Can You Learn to be Funny?
Can You Learn to Be Funny?
Everyone loves a good laugh. We all have that one friend who can effortlessly crack jokes and leave us in stitches. But have you ever wondered if being funny is something you can learn, or if it's just an innate skill bestowed upon a lucky few? Lorne Michaels famously claims that at any one time, there are only 900 funny people on the planet. That may very well be true. But what’s also true is that comedy is a complex art form that combines wit, timing, and observation. While some people may possess a natural knack for humor, that doesn't mean that others can't learn to be funny as well.
Natural Talent vs. Learned Skill
It's commonly believed that being funny is a talent that one is simply born with. While it's true that certain individuals seem to have a natural gift for comedy, it doesn't mean that these skills can't be acquired through learning and practice.
Learning comedy is somewhat akin to learning how to play an instrument. Almost anyone can learn how to play guitar, but it takes time, dedication, and practice to become truly skilled. Similarly, comedy can be seen as a craft that can be honed and refined with effort. Falling back on the excuse that “I’m just not naturally funny,” is the wannabe comedian’s way of saying, “My fingers are too weak to play barre chords.”
The Power of Observation
One of the essential elements of humor is observation. Being able to notice the funny aspects of everyday life is a skill that can be developed. By training ourselves to pay attention to the world around us and finding humor in unexpected places, we can cultivate our comedic instincts. Truthfully, anything can be funny, and I do mean anything. I just recently finished Mel Brooks’s excellent autobiography, All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business. I highly recommend it. Mel’s best pieces of work made fun of Hitler and racism. So, yes, you can create comedy from pretty much anything.
Other than just being more cognizant of observing the world around you (I find that meditation helps), exposing yourself to different forms of comedy can kickstart your funny bone. Even forms of comedy that aren’t necessarily for you. Attending improv classes, watching stand-up comedians, and reading humorous literature are all effective ways to expose oneself to different comedic styles and perspectives. These experiences can help individuals expand their comedic horizons and find their own unique comedic voice.
The Importance of Timing
Timing is everything in comedy, and it's a skill that can be learned. The ability to deliver a punchline at the perfect moment can make or break a joke. Studying the comedic timing of professional comedians and analyzing what makes their jokes successful (or at least funny to YOU) can provide valuable insights into the art of being funny.
Putting It into Practice
There's no substitute for practical experience when it comes to comedy. Trying out jokes in front of an audience, whether it's friends, family, or a comedy open mic night, can help individuals refine their comedic skills. Embracing failure and learning from setbacks is an integral part of the learning process.
Developing Your Own Style
Becoming funny doesn't mean trying to imitate other comedians. It's about finding your own unique comedic style. You are an amalgamation of all of the comedians you’ve ever seen, which is a very good thing. You don’t need to be the next Steve Carell or Tina Fey. There’s already a Steve Carell and a Tina Fey. Find your own style of funny from what tickles your funny bone. It’s also okay to not be naturally funny. I have long held that I’d much rather take the stage with an unfunny person who is a good improviser than a hilarious person who stinks at improv. It’s much easier to create an interesting scene with the former than the latter.
Be you to the best of your ability, and let the jokers and wild cards fall where they may. If you are interested in trying to learn some of the structure of comedy, check out our weekly drop-in improv classes or our sketch writing workshop.
