How to actually write satire

By: Selina Son

The essence of satire is to laugh with, not at. The article should consist of a strong, clear direction and needs to be approved by the subject. The audience needs to be aware that it is satire. 

Types of satire: 

• Polls 

• Profile page (mascots, students, etc.) 

• Article (short succession of paragraphs) 

• Tips & Tricks from an expert 

Brainstorming: Think of a creative concept or “theme.” Ask yourself “what’s relevant on the Internet,” what can you make fun of that doesn’t cross the line of “offensive.” 

For inspiration, check theonion.com. 

Ask “what” you want to satirize and why. 

Make sure it is local to the school - satire works only in the context of reliability. 

Headline 

• Write a clever Headline. 

  • Think of a Mr. Beast YouTube or BuzzFeed clickbait title. The headline should explain your concept and skew “absurd” to make the audience click out of curiosity. 

• Your headline can be short. Try to include:

  • Common modern slang words, puns, onomatopoeias, rhymes, similes, or metaphors

• Subject + simple present tense verbs 

Chat GPT is good with puns but not coming up clever, on-the-line one-liners. 

If Polls

You are in charge of making the quotes. Make at least five. 

• Question or exclamation marks are allowed

• Make sure it’s funny 

  • Run it through your friends, editors, and adviser(s), 

  • It shouldn’t put down a person or thing 

“Interviews” 

MANDATORY FIRST STEP: Explain and make sure the subject understands it’s satire and read them the quotes that will be placed under their name. 

• Take a headshot of your interviewees: mask off, making a fun gesture or pose or holding a prop

  • Expressions should align with the tone of the quote. 

• Get their name, spelling and title. 

Featured Image 

• Use one quote and take a photo of the subject in an “action-packed” motion. Put the quote as a caption. 

• Collage of all the interviewed subjects. 

• Illustration.