18 Tips on How to Be Funny
What is funny or comedic is both a universal constant across all humanity, and yet paradoxically, it is also a historically contextual form. We can find the humor in the plays of the Greek playwright Aristophanes or England’s Shakespeare, yet their comedies do not speak of the present, and we could easily say the opposite is true. Even now, things that we considered funny twenty years ago are now considered unfunny.
Put simply, comedy evolves reflexively upon itself to find out what is funny and comedic within society at large, and it is a craft that has been developed and refined for as long as humanity itself.
Being funny is an art. No one is born with the “funny gene.” In fact, comedians spend years honing their craft. The same skills can be learned by anyone, even someone just looking to be a little funnier in the breakroom.
Laughter is a universal language that can bring people together, break the ice, and brighten even the dullest of moments. Being funny is a skill that many aspire to master, but for some, it may seem like an elusive talent reserved for the naturally witty. The good news is that humor can be learned and refined, and anyone can tap into their comedic potential.
Whether you want to crack jokes at social gatherings, deliver humorous presentations, or simply add a touch of levity to your everyday interactions, this article presents 18 valuable tips on how to be funny. From understanding the fundamental principles of comedy to developing your unique comedic style, these insights will help you unleash your inner comedian and bring joy to those around you.
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“Genres” of Comedy
Anecdotal: Greek: anecdote: unpublished. Personal stories that may be true/partly true but embellished
Anti-humor: indirect humor in which the joke teller delivers a joke which is intentionally not funny
Black/Dark Comedy: comedy involving disturbing subjects like death, drugs, war, or other taboo subjects
Blue comedy: typically sexual in nature, using profane language, sometimes using gender or race-based humor
Character comedy: derives humor from a persona invented by a performer. Often drawing from stereotypes
Cringe comedy: a comedy of embarrassment; the humor derives from inappropriate actions at inappropriate times. Usually popular in tv and film
Deadpan comedy: Not really a genre per se, but a method of telling jokes without changing emotions or facial expression
And that’s not all
Heritage comedy: genre in which a comedian speaks on humourous traits/stereotypes about their own cultural heritage.
Improvisational comedy: unplanned comic routines, popular in TV
Insult comedy: a form consisting of offensive insults at the audience or other performers.
Mockumentary: parody using the conventions of a documentary. Used extensively in TV and Film
Musical comedy: humor derived from music with lyrics
Observational: pokes fun at everyday life, inflating the importance of the trivial or the silliness of something that a society accepts as normal
And there’s more!
One-line joke: joke delivered in a single; usually pithy, concise
Physical comedy: similar to slapstick, uses physical movements and gestures, influenced by clowning
Prop comedy: relies on props, everyday objects used in humorous ways
Shock humor: uses shock value to a strong negative as well as comedic emotion
Surreal comedy: a form of comedy based on bizarre juxtapositions, absurd situations, nonsense logic
Topical comedy/Satire: relies on headlining/important news/current events. Popular on TV
Wit/word Play: a form based on clever, subtle manipulation of languages (through puns and being crude)
Practice Makes Perfect
You may not be the most hilarious person on your first attempt, but if you keep going, you’ll eventually get there. Give yourself permission to fail. Learn to take yourself less seriously. Being funny is an art form, and it requires a lot of time and work!
Conclusion
In conclusion, humor is a powerful tool that can bring joy, forge connections, and leave a lasting impact on those around you. By incorporating the 18 tips discussed in this article, you can unlock your comedic potential and become a master of laughter.
Remember, being funny is not about being perfect or always delivering the perfect punchline. It’s about embracing your unique sense of humor, being authentic, and connecting with others through laughter. It’s a skill that can be developed and refined over time with practice and experimentation.
So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, try new comedic techniques, and learn from the masters of comedy. Embrace the power of observation, timing, wordplay, and storytelling. Tailor your humor to your audience, stay current with pop culture, and above all, have fun with it!
Whether you’re cracking jokes at a social gathering, delivering a presentation, or simply engaging in everyday conversations, incorporating humor into your interactions will make them memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved.
So, go ahead, unleash your inner comedian, and spread laughter wherever you go. Remember, the world can always use a little more humor, and by mastering the art of being funny, you have the power to brighten someone’s day and leave a positive and lasting impression.
In the end, being funny is not just about making people laugh; it’s about creating connections, fostering positivity, and bringing happiness into the lives of others. So, go forth, armed with these 18 tips, and let the laughter begin!
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