Samurai Code of Comedy: On questions

One should avoid asking questions on stage if they are in a setup of a joke. “Do you guys like blank?” Asking an audience question gives them the option to answer verbally (which can take the attention away from you and disrupt the show) and it allows them to form an opinion on that subject and possibly get lost in their own thought, even for a second. “No, I don't like blank, I actually haven't thought of blank in so long I forgot about it. Why is everyone laughing; what did I miss” thinks an audience member.

Do not let the audience think that you are talking about something just because they approve of it. You are in control. By not asking a question, you can avoid finding out in advance if an audience doesn't want material on a certain topic. What if you ask "Do you guys like rock climbing?" and no one does? Do you do the rock climbing material? Because now the audience knows that no one is interested in rock climbing. Instead say "I like rock climbing" or take the opposite approach "I do not like rock climbing". By writing a set free of questions, a comedian shows that s/he is in charge.

Samurai Code of Comedy: On time

I want to write a book about open mic comedy, and for whatever reason I want to model it after the hagakure.

On Time:

Each performer gets a designated amount of time to perform; typically newer comedians get less time because they have less experience and less material. It is very important to stick to your time because doing so shows that you respect the other comedians and you know your place in the community. If a comedian goes long; that could potentially bump another comedian off the list for that night; or if one is not doing well yet they continue for too long the audience might grow uninterested (which makes it harder for other comedians). As always, a comedians goal is to make the audience laugh and to get invited back to the show. A good way to do that is to stick to your time.