Today, you can do that easily with your smartphone. If you have a funny thought, record it as an audio note. If you read a funny article, save the link in your bookmarks. Ever since the s, exceptionally funny people have relied upon what's called "observational humor" to make people laugh.
The classic examples of this are Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, whose experiences led them not just to do standup comedy, but also to create two award-winning comedy shows. The beauty of using personal experiences as fodder for humor is that your life experience is unique and therefore stories based on it are guaranteed to be original. There's an old saying that "brevity is the soul of wit. However, while they get to the point quickly, exceptionally funny people put the funny part at the end, rather than in the middle.
My favorite example of this is from Jack Handey: "The crows seemed to be calling his name, thought Caw. Neuropsychological studies have found that experiencing positive emotional states, such as joy, fun and happiness, increases the production of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine not only make us feel great, it also opens up the learning centres of the brain , which enables and sustains more neural connections. As a result, we become more flexible and creative in our thinking, and better at solving problems.
It also boosts our working memory. Evidence suggests that humour actually boosts perceptions of confidence, competence and status , making funny people very influential. Humour gets people to listen, helps communicate messages and aids learning. It is a powerful tool that many successful leaders use to enhance group cohesiveness and organisational culture.
Studies of positive organisations suggest the more fun we have at work the more productive we are, and the less likely we are to suffer burn-out. It creates a virtuous circle effect that enhances well-being. Research on the use of humour in education also supports the notion that humour is an effective aid to learning. Several studies have demonstrated that lessons that are delivered with humour are more enjoyable for students, and also enhance students comprehension and recall of the topic.
Given the host of benefits that being funny brings, perhaps we could all benefit from joining a stand-up comedy workshop. It seems like the smart thing to do. This article is published in collaboration with The Conversation. The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.
To mark Nelson Mandela Day, two experts from the World Bank examine past research to build an inclusive society through the lens of social identities. And the story itself must be intelligent. But there is also a science to back up a successful set. Psychology students at the University of New Mexico participated in a study. They were told to write captions for a series of New Yorker cartoons. Those with higher cognitive ability produced more hilarious captions.
But then the study was carried out by a group of comedians. In comparison, their captions were funnier. And they tested higher on verbal intelligence and wit. In the brain, there are specific areas that relate to humor. And these networks are most activated when you think about what things mean and how they relate to one another. This fits the comedic bill perfectly. Funny stories are more than just a fun time. They make you think about things in a different way. Comics have a way of introducing new concepts.
In this way, jokes are a perfect example of how the brain reacts to humor. Instead, it seeks to listen. A serious talk does not elicit the same brain networks as humor does. Seriousness can cause some to become defensive. But comics know how to both create and diffuse tension. You already know by now that people who are funny have a quick way with words. But did you know that this gives them an advantage socially too? People who tell jokes tend to make friends more easily.
Some people are comfortable being an audience to those with a fun attitude. So it may be that humorous people attract others through their jokes. Putting out a punchline can be risky. But when that line is delivered effectively, the risk can pay off.
Humor is not necessarily about pleasing people. Some jokes can be rooted in a sad moment. Heck, many comedians base their humor on depressing circumstances. But their willingness to put it all out there is what draws them apart from someone else. They talk about the self in a way that seems funny. And they can lighten the mood by infusing humor into the situation at hand. Being funny is not just a character trait. Being funny can be a tool. Making people laugh is like having a superpower.
Luckily, below are some tips to help you step up your jokes. Keep reading to learn how to transform into a funny person. You might just become the next most popular person in your circle. Not all of us were blessed with the comedic gene. But below are some tips to help you infuse more humor into your everyday life.
Jokes can sometimes feel like a structure. And there is the typical setup and punchline involved. But good jokes make you focus on the story. It is reinforced by it. But you get a laugh from the funny circumstances involved. In this way, the joke itself plays a trick on the brain. There is a strategy involved in telling jokes. But when the strategy is visible, a joke seems fake.
The fun of a bit is making a genuine storyline throughout. This is a really simple trick that can get you some laughs. But the brain works in mysterious ways. Laughter comes out in unexpected ways. So when you experience something unexpected, the brain responds by laughing.
Watch videos of interviews where celebrities use this trick. You could tell a joke about something that never happened to you. But others might not believe your punchline in the end. Humor craves something to relate to. So if you repeat something funny and say it happened to you, it feels disingenuous. Say something that is personal to you. Speak from your own experience. And others will surely recognize the relatability of your tale.
Additionally, your unique stories make for original material.
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