HOW TO...Be Funny in Public and Make People Like You

Prologue

Things are changing in my life. At the end of next month I will be leaving the city I've called home for the past 2 years to find my fortune as a writer (or become a hooker if times get desperate). The urge for me to get paid to do this has now become more than a whim but a steely determination. I have written enough articles and been published on enough websites to be taken (pretty) seriously. However in order for me to make it to the next level I have received a letter from a magazine giving me some useful pointers. The main ones were to be less self referential and to write in the style of the magazine I hope to be working for. In this note I have started a column which I have wanted to do for a while. I don't just want to make people laugh. I want to help them and impart my 26 years worth of knowledge and wisdom. I have begun to write a series of self help articles about how to survive in the real world of 21st century Britain. I have also been working with other people for the first time. Mainly to get other ideas and a different spin on situations but also to make myself feel less arogant when I dish out advice.

So remember when you read these. It's not just coming from me and some of it is actually from professionals.

1# HOW TO......Be Funny In Public And Make People Like You

Throughout life it is vitally important at most crucial stages that you can put people at ease. Whether it's a new job, chatting up a member of the opposite sex or meeting your partners family for the first time we all need to be able to make people like us. First impressions are huge and it is easy to come off as either arrogant or shy. We've all had situations where meeting a girlfriends parents has gone less than swimmingly or we embarrassed ourselves on a first night out with the new boss and the fit girl from accounts. The trick is to get the balance right. You don't need to be a comedian and have the whole room in stitches, you simply need to be able to hold peoples attention and be charming enough to make them remember you. If all goes well and you follow our advice (including a sociology professor who specialises in body language) then you will have plenty more opportunities to wow them with your wit and charisma.

Eye Contact
Incredibly important but something that many people (including this very writer) struggle with. Looking someone directly in the eye makes them feel you are giving them all of your attention and that you aren't hiding anything. It is key to first impressions and something that a lot of people take for granted but try not doing it and you'll instantly notice the difference.

Use Names.
If you remember peoples names and use them often in conversation then they will feel at ease and that you have made the effort. This works especially well in making friends or meeting potential boy/girlfriends as your name is something that relaxes you when you hear it and subconsciously makes you think you are among friends.

Body Language.
If your sitting down then don't try and cross your legs or fiddle with anything infront of you. It creates a barrier between you and whoever you are talking to. If you do feel like your hands arent doing anything then gesture with them as you talk like a politician would.

Speaking
Dont be embarassed of any accent you might have. We've all seen the Kings Speech and know that it's just about confidence. If you sound like your from a council estate in South London but can make people laugh anyway then your accent will be irrelevant.

Jokes.
Don't tell them. It's a lot easier to tell a funny story of something that happened to you. If you forget a few details it doesn't matter as there is no punchline. The trick is in the telling. keep it short and funny throughout, not just at the end. Also try and use a range of different ways to make people relax and warm to you. Sarcasm and irony are all good in small doses but if you over use them you will come across a bit of a t**t.

Voice Level.
 Anyone who shouts over everyone else in the room or doesn't let anyone else tell their own anecdote will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Let everyone in the conversation talk equally. In fact you should actively encourage others to talk. Ask questions to get them involved. It will make them feel like you are really listening to their opinion (even if you arent). Remeber you can still speak again once they're finished.

Stay Sober.
A drunk person is only funny to people who are as drunk as they are. Any wit and style you had 6 pints ago will disappear and you wont be able to tell a funny story even if it only happened 30 seconds ago. A few drinks to get your confidence going is fine in a social situation (not advised at work) but know your limits if there are people around who you would like to impress.

Be yourself.
But not the version of you who's a total c**t. If your a fan of offensive jokes and heavy swearing then keep it in check till your sure what ground your on with those around you. Likewise if you don't feel comftable being the person controlling the conversation then just sit back, listen and chirp up with the ooccasional piece of hillarious banter.

We hope this all helps. Being charming and witty is easy when you know how. The trick is just having the confidence to speak and act in a way that relaxes you and those around you. Good Luck.