Scott Dikkers: Write down ten opinions about anything

I’ve published a bunch of good comedy-related stuff coming from writing guru (and standup fan) David Perell here before…

Here’s a new one: David Perell interviewed Scott Dikkers, former editor-in-chief of The Onion, for his “How I Write” show.

Before the episode, I went up to Scott and said, “I have one goal for this: I want to start writing funny. You know how to do it. Can you teach me everything you've learned?"

For those who won’t go all the way, here’s a quickie summary (via ChatGPT):

Comedy isn’t mysterious talent—it’s a craft. Dikkers argues that humor can be learned through repeatable techniques, deliberate practice, and a systematic approach rather than waiting for inspiration.

• Everything starts with point of view (POV). Funny writing isn’t just about jokes—it’s about having a clear opinion or perspective. Comedy comes from how you see the world.

• Write a lot. The biggest mistake beginners make is not producing enough work. Instead of polishing one piece forever, write hundreds or thousands of jokes, headlines, or short pieces. Quantity builds quality.

• Start with opinions. A practical exercise: write down ten opinions about anything. Most humor grows from an observation or judgment, not random silliness.

• Notice what’s “off.” Great comedians constantly observe everyday life and record small inconsistencies or behaviors others recognize but haven’t articulated.

• Push ideas further than feels comfortable. Once you find a funny premise, exaggerate it. Half-committing usually isn’t funny; fully embracing absurdity often is.

• Use “funny filters.” Dikkers identifies 11 mechanisms for generating humor:

  • Irony

  • Character

  • Shock

  • Hyperbole

  • Wordplay

  • Reference

  • Madcap (wild physical absurdity)

  • Parody

  • Analogy

  • Misplaced focus

  • Meta-humor

  These are tools you can consciously apply to an idea.

• Keep the premise simple. Beginners often cram in too many jokes. A single clear comedic idea, explored consistently, is usually stronger.

• Layer your humor. The broad joke should be accessible to everyone, while deeper references or subtler ideas reward attentive readers. The Simpsons is cited as a model for balancing mass appeal with intellectual depth.

• Context matters. Comedy works better when there’s a “straight” frame that contrasts with the absurdity. The Onion‘s newspaper style makes its ridiculous headlines funnier because the presentation stays completely serious.

• Stay in character. Especially in satire, don’t wink at the audience. The funniest Onion articles read like genuine news reports about impossible events.

• Separate creation from editing.

  • Clown brain: Generate ideas freely without judging them.

  • Editor brain: Come back later and refine ruthlessly.

  Mixing the two too early kills creativity.

If you want to become funnier as a writer:

1. Keep a notebook of everyday observations.

2. Write ten opinions whenever you’re stuck.

3. Pick one idea and exaggerate it.

4. Apply one “funny filter” instead of many.

5. Write frequently rather than endlessly revising.

6. Draft without self-editing, then revise later with fresh eyes.

The overall message is that professional comedy is less about innate wit and more about developing a disciplined process: observe carefully, generate lots of ideas, structure them around a strong point of view, and practice until the techniques become instinctive.

Consume the full thing here.