Deadpan development?

Question: Deadpan development!?

I would like to inquire on any tips to unlock the deadpan approach to expression!. I have far too often a tendency to kill a joke from laughing, and the problem is, the jokes are not scripted, they are spur of the moment and I'm not even quite expecting what I am saying!. Please Theater and Acting Entourage, help me exploit the monotony of expression for some good ol' fun!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

deadpan is all about taking what you're saying seriously!. you mean it!. it's not funny!.!.!.it's just what you think!. try some exerises where you try reading something deadpan and then read it with some color and expression and kinda feel the difference!. maybe even try some jokes!. just don't think about the humor in the situation!.!.!.although when peoples' own jokes crack them up, that can be pretty funny too, especially when the jokes are not!. try watching some comedians: steven wright (probably one of the best deadpan comics out there), ellen degeneres does deadpan well

and i wouldn't try making your deadpan monotonous!.!.!.it's not about that really!. it's about taking what you're saying seriously!. like you're imparting important details that if not listened to might result in disembowelment!. good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

I am not sure that this can be taught!. It is all in the eyes, and in the timing!.

In a nutshell, do not laugh at your own jokes!. Take it seriously!. If the joke is funny, it is funny!. Do not telegraph that to your audience!. Nothing kills a joke more effectively!.

Look to Steven Wright, Buster Keaton (The Great Stone Face) and the Master of timing, Jack Benny!.

I think the best example of what NOT to do was done by Chevy Chase in his (mercifully short-lived) variety/talk show!.
Pee-yooo!.

A great example of totally stinking up the room was done by the incomparable Bruno Kirby in Good Morning Vietnam (1987)!.
It takes a brilliant comedian to pull off a character THAT un-funny!. I cringed for him as much as I did for Albert Brooks' character in Broadcast News (also 1987)!.

In short, timing is everything!.Www@QuestionHome@Com