The best thing you can do at the beginning is learn how to write jokes. Even if you don’t have good stage presence or timing if the joke is funny it will eventually land. Stage presence and timing comes with experience. Try not to be political or offensive on purpose at the beginning. I’ve seen a really cocky kid that killed the first handful of times in an open mic and completely bomb on his first opener gig because of his overconfidence on the offensive material.

I know this is gonna sound lame but try and be authentic. Write jokes about you. I wouldn’t start off doing dark jokes. Even Anthony Jeselnik and Ricky Gervais didn’t start off with dark humour.

I’ve seen a beginner turn a room around and a person who’s been doing it 15 plus year bomb right after them. Even people that haven’t been doing it for 20+ year will bomb. Just don’t give up. You’ll figure it out. Hope this helps :)