TLDR: From losing loved ones to weaning himself off drug addiction, podcaster Marc Maron has no shortage of tragedy in his life. Despite this, his sense of humor has always pulled him through. Here’s what organizations and brands can learn from him.
So What? When life throws you a curveball, it can be tough to keep your sense of humor. You might get wrapped up in your own head, feeling like the world is against you. Marc Maron is proof that laughter really is the best medicine, even in the darkest of times. Here’s how you can make that medicine work for you, too.
Introduction:
Marc Maron is a comedian and podcast host who’s known for his dark sense of humor. Best known for his podcast WTF, Maron has built a career out of exploring the funny side of life, even when things are at their worst.
While Maron might make light of his personal tragedies, there’s no doubt he’s experienced more than his fair share of pain and suffering, from losing his partner, his past drug addiction, and more.
It’s interesting how he always finds a way to laugh in the face of adversity. Here’s how Maron does it — and what we can learn.
Get Intimate
When you listen to Maron’s podcast, it’s obvious he’s not afraid to get personal. He invites his guests to open up about their own lives, and in turn, shares incredibly intimate details about his own experiences.
By just being a listener, audience members feel like they know him. That familiarity breeds a certain level of comfort. When he throws in a joke or two, it feels like he’s just one of the guys; someone who’s trying to make sense of the world, even when it seems impossible. That relatability is a big part of what makes him funny.
When you’re speaking with an audience, try to get intimate in the same way. Talk about your fears, hopes, and dreams. Be open and honest, and invite them to do the same. The more they know about you, the more they’ll be able to relate to you, and they’ll see the humor in your situation.
Be Provocative
Maron isn’t afraid to push buttons. That’s part of what makes him so uniquely funny. He knows how get people thinking and, more importantly, laughing. No matter who his guest is, he always finds a way to get under their skin and get a reaction out of them.
If you want to be funny, you need to be willing to take risks. Be provocative and push the envelope. It’s also more fun to push people’s buttons when you’re doing it in a way that gets them thinking and laughing than it is to do it in a way that makes them angry or depressed.
Craft Stories That Resonate
Maron is a master storyteller, and when humor is presented within the context of a well-crafted story, it’s even funnier. He often uses stories from his own life to illustrate his points, and because his listeners know him so well, those stories resonate.
For instance, he often tells stories about his tumultuous relationship with his father. These stories are funny, but they’re also relatable, and that’s what makes them effective.
The next time you’re trying to be funny, think about telling a story instead of just making a joke. This way, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and get laughs at the same time.
Find the Humor; Don’t Wait for It
If there’s one thing Marc Maron knows how to do, it’s find the humor in any situation. He doesn’t wait for things to be funny; he makes them funny. That’s what separates him from other comedians.
A lot of people try to be funny by waiting for the perfect opportunity, but those opportunities are few and far between. If you want to be funny, you need to create your own opportunities.
Look for the absurd in everyday situations and point it out. It’s not always easy, but if you’re relentless in your attempts to “find the funny,” you’ll eventually find it — even if it’s just turmeric.
Go Deep Into Details
Lastly, Maron is a master of going deep into the details. He doesn’t just tell stories; he offers thick details, and this is what makes his tales so interesting. They’re the details that most people would gloss over, but Maron knows it’s the details that make a story truly come to life.
The next time you’re trying to be funny, don’t just tell a surface-level story. Go deep and explore the nuance. It doesn’t matter if it’s a story from your own life or just something you saw on the news. The details are what matter.
Being funny is hard work, but if you take some cues from Marc Maron, you can up your game. With his mix of self-deprecation, honesty, and provocativeness, Maron has carved out a place for himself as one of the most successful comedians and podcasters today.
At Media Shower, we can help you infuse your communication with a bit of Maron-style humor, and you’re sure to get a few laughs. Contact us to get started.
