How To Be Funny

We all know how easy it is to feel uncomfortable in social situations, especially around people you’ve never met. But instead of giving up hope, and thinking you have to just stick to the back of the room, or hang like a picture against the wall, there are some things you can learn to be more outgoing; i.e. how to socialize, how to be funny, and how to make friends. Some of these ideas might work for you—some may not. They may just be good reminders. But I believe these three blogs will be a great starting point if you have always wanted to be more outgoing, but just haven’t had any idea how to do it.

Last week, I wrote about how to socialize, so this week I’m going to tackle a very serious topic. For most people, being funny is no laughing matter. It certainly isn’t easy, even though some people sure make it look easy, don’t they! It’s not like you can check off a to-do list and suddenly you’re funny. We’ve all seen someone trying too hard to be funny, and it’s really just painful. But here are a few ideas I can tell you about that will help you take some steps in the direction of being funny.

The first step to being funny is to not take things seriously—this includes not taking yourself too seriously.

Lighten Up
The first step to being funny is to not take things seriously. This includes not taking yourself too seriously, and taking what happens to you with a grain of salt. It’s not the end of the world when something bad happens to you, and many times being able to laugh at yourself, or finding something funny in the situation is not only good for your own sanity, but it’s also funny to other people. Brandon agrees: “A person can be funny if they laugh at themselves and don't take themselves too seriously and is always positive.”

The first step to being funny is to not take things seriously—this includes not taking yourself too seriously.

Know What’s Going On
The more you know about what’s going on in the world of news, entertainment and pop culture, the better your chances are of finding something funny to talk about. If you talk about something funny, people will think you’re funny, simply because you revealed your own humorous way of looking at things. Talk about things you’ve heard or seen that you think are funny.

Roiselyn thinks some people are funny by being able to come up with witty comments on the spot. “But some people are funny because they take day to day things and turn them into jokes. It all depends on what sense of humor you have. Personally, my favorite jokes are the ones that point out the flaws of things you see every day. Not only is the statement true, it's great for giggles.”

Arm Yourself With Jokes
A person who tells a lot of jokes isn’t necessarily considered funny, but someone who knows how to use a joke at the right time, in the right way, is very funny. Find a “Joke of the Day” service on the web, or find a good joke book that makes you laugh. Learn a good handful of them, and try them out in different situations.

Take a genuine interest in other people, and reveal the funny you see in different situations.

Get the Delivery Right
Being funny isn’t always about telling the funniest jokes or stories. The funny comes out in how you tell them. Be animated and energetic when you speak and you can make any story funny. Smile a lot, look people in the eye, speak with confidence, and everyone will listen.

It’s Not About You
Ultimately, this is the most important thing. You don’t want to be someone who comes across as a person who is just trying to be funny. You don’t have to be the life of the party. But using humor will be a great talent to help you (and others) feel more comfortable, and socialize in any setting.

Remember, the goal of being funny is to make people laugh, not to get people to think you’re funny. There’s a difference—it’s about your audience, it’s not about you. Take a genuine interest in other people, and reveal the funny you see in different situations.

Don’t worry if people don’t think you’re funny. Just ignore it or laugh at yourself.

Melissa admitted to feeling pretty socially awkward most of the time. “It's hard to find the balance between not trying at all and trying too hard.” It’s very normal to feel awkward at first. Remember to relax—don’t try to be the funniest person in the room. And don’t worry if people don’t think you’re funny. Just ignore it or laugh at yourself. Whatever you do, don’t keep trying to make people laugh. They’ll just feel sorry for you.

Next week, I’m going to write about How To Make Friends. What are some ideas that have worked for you? I’d love to have your help. I appreciate you.

Thursday, Dec 3, 2009 - 11:38:36 AM
well i'm really not funny i let people come to me sometimes. i do have alot of friends but some people at my school act stuck up and think there all that. i go to one of the higher educated school.I'm going to one of the Petal,MS schools. i like the school its just that the uniforms this year suck and they are not fashionable. i just hate the way everything is this year and i want to change some things but i cant. i just wish there was more hope in this world than there is not. i love to read and write. I'm a good advice giver and i always intend on helping someone with there problems.I have problems of my own at my house and there not going good so far and i just need to talk to you.i talk to people on the hopeline and they say i make there night by talking to them. I'm always helpful and if you need any help Dawson i can help just send me an email and i will get back to you as soon as i can.
- Chrystal P.

Wednesday, Dec 2, 2009 - 5:45:59 PM
Interesting! I'm going to try looking for a joke website. Thanks for the info!
- michelle