What Makes a Good Premise?
Here’s the thing about comedy: it all starts with the premise. The premise is like the foundation of a house—if it’s shaky, the whole thing comes tumbling down faster than a bad Tinder date. So, what makes a good premise for a joke? Let’s break it down.
1. Relatability
A good premise hits on something the audience knows. It’s like saying, “Hey, we’re all in this together.” Whether it’s about relationships, work, or why airline peanuts are a crime against humanity, the best premises are universal. But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t have to be something everyone has lived. It just has to feel familiar enough to resonate. Think about your weird uncle who always brings his own silverware to family dinners. We all have one of those—or at least, we know someone who does.
2. Surprise
Comedy is all about the unexpected. A good premise should set up an idea that feels familiar but then veer off into uncharted territory. It’s like watching a magician pull a rabbit out of a hat, but the rabbit has a tiny top hat and is holding a smaller rabbit. The twist keeps people intrigued. If your premise doesn’t have a touch of surprise, it’s like serving toast at a wedding. Sure, it’s fine, but where’s the pizzazz?
3. Specificity
“Relationships are hard” is not a premise. It’s an observation—and a boring one at that. But “My boyfriend got mad because I used his fancy shampoo on the dog”? Now that’s something we can work with. Specificity makes a premise stand out. It’s like seasoning in cooking; it’s what separates a bland chicken breast from a five-star meal. Get into the nitty-gritty details, because that’s where the magic happens.
4. Emotional Stakes
A good premise has something at stake. Maybe you’re dealing with embarrassment, frustration, or sheer bewilderment. When there’s emotion tied to the premise, the audience can’t help but lean in. Think of it this way: if you don’t care about what you’re saying, why should the audience?
5. Self-Awareness
Let’s not take ourselves too seriously here. Comedy is at its best when it’s self-aware. A great premise often pokes fun at the absurdity of the situation—or at the person telling the joke. If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing out on a goldmine of material.
Putting It All Together
Let me give you an example of how these elements work in harmony. Imagine you’re at a hotel, and you notice there’s a Bible in the nightstand. Relatable, right? We’ve all seen that. Now add a twist: you open it, and there’s a $20 bill stuck in Exodus. Why? Is it a divine tip jar? Boom—you’ve got surprise. Now, get specific: what if the $20 has a note that says, “For room service only”? And don’t forget the emotional stakes: are you tempted to take the money? Do you feel guilty? See how it builds? That’s the anatomy of a good joke premise.
Final Thoughts
The best premises are like a good cocktail: they have the right mix of ingredients to keep people coming back for more. Relatable, surprising, specific, emotional, and self-aware—that’s the recipe. So the next time you’re working on a joke, start with a solid premise. If it’s good enough, the punchline will almost write itself. Almost. You still have to do the work, but hey, if comedy were easy, everyone would be funny.
Now go out there and make ‘em laugh—because the world could always use more laughter, one solid premise at a time.
