Look for the basic drama . Not sufficient difficulty, it lacks drama . If you don't have sufficient difficulty, it lacks drama . Play drama with a lower voice, not way up. Playing serious, if chuckle, don't pause, so joke areas don't work.
Audience gets the hint.
Rule of 3's , third time is of variation. Also in drama . When approaching drama and comedy you must interest the audience right off. Even in comedy, you have to have something grab the audience. Audience wants to see suffering.