Paul Sinha amd Andre Vincent tell CW how to get a laugh
Baffled frowns, offended stares, or just the faint swish of tumbleweed blowing softly in the wind-Creactions we’re all too familiar with after trying to be funny. Since the wildly popular Punchline Comedy Club is in town this month, stand-up comedians Andre Vincent and John Sinha helped us out with some of their top joke-telling tips.

1) Take some risks--everyone loves comedians who push a few buttons
Once people have made the decision to watch comedy, they don't tend to take themselves too seriously, so it's worth throwing in a few mildly offensive jokes. People like to be shocked! Vincent's an old pro: "As far as hitting nerves go, I'm like a drunk dentist with Parkinson's."

2) Do the right kind of research
"I have more Time Out and Lonely Planet guides at home than can possibly be healthy,"says Sinha "but I think it really helps to be in the thick of things." Our comedians recommend walking around an audience beforehand, listening to the chit chat to get an idea about what they may find funny. Culture-specific jokes go down like a storm if you get it right, and like a lead balloon if not. "I had a line in Singapore about their government banning Brokeback Mountain because of the excessive gum chewing that went on throughout the film," Sinha remembers. "Luckily the audience liked it!"

3) Know your audience
Thais love a bit of slapstick, the English don't mind being teased, and you're definitely onto a winner with rude jokes for an Aussie audience. So what about the Chinese? "Last time I brought my routine to China someone copied it, did it cheaper and performed it with inferior material," Vincent tells us. Boom boom.

4) Accept when jokes just ain't funny
"You have an inkling about whether a joke is good or bad, but until the audience responds, it is hard to tell. Many ideas that I thought were hilarious, have died a horrible death," says Sinha. Vincent agrees: "If they laugh it's good, if they groan it could still be good, if the audience just stares till their eyes bleed, it might be time to drop the joke." Thanks for the tip.

5) Above all, don't try too hard...
Forget pouring through your Lonely Planet finding material for a tortured gag about Shanghainese driving habits--"When I arrive in any city, I'm looking for a comfortable bed, good weather and great food," says Sinha. "Any jokes are a bonus."

Ai Hua Lun

Details

What: Punchline Comedy Club
When: June 13, 7:30pm
Where: O'Malley's Irish Pub
Cost: ￥325