HOW TO CREATE A SURPRISE




The surprise apple has red tinged flesh. Not to be confused with anothe apple of the same name. In other words, when you order a Surprise apple, you never know which one you will get, so it is always a surprise.

Surprises create laughter. Here are two ways to create surprise.

The Absurd - what if?
What if is a usual way to find a plot for novelists and fiction writers. You can also use it to create humour.

This works best if you are creating a fictional scene. You can use it to be serious. For example, you could describe yourself packing every item in your wardrobe
What if it rains - I must take an umbrella?
What if my plane is diverted to Europe? I must pack Euros.
What if Covid-19 keeps me there until next spring? I must pack my ski boots.

You then conclude with some sensible advice on packing. Using your packing list from a previous year,

The Rule of Three
Tell the audience two truthful or serious facts but end with the opposite emotion, or absurb.

For example:
What do I like about my conference?
The education.
The wonderful people I meet.
Skiving off to go swimming.

Useful Websites
https://www.a-speakers.com/speakers/brad-ashton-keynote-speaker/
 Brad Ashton's books on comedy: 
“How to Write Comedy”, 
“The funny Thing about Writing Comedy”, 
“The Job of a Laughtime”, and 
“Stand up and Be Laughed at”.

About the Author
Angela Lansbury is a travel writer and photographer, author of 20 books, and a speaker and speech trainer.
Her books include:
Wedding Speeches & Toasts
Quick Quotations
Writing Poetry For Fun
Angela's Alarming Animal Poems

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