Challenging Erma Bombeck’s View on Jokes

Erma Bombeck once quipped, “Dissecting a joke is like dissecting a frog; they both die in the process.”

In this video, I’m here to challenge that idea.

Sure, there’s some truth to what Bombeck said—comedy is a nuanced art form, and sometimes, overanalyzing can strip the humor away. But what if, instead of ruining the joke, dissecting it could actually strengthen it?

What if understanding the inner workings of a joke, and knowing why it works, could help us craft even better material?

That’s the goal of this video: to break down comedy, perform it, teach it, and show you that learning the “why” behind the laughs enhances the experience. In fact, the more you understand about comedy’s mechanics, the better equipped you’ll be to make people laugh. So let’s explore these ideas together, and if you feel inspired, maybe you’ll even decide to take a comedy class and try performing for yourself.

Comedy: My Career, My Experimentation

For the past 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of touring, writing for shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and performing on stage countless times. Through all these experiences, I’ve come to see comedy as both an art and a science.

One of my biggest influences was George Carlin. Working with him was a revelation. He once told me he could predict with almost perfect certainty whether a joke would land before even stepping on stage. Naturally, I asked him how he did it.

His answer was simple but profound: “It’s because the joke contains all the necessary elements for it to be funny.”

Of course, George didn’t hand me a magic formula or a checklist to follow. Instead, he encouraged me to figure it out myself. So over the years, through trial, error, and plenty of laughs, I’ve pieced together the key elements that make a joke work—timing, surprise, relatability, and much more. Now, I’m excited to share those insights with you.

Timing: More Than Just the Punchline

You’ve probably heard the saying, “It’s all about timing.” But what does that really mean in the context of comedy?

Timing is far more than delivering the punchline at just the right moment. It’s about authentic communication. Comedy isn’t just about getting to the joke; it’s about engaging with the audience and creating a rhythm that flows naturally.

Take something as simple as leaving a voicemail. If you rush through it too quickly, people struggle to keep up. If you drag it out, it comes across as sarcastic or mocking. That’s timing in action, even in everyday scenarios.

On stage, it’s no different. You have to pay attention to your audience’s reactions—whether verbal or non-verbal—and adjust your delivery. Effective timing is about being attuned to what the audience is giving you and responding in kind.

Laughter: It Has a Formula—But It’s Not That Simple

One of the things I love to teach is that laughter is not a random occurrence—it’s a response that’s deeply ingrained in our biology. There are several key “laughter triggers,” with surprise being one of the most powerful.

For example, I once shared a story about teaching my daughter to tie her shoes. When she said, “Dad, I can’t!” I replied, “How many times have I told you not to use that word? I’m not your dad.”

The twist is unexpected, and the laugh comes from both the absurdity of the response and the defiance of conventional wisdom. Comedy thrives on these moments where expectations are turned upside down.

Observational Comedy: Finding Humor in the Mundane

A lot of great comedy comes from seeing connections that others might miss. Observational humor works because it finds humor in the everyday—often by pointing out the contradictions or absurdities in normal life.

For example, I once called an old friend who’s a cosmetologist to schedule a haircut. When she said, “I can do you on Saturday,” I responded, “Sure, but can you cut my hair too?”

With a friend, that line is funny. With a stranger, not so much. Context is everything, and understanding who you’re talking to is crucial in making observational humor land.

Navigating Comedy in the Age of Political Correctness

In today’s world, where political correctness is a hot-button issue, telling jokes can be a tightrope walk. As a comedian, I have to be mindful of how I address sensitive topics like race, gender, and cultural norms—but I don’t shy away from them. Comedy has the power to explore uncomfortable truths, and when done with care, it can defuse tension.

For instance, I once joked, “White people, I see you getting tense when I mention race. I know because buttholes pucker—that’s science!”

Jokes like these work because they allow the audience to laugh at the discomfort, making it easier to talk about tough issues.

Parenting: A Never-Ending Source of Material

Being a dad has provided me with an endless supply of material. One of my favorite stories involves teaching my daughter how to tell knock-knock jokes. She loved the joke:

“Knock-knock.”
“Who’s there?”
“Interrupting cow.”
“Interrupting cow wh—MOO!”

She couldn’t get enough of it, and she even tried to tell it to her teacher. Unfortunately, the teacher didn’t get the setup and just said, “Come in.” The joke bombed, but I still laugh about it to this day.

Parenting is a goldmine for humor, and moments like these remind me that comedy transcends age, language, and even cultural differences.

Dissecting the Joke: Proving Erma Bombeck Wrong

So, have I disproven Erma Bombeck’s claim? In my opinion, yes. Breaking down a joke doesn’t kill it; it equips you with the tools to make it even better. Understanding why a joke works—not just how it works—helps you fine-tune your craft.

Whether it’s crafting the perfect punchline, honing your timing, or navigating sensitive topics, knowing the mechanics behind laughter can make you a more effective comedian.

If this process resonates with you, and you’re eager to learn more about the art and science of stand-up comedy, I encourage you to consider joining a comedy class. In class, you’ll learn how to structure jokes, understand audience dynamics, and use your own unique perspective to craft material that connects with others.

Comedy isn’t just about telling jokes—it’s about forming a bond with the audience, helping them see the world in a different way. So, watch the video, see if you agree with my take, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll want to try your hand at comedy.

After all, laughter is the best medicine, and creating it is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.