Is there a secret to being funny?

Question

I would might like to try stand-up later in life. I've gotten more funny over time though.

Answer 1

its all about the timing and being a good story teller

Answer 2

I think you have to be born with a funny bone... okay serious, who knows the truth of this, I'm no professional but I appreciate sharp witted humor and have been to a few comedy shows, and know what I like. If you have an ability to connect with an audience over mutual conflicts, obstacles, tribulations, frustrations, and can share anecdotes to which a majority can recognize and sympathize, or show understanding about,, you've got yourself an audience.

We're all human, working hard, trying to pay bills. Commonalities aren't that vast, and relations can find moments to which laughter is the only way to handle a given situation. Your "niche" isn't' the bonding humor or shared frustration, it's more your approach and difference in routine, which in and of itself, can be funny. However, you've seized an audience if you can balance the two sides, your own image, as well as shared wit amongst an audience.

I have no knowledge whatsoever in acting, improv, drama, theater, or comedy, just an audience member anticipating your perspective on life, and how you can relate in a humorous setting. I wish you only great things!

Answer 3

The secret to being funny is to appriciate humor in all of its forms. You should watch other people being funny and then you will start to develope your own humor.
Another suggestion is to keep up with whats happening in the world. I find just knowing stuff helps to make good jokes.
The best thing i can say is just keep trying. Your always going to tell a few bad jokes so you might as well get it over with. It will become easier with practice.

Answer 4

someone mentioned sponteneity. That's fine, but a good stand up practices his craft for many hours.

There is different kinds of funny. Someone who knows all the latest jokes may still not be able to deliver the lines for the best effectiveness.

A good stand up may be a pretty poor comic actor.

The best clown in the world may not be able to tell a good story.

Of course, there ARE exceptions, and many funny people make successful crossovers. While Eddie Murphy may not be the best actor in the world, he is a great comic actor. He does stand up and can do a vaudville-style pratfall with the best of them. And there have been many others.

How do you practice your craft and possible break in? Sign up for every amature, open mike gigs as you can fine. Do the routines and make adjustment as needed. Sign up for Improv classes at Community theater, colleges and night clubs. Join a local drama troupe.

If you are genuinely funny, and not just a guy who can tell jokes, you will find out soon enough.

Answer 5

I don't really think there is aka. a secret but you do have to have no fear. You have to be willing to flop and take it in stride because doing stand up comedy is the most difficult type of performing. You are standing on stage all by yourself and you have no one to lean on or look to if things go astray but yourself. There are a few rules you need to remember though, timing, timing, timing and its not what you say but how you say it. Also you should practice your routines in front of a mirror, visuals are important and can be very helpful in pulling off a good joke. One more thing about your audiences, they are the general public and therefore they can be quite fickel in their tastes. There is big difference between making your friends laugh and making strangers laugh so learn to judge your audience and be able to adjust your routine to fit the mood of the crowd. Good luck and I hope this information has been helpful.

Answer 6

I'm not entirely sure if there is a secret to being funny. However, there is one thing I've noticed virtually all good comedians have and that's conviction. You have to give your all to your jokes. If you hold anything back, or if you don't even enjoy your own jokes the audience will pick up on that. You have to mean what you're saying, or at least appear to mean it. Deliver every joke like you know it's hilarious and put 100% of yourself into it.

Answer 7

Actual comedians work at their craft. It is about timing, punctuation, proper pronunciation, body language, etc. It is so much more than just "being funny". There are lots of comedy schools around. Do a google on comedy schools. You will find one nearby. They can help you (for a price) hone your skills. Being funny is a gift. Being a comedian is a trade. It is a job. If you prepare yourself you can do a better job of making people laugh. The key is to know your audience. If it is a church group, then the blue humor is just not going to do it. If it is a bunch of factory workers, then your garden club story is just not going to hit a home run.

To just be funny can be a natural talent. The trick to that is to not try to dominate the conversation with friends. Let others talk also. That will make you not only funny (when you say something funny) it will make you more likable in the long run.

To be a comedian, you pretty much have to take center stage. There are people out there who want you to make them laugh. You can do it, but it takes work. It is not all natural.

Answer 8

Actually, there is no secret. As I always say, life is so short, we better laugh and see the good side of things. Remember, in most situations we only have two options. Let your heart decide. It will only be a matter whether you have dared or you have evaded your responsiblity. Your choice will be either good or bad. You may be funny but over doing might render yourself miserable. Play safe and be natural. The rest will follow by itself. Cheers.

Answer 9

There are funny people and comedians. The most important thing to remember about being the latter, is that comedy is serious! These are high maintenence individuals and the best ones actually have something to say about the world in which we live. The best from my experiance have been Bill Hicks, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, and David Cross! Remember, Comedy isn't writing jokes. Comedy is a humorous observation.

Answer 10

if you make people laugh and you have good timing then go for it. Some people are funny but can't do stand-up. I think you could try your act out on a group of people who are honest with you. I don't think there is a secret either you have it or not!

Answer 11

people who are really funny are just born with that gift to make people laugh. a person can try to be funny just like people can try to sing but unless you have that special little something where it comes natural you will just get lost in the crowd. If you enjoy comedy and like being funny dont stop trying to make people laugh even if maybe only a few laugh because this world needs all the help it can get when it comes to laughter.