins with their personal experiences. Stand-up comedy, in particular, often draws from the comedian’s own life—family dynamics, friendships, failures, relationships, and everyday encounters provide an endless source of material. These authentic, relatable moments shape a comedian’s voice and influence how they deliver their jokes.
For example, take comedian Ali Wong, whose stand-up specials often center around her experiences as a woman, a mother, and an immigrant. Wong’s material is built around her own personal life, which adds authenticity and vulnerability to her comedy. Her experiences in different cultural contexts, paired with a bold delivery, set her apart from other comedians.
Comedians who can relate their personal stories in a unique way tend to stand out. The more honest and true to themselves they are, the more likely their audience is to connect with them. By weaving their personal perspectives into their comedy, comedians lay the foundation for a style that’s uniquely their own.
Key Insight:
Comedy often reflects personal truth, and a comedian’s style will naturally evolve from how they interpret and express their own experiences.
2. Experimentation with Material and Delivery
Building a comedy style is like writing a song or painting a picture—it requires experimentation. Comedians often go through many phases of trial and error, testing different types of jokes, topics, and delivery methods. Some might start out with a more conventional style, relying on traditional joke structures or observational humor, while others may experiment with more absurd or offbeat material.
This process of trial and error is crucial. Most comedians have an “early period” where they’re figuring out what works for them and what doesn’t. Some might try out punchlines that fall flat, others might discover their comedic rhythm through improvised moments, and some might find their style in a particular type of audience interaction. For instance, Kevin Hart started his career with a more conventional, safe style before evolving into the energetic, self-deprecating storyteller he is today.
As comedians refine their material, they also experiment with their delivery. Their tone, timing, physicality, and pacing are all part of the larger process of developing a unique style. Some comedians are known for their deadpan delivery, while others use hyperactive gestures or facial expressions to make their points. The tone a comedian chooses plays a huge role in how their jokes land with audiences.
Key Insight:
Comedy style evolves through trial and error. Experimentation with both material and delivery helps comedians discover their own voice and figure out what works best for them.
3. Influences from Other Comedians and Art Forms
No comedian develops their style in a vacuum. Most comedic voices are shaped by influences from other comedians they admire or look up to. Early in their careers, comedians often mimic or draw inspiration from established figures, whether it’s Richard Pryor’s storytelling, Joan Rivers’ boldness, or Dave Chappelle’s social commentary. These influences are part of the natural progression, and over time, a comedian blends these elements with their own perspective, gradually moving toward their own voice.
For instance, comedian John Mulaney has often cited the influence of older comedians, like George Burns and Bob Newhart, in shaping his delivery. Mulaney’s comedic style is a sophisticated blend of observational humor, personal anecdotes, and classic timing—elements inspired by the legendary figures who came before him.
Beyond comedy, many comedians are influenced by other art forms like literature, film, and music. Comedians often reference movies, books, and songs that shaped their worldview, integrating these references into their routines. For example, a comedian who is passionate about pop culture may incorporate witty cultural commentary or clever references into their sets, giving them a distinct edge.
Key Insight:
While comedians develop their own unique voice, their style is often influenced by those who came before them—whether through comedy or other art forms. These influences help shape a comedian’s identity and content.
4. Finding a Niche or Comedy Persona
A comedian’s style often becomes more defined when they embrace a specific niche or persona that makes them stand out from the crowd. Some comedians create a character or adopt an exaggerated version of themselves, which can serve as a vehicle for their comedy. For example, a comedian like Bill Hicks presented himself as a truth-teller, a rebel challenging societal norms, while someone like Amy Schumer carved out a space for raunchy, body-positive humor.
Narrowing down to a specific niche can also help a comedian focus on the types of topics they want to explore—whether it’s politics, relationships, or social justice. By choosing to delve deeply into one area, they not only build expertise but also form a distinctive comedic voice around that subject matter.
Key Insight:
Comedy can be an expression of personality or a larger-than-life persona. By creating or embracing a niche, comedians help define their style and distinguish themselves in a crowded market.
5. Crafting Original Jokes and Observations
The heart of any comedian’s style lies in the material itself—how they write and structure their jokes. While delivery and persona play important roles, the content of the comedy is ultimately what resonates with the audience. A comedian’s unique perspective on life is communicated through original observations, sharp wit, and clever punchlines.
The best comedians are often those who bring a fresh take on everyday situations—whether it’s dissecting modern dating culture, the absurdities of politics, or simply describing the weirdness of the human condition. For instance, comedian Louis C.K. is known for his brutally honest observations about life’s dark and uncomfortable moments, while Jerry Seinfeld’s observational comedy turns the mundane into the hilarious.
Over time, comedians develop a “voice” that is instantly recognizable—something about the way they describe the world makes their material stand out. This unique observation is one of the pillars of a comedian’s style.
Key Insight:
Comedians craft their unique style by consistently bringing fresh, original perspectives on topics that might seem mundane to others. Their voice is shaped by how they view and interpret the world.
6. Feedback and Evolving Based on Audience Reactions
No comedian’s style is fixed. It’s constantly evolving based on feedback, both from audiences and from personal growth. Early in their careers, comedians rely heavily on the immediate feedback they get from live audiences—laughter, applause, or silence. This immediate reaction helps them fine-tune their material, making adjustments to jokes, pacing, and delivery.
As comedians grow more confident in their style, they become more comfortable pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, or exploring more complex themes. The more a comedian refines their craft, the more they begin to distinguish themselves within the comedy world.
Key Insight:
Audience feedback plays a huge role in shaping a comedian’s style. It helps them understand what works, what doesn’t, and where they can evolve as performers.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Comedy Style
A comedian’s unique style is an ongoing journey of discovery. It’s shaped by their personal experiences, experimentation with material and delivery, influences from other comedians, and constant feedback from their audience. Over time, a comedian hones their craft, building a comedic voice that’s distinct, authentic, and reflective of their perspective on the world.
For aspiring comedians, the takeaway is clear: developing a unique comedy style takes time, persistence, and a willingness to experiment. Each comedian’s journey is different, but the common thread is passion—the passion to make people laugh, to tell their story, and to constantly evolve as an artist.
If you’re a comedian looking to define your style, remember that it’s a blend of what’s true to you, what you’ve learned from others, and how you continue to evolve based on experience. Your comedy style will grow with you, becoming more refined and distinct with each performance. And most importantly, it will be uniquely yours.
