Two Ways To Tell A Story - Five Minutes Funnier

Story telling in stand-up is different from being a story teller. For one thing you have two ways to play it, either just tell the story with minimal embellishment because the payoff is so good or tell the story and be a kibitzer it at the same time - useful if it's a good story but you're not confident in the pay-off. Either way works, you just have to know which one to use.
Link to Jim's Story episode: • Five Minutes Funnier -...

[@JoelReadsBible]

Point of view is also important here. If the character is aware of things in the story being funny, reacting to them, commenting on them, that’s one way. But you can also have your character aloof and not aware that this is a silly situation (often if they are the butt of the joke).
My favourite is the latter, it’s more fun for me, but I certainly have a few bits that are more the former.

[@jimordowich3838]

Completely agree. The trick is knowing which approach to use to get the most bang from your buck.

[@jaymzonion]

I have a 1.5 hour set about a whirlwind weekend that is fast paced and first person. When I pick a single bit out of that set for a 5 min line-up I do it third person to set the scene and exit.

[@jimordowich3838]

That makes sense. In between is where you decide on your approach.

[@JDAndersoncomedy]

Another great video as always Jimmy, and very insightful. Actually gave me a great idea for a bit about 30 seconds in - THANKS for that! :) It's SO important to be aware of what's "best for the bit" and stay within that. Not a bad idea to go back, and re-evaluate unused bits, old bits, etc., and see if they can be re-worked, and approached from other angles, to see if they work better. You are all wise and powerful Thanks again, and please keep 'em coming! :)

[@jimordowich3838]

Hi praise again. I think I need to be on a shorter pedestal. It's like the Wizard of Oz - you never want to look behind the curtain. If it inspires something then I consider this episode a win.