When you start comedy, you will sound like your favorite comedian. If you love Seinfeld, you'll do observational bits. If you love Burr, you'll do angry rants. This is normal. It's how we learn.
But to be great, you need to find your voice.
What is "Voice"?
Your comedic voice is the lens through which you see the world. It is your unique combination of: * Attitude: Are you optimistic? Cynical? Confused? Angry? * Subject Matter: Do you talk about politics? Family? Pop culture? * Energy: Are you high energy or low energy?
The Exercise: The "Why" Game
Take a joke you wrote. Ask "Why did I write this?" * Joke: "Dating apps are awful." * Why? "Because I feel judged." * Why? "Because I'm insecure about my height." * Why? "Because my dad was tall."
Keep digging. The deeper you go, the more specific and original the material becomes. "Dating apps are awful" is hack. "I resent dating apps because they remind me I'm shorter than my father" is a voice.
Be Authentic
The audience pulls for the person who is being the most honest. If you are a nerd, don't try to be a tough guy. If you are a tough guy, don't try to be whimsical. Lean into who you actually are.