How to Be Funny - Jon Macks

How to Be Funny

By Jon Macks

  • Release Date: 2010-06-15
  • Genre: Humor
Score: 3
3
From 20 Ratings

Description

An invaluable guide on how to "lighten up" from a distinguished pro who has provided laughs for JAY LENO, BILLY CRYSTAL, STEVE MARTIN, ROBIN WILLIAMS, BRAD GARRETT, WHOOPI GOLDBERG, AND MANY MORE.

Who hasn't wished for the perfect withering comeback line, a clever tension-breaking quip, or a winning flirtatious remark? Being funny is hard work and not everyone is a natural. How to Be Funny is a witty guide that teaches readers precisely how to be funnier in everyday life. It's a must-read for anyone who has to speak in public, be engaging and funny at work or at play, or who hopes to one day go out on a date.

Jon Macks, a comedy writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, Hollywood Squares, and the nation's top comedians, politicians, and corporate leaders, knows his funny business. Here he demystifies the process of making people laugh, breaks down the basic building blocks and types of humor -- which include self-deprecation, misdirection, deadpan delivery, sarcasm, and "the reverse" -- and reveals the best approaches to use in common situations.

How to Be Funny features helpful (and hilarious) tips and anecdotes from the comic legends Mack's worked with -- including Jay Leno, Arsenio Hall, Gilbert Gottfried, Billy Crystal, Rita Rudner, Dave Barry, and Carrie Fisher -- in his eleven years as one of the nation's top television writers.

Whether the goal is to give a memorable public address or deliver a killer line with friends, How to Be Funny is a charming, instructive, and practical read.

Reviews

  • This book is a MUST read if you are not funny!!!

    5
    By Infotainer
    I'm extremely pleased that Simon & Schuster has finally released this title in a digital format, especially iBooks! I've had the paperback since it first came out in 2003, but since then, it has tremendously suffered from wear and tear. I carried this book with me all the time since it helped me turn from corny and dull to now funnier than ever! For me it's a must, especially being a corporate entertainer and speaker. Now , I can conveniently carry this book with me on my iPhone, no matter where I go. I no longer have to worry about accidentally ripping pages and beating the crap out of it. I'm a big fan of Jay Leno and since the author of this book is one of his comedy writers, it was definitely a treat for me. Do me a favor and get this book. It helped me turn into a better entertainer now and as a result, I am being paid more! Thank you Jon Macks! You're the man!!!!

Comments