Apologies to all the original posters featured here, but the comments under your stuff kind of stole the show this time. These random strangers have given the rest of us so much free entertainment, and honestly, they deserve way more credit than they get.
So to everyone who’s ever typed something so good it got screenshotted and sent around, thank you for making people’s days better.
Of course, being funny is something most of us would love to be known for, and research backs up why. Studies show that humor is one of the most desired traits in a romantic partner, with both men and women consistently rating funny people as more attractive.
Having a good sense of humor is also cited as one of the most important qualities in a long-term relationship. So wanting to be funnier is a pretty universal thing.
That goes for the workplace too. Funny people tend to make great coworkers because they boost team morale and help take the edge off stressful situations.
They also build stronger social connections with the people around them. On top of that, people who are perceived as funny are often seen as more socially intelligent and creative.
So the real question is, can you actually learn to be funnier? According to Jerry Corley, a professional comedian with nearly 30 years of experience, the answer is yes.
He’s shared a lot of thoughts on the mechanics of humor, and his main takeaway is that being funny is way more scientific than most people think. There are real techniques you can work into everyday conversation that will change how people respond to you.
The biggest one, according to Corley, is surprise. He calls it the number one trigger for human laughter. When we’re caught off guard in a way that feels safe and harmless, our natural response is to laugh.
That “safe” part matters, because surprise on its own can also make people cry or jump. But when it’s playful and doesn’t feel threatening, laughter almost always follows.
Surprise is just one of eight major laughter triggers Corley identifies. The full list also includes things like embarrassment, recognition, incongruity, and something called “configurational” humor, which is when the audience has to think for a second to get the joke.
For most people, though, focusing on surprise alone can already make a noticeable difference.
