Context is key. Where is it you’re trying to be funny? Do you want to be the funny guy at work or school? Or are you looking to be the breakout sensation in your local improv troupe? Lighthearted, non-controversial material is best for a professional audience while laughing off slightly edgier subjects might win you favor in the world of professional comedy. [1] X Research source Remember, what you joke about is a reflection of you. If you tend to mock recent tragedies or controversies, people may feel uncomfortable around you. Being edgy can be a positive for a comedic career, of course, but if you’re new to comedy it might be best to stick with lighter subjects until you get the hang of making people laugh. [2] X Research source Appropriate material can be found anywhere. People tend to appreciate those who find humor in a host of subjects. Try and see the funny side in aspects of day-to-day life. [3] X Expert Source Kendall PayneWriter, Director, & Stand-up Comedian Expert Interview. 3 April 2020. Anything from riding a bus to pouring your morning coffee can be used as fodder for humor. [4] X Research source
Watch funny clips of people online. Many YouTubers incorporate humor without explicitly telling jokes. [5] X Research source View funny movies and television shows. Late night talk show hosts are often funny through observational humor and funny, candid responses to their guests rather than overtly telling jokes. [6] X Research source Listen to funny podcasts and hang around people who enjoy laughing. [7] X Research source
The best moments of humor and levity do not happen by force. If you’re striving to be funny in day-to-day life, do not behave as if you’re at a comedy club. Engage with people in serious conversation and when you think of an amusing observation, feel free to throw it in. Just do not enter a conversation planning to make people laugh. Allow it to happen at its own pace. Use moderation. Most comedic experts adhere to the “Three Gag Rule. " That is, in any situation you should get in no more than three funny comments in a row. You do not want to look like an attention hog. [9] X Research source
Try to think of the moments in your life that you laughed the most. Are these moments appropriate to share? Would others be amused? Try to think of funny stories to share with others. This is a great way to make people laugh without cracking a joke. [10] X Research source Sometimes, how you tell a story is just as funny as the content of the story itself. Listen to podcasts like “This American Life” where people tell amusing anecdotes. Read David Sedaris essays and watch clips of his readings. Pay attention to how speakers tell the stories, where they pause, smile, and laugh themselves. Try to learn how to tell a story in an amusing fashion. [11] X Research source
Play harmless pranks on friends and co-workers. Talk in a funny voice. Sing a silly song. Do not try to force silliness, however, as people tend to be annoyed at cultivated goofiness. Focus on things that are amusing to you. It’s easier to make people laugh if you’re using material that comes to you organically.
Ask people for funny stories. Start a conversation by asking, “What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?” or “What’s a stupid thing that always makes you laugh?"[12] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Laugh at other people’s amusing stories and compliment them, saying something like, “That’s so funny!” People crave being around funny people but might feel annoyed if you always hog the spotlight. Make room for others. [13] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Keep objects in your home that remind you of fun times. Have a picture up from that hilarious road trip you took with your college friends. Tape up funny cartoons to your walls. Put up posters from funny television shows and movies. Put up an amusing screensaver on your computer or phone. Have appropriate but amusing magazine clippings and photos up in your office cubicle.
If you’re a parent, work on spending more time with your own kids laughing. If you have friends or relatives with young children, offer to babysit. Volunteer to work with children. Hospitals, nurseries, and daycare centers are always looking for volunteers.
Have a daily ritual where you allow yourself to laugh. Watch a funny movie or television show. Read the comics. Call up a friend who always makes you smile. Many people feel they don’t have time to laugh. However, people who make time for pleasure are actually more productive overall. You can also find ways to incorporate humor into your day-to-day activities. Listen to a funny podcast while commuting to work or exercising. Have a funny movie on in the background while you’re doing dishes at night.
