Joke structures

Rule of threeList two normal things, then a surprising third.
"Things I need for a road trip: snacks, a playlist, and a lawyer."
MisdirectionSet up an obvious assumption, then reveal a different meaning in the punchline.
"I told my boss I need a raise because three companies are after me. Gas, electric and water."
ExaggerationTake a real feeling and blow it up to impossible size.
"My phone battery drops so fast it has its own obituary."
Comparison / analogy'X is like Y': find the unexpected similarity.
"Assembling furniture is like a marriage. Instructions are optional until everything collapses."
Act-outDo the voice of the object, animal or person.
"My smart speaker, every morning: 'I heard "play jazz". Ordering 40 pounds of jam.'"
CallbackBring back an earlier joke later in a new context.
"…and that's why the lawyer is now also in the group chat."
Observational 'Have you noticed…'Point at a shared, specific everyday experience.
"Why does every hotel shower have six knobs and no water?"
Reversal / role swapFlip who has the power.
"My cat doesn't wake me up. She schedules a meeting."

Writing habits

Find the specific detail. 'A car' isn't funny; 'a 2004 minivan with one working door' is.
Put the funniest word last.
Cut every word you don't need. Then cut one more.
Ask: what's the hidden truth everybody feels but nobody says?
Write 10 punchlines for each setup and keep the third-weirdest.
Say it out loud. If you run out of breath, it's too long.
Punch up, not down: aim at power, systems and yourself, not vulnerable people.