How to Write a Joke like Chris Rock

In this video, Jerry demonstrates how to write a joke like Chris Rock by showing you how Chris uses incongruity with the listing technique and how many more jokes can be written if you really make those lists.
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[@Rob_Baker1962]

The listing technique is essentially a structured approach to brainstorming. Makes perfect sense.

[@GavinHarrisComedian]

Jerry, I have to thank the fella that wrote ‘no one writes like this’... As this video is gold and I’m guessing that we may not have got this video. You’re a legend, keep up the good work. ❤️

[@JerryCorley]

Totally, right? I have to congratulate him too for knowing everybody.

[@GavinHarrisComedian]

@@JerryCorley get out of here. I am genuinely starstruck that you have replied to me. Thank you sir. When things were normal I used to listen to your videos in the car on the way home and to work. I’m from a little place called Cornwall in the South West of England (the foot if you will) and I tell every comedian to make sure the check this channel out. 😀

[@picklerick1807]

Jerry, I've been thinking of trying stand up comedy, but couldn't find a reliable source of information until I crossed upon your channel. Thank you for the work that you do! After months of flipping back and forth, casually watching basic how to videos, your content has enabled me to at least begin my journey. Thank you x100.

[@luckytanner1357]

4 months later have you performed?

[@tmarking7]

4 years later have you performed?

[@lelloz7444]

4 years later have you performed?

[@PodoBjj]

I find my way back to your page. Chris rock's new special gave me a kick in the ass, i'm 22 years old so i know i have a spot in the comedy game. I find myself truly lucky and am very thankful for this amazing information you provide and i can see you genuinely enjoy helping others. Thank you Jerry!

[@PodoBjj]

i didnt watch the true end till now haha i have high expectations for myself.. lets just hope others accept it!

[@maximumoccupancy]

GI Jane 2, can't wait to see it!

[@veetik.6182]

Alright let me try one. Cardi B has also talked about the whole ”stripping to pay for her tuition” thing. I dont know if you guys know this but before she became a succesful rapper, she was known as Cardi A+

[@oniciamuller]

Good one

[@abijahshaleem4530]

Shit, That good!

[@NF12222]

That's pretty funny, I laughed!

[@bnusabeel]

I don't know if you guys know this but this is why she is Cardi B

[@deanjordan6045]

And before she was a stripper, she was known as simply as Cardi gan

[@trevorgoodman4895]

Don't let Chris Rock watch this video. He will start writing his own comedy and stop hiring writers.

[@jonathanprofitt5649]

😂😂😂

[@lksample]

For an old man living in a basement, you are pretty funny

[@OwlDollar]

Typical loser response. Go to the negative Jerry trying help people what's your point?

[@awfullyperson]

She put on the freshman 15 but before graduation, she took it all off!

[@d2dar459]

@JerryCorley Its great that u used an established example of this so we can see it in action in real time. It helped me put the pieces together for how to use this technique. Thanks.

[@personaldevelopmentuniversity]

You've truly done a lot for Comedy. Jerry Corley is a gift to the world.

[@TCOCH]

I just got my PDF, thanks Jerry! I’ve been trying to write jokes for a while now but your videos are really helping me put thoughts on paper.

[@obelajohnpaul]

Send me a copy

[@sparkster1010]

Your one of the best technique explainers ive ever seen. Thank you for the laughs and great advice

[@lopezklu]

Thank you for putting this out there for free

[@KVBanksLive]

I’ve been following you for about a month and a half and I’ve learn A LOT about comedy. I did a half hour set for an event in Oct and the people loved me. They asked me to come back in Nov. I didn’t think I could create a new set half hour set. I did most of the jokes I had the first time. But after watching your videos and applying those techniques, I was able to create a fresh half hour set with 90% new material! The other 10% were still new because I redid them and took a new approach to them. These videos are awesome and have helped out a lot! Thanks Jerry.

[@JerryCorley]

K.V. Banks So glad to hear that the videos have helped. And that’s awesome! You’re obviously putting the work in to get to new material.

[@riohillman]

Thanks for sharing. I’m going to use this technique to rewrite some of my jokes.

[@JeZ_ZeR]

Love your videos. So much science and technique behind being funny. Not as easy as people think.

[@DorianTwist]

Loving this channel. I’ve been watching all of it. I’m more of a sketch/skit writer but, this stuff really helps me think of other types of jokes.

[@ajstill1764]

"Lego has replaced Ferrari as the world's most popular brand? Yeah right, try fucking a super model after showing her your legos". This dude spits gold I love it.

[@xilo3012]

I cant write a joke. I'm saving money to buy a pen.

[@intricate2921]

Oh my god 😂😂😂

[@JerryCorley]

Funny. Proof that some of the best jokes are the simple jokes. But is it plausible? Saving money to buy a pen? Check the couch cushions. You’ll find 3 of them and enough change to buy 3 more. 😉

[@marparty0]

Thank you so much for doing this and I realized that a lot of are using this technique during their comedy Acts.

[@feracosta8209]

Hey Jerry, thanks for the tipps, it actually helped a lot on how to organise ideas to deliver laughter more effectively! much love mate!

[@desmondwilliams7174]

I wanted to be a professor so I could make it rain late night papers 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@FatBeardBob]

I appreciate your videos helping others learn comedy. The listing technique is simply brainstorming. All writers use a similar technique.

[@hiandrewfisher]

First video on writing comedy I've seen that I can use right away. Great video

[@footlongsubzero1128]

Thanks. I'm just giving comedy a try. Can't wait to open the pdf

[@221cbakerstreet5]

Just used this trick to tighten up a bit I knew had potential but needed to get sharpened and more to the point. Thanks Jerry, I hope to do some stage sometime with you in the future.

[@raymondphilip6232]

My aha! moment has finally come THANK YOUUUUUUU I now realise that to make a joke you only need 2 simple distinct things, combine it and voila! You got yourself a joke! Well at least that covers the 50% of the essentials.. And I like the idea of writing everything down about those 2 distinct things izgewd 👍

[@dennismurphy911]

I appreciate these videos both for the great info and for regular inspiration to keep at it. Thank you, Jerry

[@boosyourdaddypodcast9983]

Just discovered this video. It's amazing. Thanks so much for your education and knowledge

[@loganphillips8887]

I love this. I try and write in so many ways which can be stressful. Like on stage and off. Writing the whole joke out or a sentence to remember it. I can never decide which way to do it as chappelle and rock seem to work it out onstage so its conversational.

[@xilo3012]

Write a joke is not stressfull. 2000 jokes yes.

[@mayhemx9]

I just got the pdf thank you.

[@JerryCorley]

Glad you got it.

[@dougk7075]

Jerry, thanks for the tips.

[@thelaughingphilosopher2421]

You're a Brilliant Comedy Teacher, Mr. Corley Sir! I hope you keep making these videos for another 100 years! Keep going! It's Great Stuff! God Bless!!!

[@DekyMillar]

Love your content and tips for comedy writing and this method of listing two dissimilar ideas is the easy way to get the best materials

[@JerryCorley]

Interestingly enough, some people find this technique difficult, but with practice it becomes easier. There are 13 major comedy structures in comedy writing. This is just one of them.

[@DekyMillar]

Jerry Corley It does get easier with practice. I’d love to learn the other ways to get the best material Respect #onelove

[@DekyMillar]

Woman are so unfair in relationships.. My girlfriend was watching Gordon Ramsay and asked me if i fancy a quick snack. “watching things about food makes her hungry.” She said. I thought a sandwich would be nice.... I said “but after that can I watch porn,? because watching things like that makes me horny”.... I thought a blow-job would be nice.... She didn’t even make me a sandwich.

[@luckytanner1357]

Hmmm I would get her to watch the nature channel. Just sayin'. My favorite is Meercat mating season: "Cats gone wild".

[@diddiecapitan2951]

You sir just blew my mind 🤩 This idea gave me the structure I needed hopefully Cleaning lady vs boss at home idea I have a personal story I’d like to try in this format Thanks for the brilliant content 🙏

[@oniciamuller]

Thanks! I've been doing comedy for a bit. I was searching for how to manufacture my funny vs waiting for lightning to strike. Subscribed!

[@JerryCorley]

Thanks Onicia. What comedians do you relate to? Or your favorites? They will usually guide you to your voice early on. Then watch them, transcribe 3-5 minutes of their set. Study the mechanics, break it down, play with it, try to find a better punchline, (just for practice of course).

[@Ophethxxd]

Repetition is the mother of learning. so i plan to watch 10-15 minutes of this video everyday 4/24

[@xilo3012]

Yes. This way you'll remember everything and In 20 years you'll have the money of the photo

[@Pinkpalmpuff_lover1234]

Thank you Jerry. Very nice of you to share these valuable information.

[@henners6215]

The President just proposed a settlement in the Stormy Daniel lawsuit, giving all strippers a full ride scholarship to Trump University.

[@JerryCorley]

Nice, Henners! You realize you have two jokes here right? Always ask yourself what the audience’s possible response might be. After you say “full-ride,” you’re going to get a laugh. (You could even drop “scholarship”). Then add “to Trump University” after the pause. Then you could add an act-out of Trump getting a lap dance...(TRUMP VOICE): Okay, I only want the ladies who have D’s or Double D’s.” Some version thereof.

[@frozengamer3030]

Excellent video.

[@Willfitzcomedy]

great tutelage, thanks :)

[@shanethomas6933]

Awesome video Jerry, there was a couple laugh out loud jokes in there! Looking forward to watching more of your content!

[@noisepuppet]

First time I've ever seen a graduation ceremony with a two drink minimum.

[@noisepuppet]

I'll never forget what the Dean said that day. "Twenty bucks for a Michelob!?"

[@noisepuppet]

Dammit, someone beat me to this one by five years

[@JerryCorley]

Haha! Made me laugh.

[@Mychannel-fw5mb]

Ian laughing way too hard at “what do strippers study in psych?…daddy issues “ 😂

[@easyflowing]

It’s a skillset. Thank you, this gives me s lot of hope ☺️

[@xilo3012]

You have to donate him then. For hope its 100 dollars.

[@theguyfromberlin]

brilliant stuff. thank you Jerry.

[@JT-kb8kz]

Hey Jerry!! Can you teach how to convert a joke which gives a chuckle to an applause break? Btw thanks for all these videos🤗🤗

[@richardleibowitz2065]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your wisdom ! You really have this shit down pat!

[@aayushdwivedi3145]

Jerry ill be honest here... when i saw that video about listing technique i was quite skeptical as well... i mean its like you mentioned that not every joke out of 10 is gonna be a killer and since you were not performing but just reciting jokes in that video i did'nt found them funny.... but after watching this vid my mind is just blown. i mean from now on you are my go to guy when it comes to learn writing jokes (although my validation doesnt really matter😂😂 ) i have one more small request from you though... can you suggest other great comedians like Cris Rock whom i can analyse while using listing techniques... cheers😅

[@vikrantkabuliwala]

Here are my three: 1. Even if she got a degree, student loans will keep her on the pole for years. 2. There will be at least one subject she will ace without studying because she knows the professor from work. If it's the dean, she will dance her way through college. If it's one of the trustees, there's a scholarship. 3. Her dance class partners are in to learn some new moves.

[@ajokebeforeicroak]

Thanks so much-I’m glad I found you-I’m very good at song parodies-but my jokes need work

[@andrewdorman9907]

Loved the video, do you have videos of other home writing techniques? For example how would I write a joke based on something I laughed at in my life/ a funny story that happened?

[@luckytanner1357]

If you're black just throw in some F bombs and N words. If you're White just talk about how you're depressed about how chicks don't dig you. It's pretty straightforward.

[@Otherpeoplesbuisness]

How you used know body and everybody to prove your point was a cold punch

[@morganthesyndicate1333]

This man is a genius!

[@johntynan8161]

Great advice thank you sir

[@toodle171]

Hi, Jerry thanks for this. I am working hard to become more than just moderately humourous.

[@chrismi.3338]

Thank you💯💯

[@alvonsingh8399]

When I was in college I was failing my economics and finance class, I went to my TA and asked her if she would be willing to tutor me. She said if you want my help meet me at this address tonight, when I looked up the address it turned out to be a strip club, so it appears that my TA was an expert in TNA. I arrived at the strip club later that night and I found my TA. she said if you want me to tutor you, you have to buy a lap dance. I figured what the hell I need to pass this course anyways. What happened next changed my life, ladies and gentleman by the end of the night I became a master at economics and finance. After seeing her entire portfolio I had stimulated the economy by $100, and given the insensitives she was offering for additional investment spending, I was ready to create generational wealth with her.

[@justinsjourney3224]

Chris also did that funny, funnier, and funniest method as well. More advanced rule of 3's. "Funniest" being the Smart Lap Dance Joke. Then he acts out that funniest joke at the top of the rule of 3 hierarchy as a rule of 3 all its own. Awesome!

[@luckytanner1357]

ka-wha? you just blew my mind man. I'm beginning to think stand up is stripping for ugly dudes!

[@RenanHutap]

Hey Jerry, love your videos. I don't have a twitter so I'll try to ask this here... could you please do a video talking about Bill Hicks? I'd love to see your comments about him. Thanks from Brazil.

[@JerryCorley]

Corredor Vermelho Great comment! I love Bill Hicks. I will do a deconstruction of some Bill Hicks soon! Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.

[@zach8439]

fuck yes!

[@manojjainism]

@@JerryCorley thats very supportive and kind of you ,thanks for that

[@billysmart24830732]

When the International Space Station found out Jerry Corley was their comedian, half of them suited up and tried to hitchhike home. Look forward to your improved re-write.....if there is one.....hopefully not two because that would mean my joke had LOTS of room for improvement and my ego tells me there should be none to little.

[@Royrlow]

Graduated at the top of her pole😅😅😅😆😆😆good one

[@Ben.Standup]

Thanks doc

[@seanflancomedy]

Hey Jerry I'll be in Vegas for a few days around july 4th... any open mikes you recommend or shows I can book for beginners? Thanks, Sean

[@tatemcilwain1775]

i did what you said but i used music and construction I like listening to black metal. Its not always the right thing, I find it so hard to sleep to, but I find black metal specifically is great music to listen to if you’re feeling anxiety. For those of you who don’t know what black metal sounds like it’s basically just the sound of a noisy construction site, that’s all it is. Probably sounds like noise to you but its beautiful to me. Sometimes you actually get metal heads moshing outside construction sites. Just a whole bunch of depressed teenagers, with obscenely long hair, dressed all in black head banging, ramming into each other and throwing around a pigs head to the sound of a jack hammer and an out of sync reversing tractor. I mean honestly I when they said we built this city on rock and roll I’m not sure that’s what they meant.

[@nyeso7445]

Great video just had to like and get notifications. Right now i love comedy and want to do it but I'm worried about how long it will take before I can consider making a living from it as my parents aren't going to be very patient.

[@mattgarry1967]

Depends on how good you are. It likely would be years before you make a GOOD living.

[@donworry8026]

Thank u soo much. This help a lot

[@magicofaman]

Hey Jerry! I love your videos as they really break down comedy and WHY we find certain things funny. It's the WHY that is really hard to pin point in this profession! I'm an aspiring comic, still learning the ropes and I have a question for you: How/Why can some comics 'get away' with saying something about another race or group of people and NOT come off as racist or offensive. I'd like to know how that works. For example, Russel Peters bangs on racial differences but doesn't come off as racist or offensive at all while some other comics get a negative response and actually offend the audience. I'm so curious as to how this works, please I'd love for you to break it down. Thanks!

[@luckytanner1357]

because he shows the audience he is a good guy, and he's being authentic not malicious. Plus he's a Canadian, they can say anything eh. Is he black as well? didn't notice.

[@zanysideup]

Daaaamn the jokes are good. You're a genius!

[@baronbullshyster2996]

There’s three sorts of strippers at college , “ones that can count and ones that can’t!”

[@AdamSusserComedy]

Thanks for this Jeff!

[@vinayjayadev3880]

Thanks a lot !!!

[@MrFloyj319]

Can you do a segment on how to write like Dave Chappelle

[@yourfriendabby7088]

thank you for this, jerry. it's corona time and all mics are closed. it's lovely to see this. been doing comedy in a vacuum and it's nice to get a perspective like this. for me, I think the mascot oughtta be a pole. You also gave me a little match girl joke, so thank you. (still not sure how the two disparate ideas verge and how, but I'll explore and I appreciate the exerCise)! ps... do you talk about organizing material somewhere? I'd like a tip on that if you have one. (thank you)

[@JerryCorley]

The mascot is a pole! 😂😂 The thought just made me chuckle.

[@jeykaegn7898]

Good stuff man.

[@marioivanberriozabalreyes7240]

you should come to Mexico to give one course. I have learned a lot watching your videos.

[@tasharae888]

Thank uuu

[@SimplyTerrell]

Good video I’m trying work more natural comedy in my videos of course appreciate this.

[@ajokebeforeicroak]

I’ve studied & studied-I think I’ve improved-here’s my best joke...

[@jacobsweet4785]

As soon as you said stripper and college it clicked and I was like oh my goodness this guy is a genius

[@ered203]

Phyllis Diller kept a library file card system with individual jokes written on note cards that were cross referenced to type, style, clean or dirty, subject, etc.

[@007nadineL]

That's what Joan Rivers did. It was in her documentary.

[@luckytanner1357]

She also brushed her hair with a pork chop. Genius? Maybe.

[@mtuncle]

thank you

[@Carnie5life]

Question - how to write a joke like Chris rock Answer - hire writers

[@xilo3012]

If you write yourself you save money and preserve your anonymity.

[@kannon3979]

BOOM!!! and that's how you write a joke my friend. Thanks Jerry 👍

[@JerryCorley]

K Hardy Thanks brother! Always great to see a comment here from you!

[@mvdsanden]

I often stun my colleague comedians in The Netherlands speaking about your teachings on the listing technique. Too many claim it's all intuition or even art.

[@anotherf-invideo2784]

Ik niet hoor, Michel. 😉 Love this guy.

[@luckytanner1357]

I had a feeling he would say art. Dude, actions bro! WTF am I right? Nike up bro

[@Observ45er]

I view this as a way to force yourself to find metaphors, similes and analogies; pseudo-connections that you wouldn't automatically think of. This is virtually identical to something that occurred to me a while back, but not with the rigor of a list. In other words, how can I link this (perhaps mildly absurd) idea to something else for an even more absurd finish. Quite a few times this just spontaneously happened and bingo, a great joke.

[@2gingers1mic23]

She graduated with a bachelor party of arts

[@Observ45er]

+Jerry Corley, .... I don't do twitter. ... Here's a question regarding acting out. Watching, for example, Brian Regan, it seems that _for me_ he frequently draws out an action for too long. I find myself thinking: "OK I get it, got it. That's enough (over acting). Hit me with the next one, already." ... Is the idea to listen to the audience, that: as long as it is drawing out laughs just keep going?

[@ChrisTurnerLand]

Thanks for making this valuable vid! What technique do Dave Chappelle & Brian Regan write with?

[@siheedsalaam4712]

Goats are always bald🐐 Awesome video.💪🏾

[@finetracksfine]

Full ride 😂

[@paulvato]

I Phelta Thi? And always remember, if you can't get a date, Tri Delt!

[@fitjunkie6246]

Hi, great video however how do I come up with set ups? I know you can use the news sites but that's more for monologue Jokes. Thanks.

[@luckytanner1357]

Hire on as a plumber's apprentice. No shortage of set ups there! Trust me.

[@darrenjoewatson]

I cant see the pdf download? Thanks

[@pattystomper1]

14:50 The jokes you invent had me laughing. I wrote a list of jokes shortly after seeing Miley Cyrus at the 2013 VMA's. Since Robin Thicke was dressed funny and standing behind her while she twerked, I had to think of something that I could compare it with. Any part of it, such as "twerking", or how Robin wore a striped suit like Beetlejuice, etc. I decided to go with the name, "Robin", and thought of Batman's sidekick. My joke had several punchlines. What's the difference between Miley Cyrus and The Batmobile? - If you see Robin in back, wearing a silly costume, it's not the Batmobile. - One has a weird shaped body and screams like a jet... The other one is The Batmobile. - One can be quickly taken out by a bat... So yes, lists do work. Thanks for the laughs.

[@luckytanner1357]

luckily nobody read these.

[@xilo3012]

It took you 6 years to write this jokes? May be you have to wait more time...

[@kasi735]

Thanks a lot Jerry! How much time do you spend on the listing? Do you think 30 mins per list is appropriate (60 for both)? Thanks and best regards from Berlin

[@JerryCorley]

kasi I usually spend about 15-20 mins. per list initially.

[@kasi735]

Alright, thanks Jerry!

[@BuddyQuaid]

Impressive

[@justinsanton9622]

I got a lapdance from a stripper in the college library, and lets just say...she did it by the book.

[@nicksewell6642]

By the books*

[@agentsmith413]

idk if you read the comments much but the link isn't working for me. any idea why?