Humor for Social Situations

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I do not know of any magical, single book or tape which will transform you into the life-of-the-party funny person. If there were such a resource, we would all be making big money as professional comedians. However, each resource you find in a bookstore, library, theatre, toy store, or TV show, will slowly build those skills in your life. It takes time to internalize new ways of thinking and acting. Start building your personal resource library now.
Read books and articles that are funny to YOU. We all have different tastes. For example, some people think that Austin Powers movies are the funniest things they have ever seen. Others think that those movies are totally stupid. Also study things that TEACH you humor skill techniques. Watch funny TV shows to tune into the humor of everyday life. For me, some of the classic TV shows are the best sources of humor.
Remember that you often show your sense of humor by your behavior and outlook on life, not by the jokes you tell. You can be a carrier of humor (rather than the delivery vehicle of funny lines) by showing that you appreciate the humor of others. This is a quality that people like in others.
You can show your sense of humor by the things you buy, wear and use to decorate your home and office. T-Shirts, bumper stickers, artwork, buttons, posters...all show your sense of humor.
Usually, the harder you try to be funny, the less funny you will be. This is the old Less-Is-More rule. Study humor. Then just relax and let the humor come naturally and slowly. Do not force the humor.
Related to laughter and a sense of humor is a smile. Most of us need to work on our smile. Practice in front of a mirror and develop muscle memory, remembering what a great smile FEELS like.
In interpersonal conversation, just as we learn in comedy improv, listening is just as important as speaking. This is true both for creating on-the-spot humor and making the other person feel important. You need to focus on listening to the conversation offered by your partner.
In interpersonal conversation, just as in delivering a funny line from the platform, eye contact is critical. Relaxed, conversational eye contact builds trust.
Research consistently tells us that a sense of humor is one of the top qualities people look for in a friend or romantic partner. Keeping your body in top shape is not something that happens with one visit to the gym. Likewise, developing your sense of humor is a long-term commitment. Study, focus, and exercise your humor muscles and they will grow.

By John Kinde, Motivational Humorist from Las Vegas, NV.
(702) 263-4363 www.humorpower.com