If you can make someone laugh, you can make them do anything.
Likability matters – in business, in love, basically, everything in life requires you to be likable by other people.
One easy way to be likable is to make people laugh. Yes, there are some anomalies, who don’t like to laugh, and I’d recommend not doing business with them anyway.
Here’s how to be funny, according to Sarah Cooper, who is funny as hell. (If you don’t believe me, read this bit titled: “If Your Coworkers Were Rappers.”
Step 1: Keep it real, bro
Just be honest. Stop trying to be funny. Why do I laugh obnoxiously loud to Aziz Ansari’s standup shows? Because the guy is real as sh-t. He says what everyone else wants to. To be funny, just be observant and honest.
Idea: You can even increase engagement with your community and be even funnier by asking your social media followers questions. For example, if you want to write a funny blog post that people will share, post on Facebook something like: “Hey, what’s the most annoying thing your co-workers do in meetings? This will make for a killer post fo sho.
Step 2: Mash it up
Cooper suggests taking boring, everyday topics and spicing it up with exciting stuff. Combine different topics together. I feel like this is synonymous with connecting the dots to solve a problem for your customers.
Inspiration: If my Coworkers Were Rappers – Yes, clearly I Pocketed this post.
Step 3: Make fun of yourself (on your way to the bank)
I can attest to this one working. People always LOL when I call myself out about stupid or embarrassing crap that I do.
As Cooper says, “There’s nothing funnier about a confident person, who is doing well, calling themselves out for what they’re doing wrong or why they’re an idiot.”
Idea: What are you clueless about or not good at? Exploit it!
Step 4: Compare two things
Opinion posts are awesome because they make you want to comment. They make you want to pick a side. Pick two, unexpected things to compare for each category to keep it interesting.
Inspiration: The Difference Between Living in New York and San Francisco
Conclusion
People love people who make them laugh. Make someone laugh, and you can make them do anything.
All I’m sayin’ is be genuinely funny, and you’ll most likely get more Twitter followers, more blog subscribers and more conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Being Funny
How can I be funny without offending anyone?
Being funny without offending anyone requires a delicate balance. It’s important to understand your audience and their sensitivities. Avoid making jokes about personal characteristics, race, religion, or gender. Instead, focus on situational humor, wordplay, or self-deprecating humor. Remember, the goal is to make people laugh and feel good, not to hurt anyone’s feelings.
Can anyone learn to be funny?
Yes, humor can be learned. While some people may naturally have a knack for it, others can develop their sense of humor through practice and observation. Watch stand-up comedians, read humorous books, and observe funny people around you to understand the timing and delivery of jokes.
How can I use humor effectively in sales?
Humor can be a powerful tool in sales. It can break the ice, build rapport, and make your product or service more memorable. However, it’s important to use humor appropriately. Make sure your jokes are relevant to the product or service you’re selling and that they resonate with your target audience.
How can I fake a laugh convincingly?
Faking a laugh convincingly requires practice. Start by observing genuine laughter and try to mimic the sounds and facial expressions. Remember, a convincing fake laugh is not just about the sound, but also about the body language. Practice in front of a mirror until you feel comfortable.
How can I laugh naturally on cue?
Laughing naturally on cue can be challenging, but it’s a skill that can be developed. Try to think of something funny or recall a humorous situation to trigger genuine laughter. Practice this technique until you can laugh on demand without it sounding forced.
How can I use GIFs to add humor to my sales pitch?
GIFs can be a fun and effective way to add humor to your sales pitch. Choose a GIF that is relevant to your product or service and that will resonate with your target audience. Make sure the GIF is appropriate and professional. Remember, the goal is to enhance your message, not distract from it.
How can I develop my sense of humor?
Developing your sense of humor involves expanding your perspective and learning to find humor in everyday situations. Watch comedies, read funny books, and surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor. Practice making jokes and observe the reactions to refine your humor.
How can I use humor to improve my public speaking skills?
Humor can make your public speaking more engaging and memorable. Start your speech with a joke to grab the audience’s attention. Use humor throughout your speech to keep the audience engaged. However, make sure your jokes are relevant to your topic and appropriate for your audience.
How can I use humor to cope with stress?
Humor can be a great stress reliever. When you’re feeling stressed, try to find humor in the situation. Watch a funny movie, read a humorous book, or spend time with someone who makes you laugh. Laughter can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
How can I use humor to build relationships?
Humor can help build relationships by breaking down barriers and creating a sense of camaraderie. Make jokes, share funny stories, and laugh together. However, it’s important to be sensitive to the other person’s feelings and avoid offensive or inappropriate humor.
Lauren HollidayLauren Holliday is a full-stack marketer.
