Table of Contents

Introduction: Manipulation, Influence and Stand-up Comedy PART 1: JOKING IS MANIPULATION Chapter 1: Why Comedians Need Manipulation Chapter 2: Safe Space: From Manipulation to Influence PART 2: THE TOOLS OF MANIPULATION Chapter 3: A Manipulative Environment Chapter 4: Manipulating Responses Chapter 5: Comic Licence and Manufacturing Consensus Chapter 6: Persona and Status PART 3: EFFICACY AND INFLUENCE Chapter 7: Is Stand-up Comedy an Appropriate Medium for Debate? Chapter 8: How Stand-up Matters Conclusion: Can Stand-up Change the World?

Promotional Information

The book reinterprets the craft of stand-up comedy as a series of manipulations and is unique in detailing the scope and extent of stand-up’s social and political influence.

About the Author

Dr Sophie Quirk is Lecturer in Drama at the University of Kent, UK, where she teaches stand-up comedy and popular performance.

Reviews

Very stimulating reading for scholars and students who are interested in [stand-up comedy's] performing and sociological aspects. It can also be a valid companion for linguists who may like to broad their understanding of the way humour is exploited and manipulated onstage.
*European Journal of Humour*