I'm not a standup, but I know some of you are.
Phill Jupitus gave out some potentially useful advice in his podcast, the 22/06 edition, about 27 minutes in.
* don't ask the audience questions, tell them stuff
* start with the punchline and work back (when writing your set, presumably)
Quote: Kevin Murphy @ July 9 2009, 1:31 AM BST* start with the punchline and work back (when writing your set, presumably)
The punchline "Elf farm raffle", could itself have been written backwards.
I think starting with the punchline is a good idea when it's a crap gag, because at least then you're not wasting too much of anyones time.
I disagree, I think asking the audience a loaded question is a good idea, it will help them to feel as though they are a greater part. And improvisation in stand-up sometimes goes down well. This way it is a living breathing thing and not just something regimented and restrictive.
It's more ask the audience rhetorical questions. That thing some comics do of talking to the audience in the hope that there's someone funny there is akin to going to the shops hoping some one left £50 on the floor.
Phil Jupitus giving stand-up tips is about as useful as Frank Bruno giving elocution lessons.
Jupitus is a good comedy panellist, not a good stand-up.