The #1 Mistake New Clean Comedians Make

Want to know the biggest mistake clean comedians make?

They try to be clever…
Instead of funny.

The Clever Trap

It’s tempting, especially when you’re writing clean.

You think:

“I can’t say anything dirty, so I better say something smart.”

But here’s the truth:

Clever isn’t comedy.
Surprise is.

When the audience doesn’t laugh, it’s not because they didn’t understand the joke…
It’s because they saw it coming.

The Fix: Simpler Setups, Bigger Twists

You don’t need a genius-level punchline.
You need a reliable structure that lets you flip the room.

Here’s the structure:

Clean Joke Formula:

1. SETUP:
Say something true or boring.

“I’m on a diet.”

2. PUNCH:
Twist it. Exaggerate it. Break it.

“Which basically means I’m paying extra to be hungry.”

3. TAG (Optional):
Push the idea one step further.

“I haven’t eaten this many vegetables since my mom was still in charge of my plate.”

It’s not impressive.
It’s unexpected.

---

🛠️ Drill for This Week:

Pick a boring topic:

• Eating salad

• Family vacations

• Birthday parties

• Waiting rooms

• Driving with your kids

Then follow this 3-line formula:

1. State something basic

2. Twist it

3. Tag it

Write three of these today.
Test one on stage this week — or post it in a reel.

---

✍️ Pro Tip of the Week:

“If your audience is nodding, you’re clever.
If they’re laughing, you’re funny.”
Aim for laughter — not LinkedIn likes.

---

🎤 Mic Drop Moment

“Clever impresses.
Funny books gigs.”

---

🚀 Need Help Crafting Your Set?

🎧 Listen to The Clean Comedy Podcast – Writing tips & guest insights

---

Thanks for reading Clean Comedian Pro Tips.
Now go be funny — and leave clever for the open micers.

— JD Creviston