I wish I had even half the sharpness of these commenters who effortlessly win the internet with their replies! But if you’re like me and feeling a little daunted about landing a knockout joke, don’t worry—humor is a muscle that can be stretched. It just takes a little time, practice, and effort.
The Big Belly Comedy Club has some fantastic tips on how to be funnier—not on the stage, but in everyday conversations. The first step is finding your unique sense of humor. “In comedy, we call this finding your comedic voice,” says the club.
What does ‘finding your comedic voice’ mean exactly? Well, everyone has their own comedic style. You can tune into yours by noticing what makes you laugh and which funny thoughts pop into your mind. Maybe you’re naturally sarcastic, self-deprecating, or prefer to be uplifting. By becoming more aware of what you find funny, you can gradually start weaving it into your conversations and comments.
Remember to consider who you’re speaking to, too. “What makes your friends or colleagues laugh may not have the same effect on a different group of people,” says Big Belly Comedy Club. If you’re aiming for a funny comment, keep the context, the person who posted, and even the group in mind to nail the right tone.
For more inspiration, watch comedy shows, stand-up routines, and sitcoms. Pay attention to not just the jokes but also the timing, delivery, and wordplay. Try to incorporate some of these techniques into your own interactions, and spend time around people you find funny to pick up on what makes them shine.
And don’t underestimate the power of memorizing and having a few jokes up your sleeve. “While canned jokes are not always funny,” Big Belly Comedy Club reminds us, “having a few well-timed and appropriate jokes can lighten the mood and bring laughter to social situations.”
Now it’s time for practice—after all, theory will only get you so far. “Like any skill, developing your sense of humor requires practice. Look for opportunities to make others laugh, whether it’s through casual conversations, presentations, or social gatherings,” says the team at Big Belly. “The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become in using humor.”