So, last year, I got satellite radio, (it came with the truck I bought).   I’m told it’s much better than a normal radio.    It seems a little worse to me as now there are hundreds of stations… and nothing on.      However, there are a handful of comedy stations and, occasionally, there is someone worth listening to.   Why do I bring this up?    Because listening to these comedians for the last year, I’ve noticed one major thing: how to be a better writer.
          I’ve often wondered what makes some comedians funny and others not.    Of course, there is a modicum of taste involved, (sometimes the style of comedy just isn’t for you).   Aside from that, though, there are two major elements that really lend themselves to writing: delivery; word choice.
          Delivery is, somewhat, self-explanatory.    It’s the goofy faces the comedians make, the wild hand gestures.   Obviously, being that I’m hearing them on the radio, I don’t see those elements.   I do hear the emphasis they put into their voices, though.    I mean, a monotone comedian just wouldn’t have the same effect.    I mean, imagine the guy from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” doing stand up.   “Bueller….    Bueller….    Bueller….”   This lesson can also be applied to writing, in a way.    This is, essentially, a writer’s voice.    It’s otherwise known as a writer’s style, or how a story is presented to the reader.
          The real reason behind this post: word choice.    The one thing I’ve noticed about listening to all of these comedians is their choices in certain odd and specific details.    You see, ambiguity creates confusion.   Usually, when you’re writing, that is something you want to avoid.    You definitely want to avoid it when you’re doing stand-up.    So, using words that paint a clear picture will keep the audience engaged.    When listening to a comedian, it’s the image that they help create in your mind that makes you laugh.    So, don’t be lazy.    “Say what you mean and mean what you say.”