5 Tips on How to Be Funny

1. One interesting tip I found is to try answer yes/no questions with the opposite answer of what is expected. For instance, when people think they already know the answer you will give try responding with the opposite; then of course laugh and give your real answer. The magic in this tip is that you have surprised your audience with a reversal of expectation which is always quite funny. (this really only works when there is a strong expected answer), but nevertheless a clever tip.

2. Use real-life stories not jokes. Most people rely on observational humor to make people laugh, but I think a good tip is using personal experiences for humor instead. Much like our uncontrollable laughter blogs I think the personal stories are much more humorous than an expected joke.  

3. I’ve always liked a good pun and most of the videos I watched play up that tactic as well. Using words the wrong way is funny – again, like the little green book we read each week; we never fail to laugh. Sometimes cringing at these “mistakes” is what makes them even funnier.

4. Use tension in off the cuff jokes. Tension sets up a desire to see a problem get resolved. One great tip is to simply work on building a repertoire of simple jokes that solve a problem – maybe in an unexpected way.

5. Finally, be witty not silly. Silly humor can get old really quick, but witty humor keeps the audience’s attention. Have a goal to combine spontaneity with creativity. I’ve always loved people who can regularly quip with people.

Comments

  1. Kelley's BlogApril 2, 2020 at 9:39 AM

    I also used the yes/no tip in my blog! I thought it was quite funny that Jennifer Lawrence uses this strategy a lot. I oftentimes find myself using this strategy as well. Just last night, my mom asked me if I was going to unload the dishwasher. I responded sarcastically with, "nope don't think I will- it's your turn, right?" I think adding the element of sarcasm helps with this tip as well! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. williams.dan76April 6, 2020 at 11:51 AM

    Loved your tips. I thought all 5 were great. I am not usually too quick with puns, though.

    ReplyDelete

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