Making Others Laugh
Tell funny stories. Sometimes, the funniest thing you can do is tell a funny story. Jokes are great, too, but your audience will likely find that something that actually happened to you will be a little more humorous. Think of a few funny things that have happened to you and tell those stories when appropriate. For instance, perhaps your friend group starts discussing coffee shops. You might say something like, “Oh no. Never again. The last time I went to a coffee shop, the barista poured hot coffee all over my pants. And yes...it got in my underpants.”
Keep your stories concise. When telling a joke or funny story, get to the point. People have short-attention spans in general, but they are even shorter for jokes. Keep your story quick, to the point, and hilarious.
Make the end funny. When trying to surprise your friends or coworkers with a funny story or joke, put the surprise at the end. This will keep them on the edge of their seat and ensure they don’t laugh until you’re finished with your sentence. You might say “And do you know what was in my car when I opened the door, Rebecca? A cat!” This will be funnier than saying “And, Rebecca, a cat was in my car when I opened the door!”
Use exaggeration. When telling a funny story, it’s okay to exaggerate sometimes for comedic effect. Make sure, though, that you exaggerate wildly so your audience knows you’re not telling the truth; they’ll still laugh! For instance, you might say, “Yeah, the steaks at that new place are MASSIVE. They’re bigger than my first apartment!”
Swap out dull words for funnier ones. Some words are just funnier than others; use that to your advantage. These words often allow for more emphasis than do words that are more monotone. One example of this is the word “Pop-Tart”, which sounds funnier than just saying “breakfast.” Other examples are using “underpants” instead of “underwear.”
Make fun of yourself. Sometimes the funniest thing you can do is poke fun at yourself. Think about it - you probably do some hilarious things on a daily basis that nobody knows about but you! Share those things with others and laugh with them. For instance, maybe you’re a neat freak, but you left a dish in the sink this morning. You might tell a coworker, “I’m so stressed out right now! I’m such a clean freak and I left a dish in the sink this morning. Is this the first step to becoming a hoarder?!”
Find at least one funny joke or story you can tell. Identify some funny story, event, or joke that can work in any situation and with any group. Use that when the moment is right or when you want to lighten the mood. Avoid making up stories or using something you’ve seen on TV as your own. Chances are you’ll get caught, and you’ll look like you’re trying too hard. For instance, use a funny story about your friends, family, or yourself.
Practice telling jokes in the mirror. Practice makes perfect! While you’re developing your sense of humor, practice your jokes on yourself. Look in the mirror and notice how you deliver it and which parts are funny to you. Remember to keep the punchline at the end and keep your facial expression fun and upbeat.
Developing Your Sense of Humor
Watch comedies. The funnier the things are that you surround yourself with, the funnier you'll be in real life. When you get home from work or school each day, watch a few episodes of a funny movie or TV show. Pick something that’s sure to get you laughing. For instance, you might watch reruns of The Office or the movie Bridesmaids.
Go to local comedy clubs. Check out comedy clubs in your area and study the comedians. What kinds of jokes or stories worked with the audience and what didn’t? Notice what things made you laugh the most and tell similar stories and jokes in your personal life. You can also watch comedy shows online if you can’t find a local club.
Use YouTube to learn from others and get feedback. Watch other comedians on YouTube to learn new ways to be funny and enjoy humor. It's also a good idea to start your own YouTube channel to get feedback on your own funny stories and jokes.
Reflect on what you’re grateful for. Focus in on the positive aspects in your life and more on the negative. This will help improve your overall mood and make it easier for you to laugh throughout your day. Each day, think about one thing that you are grateful for and meditate on that. You can also keep in list in your phone, as well.
Spend more time with funny people. Do you have a coworker who you think is hilarious? Or maybe an aunt who keeps everyone laughing? Hang out with them sometimes! Ask your coworker out for a drink or go over to you aunt’s house to chat.
Do something fun every day. You don’t need to skydive to have more fun, though you can if you want, but do plan at least one fun thing per day. You might choose to go see a new movie that’s just come out or play with your kids for an hour. Whatever you choose, sit back, relax and enjoy it. Lots of experiences and interactions with other people will give you extra material for your own comedy.
Have a game night. Plan a fun game night for you and your friends. Bring board games, card games, or just play charades. This will give you an opportunity to loosen up and spend time with those you love.
Keep a journal to record funny events and things that amuse you. Not only will this help you remember funny stories to tell later, it will also train you to look for comedic moments in your own life. Over time, this will help you have a better sense of humor. Every time you notice and write down something humorous, you'll be getting more practice! Collect funny stories about your own life or moments from others' lives that you find amusing. Write down funny things you find, such as quotes, messages on signs, or silly coincidences.
Reduce stress in your life. You can’t really enjoy life if your stress levels are high so cut some of that out! Maybe you’ve taken a second job to pay for the boat you just bought, and you don’t have any time for yourself. Sell it! No material thing is worth losing your peace over. Maybe you’re stressed at work or school. Make a to-do list and prioritize everything. Do the most important tasks first. Take breaks to give yourself some relief. You can also talk to your boss or teachers if your workload is too much.
Using Your Body Language to Be Funny
Do different voices or impressions. Impressions can be a great way to get a laugh out of others. You can mock celebrities, politicians, or even your own friends and family if they’re not sensitive. Avoid impersonating people of different nationalities from you. For instance, never mock someone who has a thick Asian or Mexican accent when speaking English.
Use your facial expressions to be more engaging. When you’re telling a funny story, don’t forget to be expressive. Smile and laugh along with everyone. If you’re telling a shocking part of the story, widen your eyes and lean forward for dramatic effect. You can also use your hands to be more expressive, too.
Tell stories with your body language, as well. How you move and gesture communicates a lot to the people you're talking to. The way you tell a story goes a long way toward making it funny, so practice making gestures as you talk. Watch yourself tell a story in front of the mirror. Film yourself telling a story to see what your body language looks like. Keep practicing on camera to improve your gesturing.
Laugh at other peoples’ jokes. Being funny is also about recognizing the humor in others. When your friends, family, or coworkers are funny, share in the joke by laughing with them. People will see you as having a better sense of humor if you’re able to laugh and make others laugh.
Have fun! Most importantly, have fun! Don’t get so caught up in making people laugh that you forget to enjoy yourself. Remember, you are more than your humor. So get out there and enjoy life!
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