You will often hear people say that anyone can be funny. If that were so, the world would be full of Jerry Seinfeld and everyone would be laughing out loud. Being funny can be learned, but it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. There are some tricks to the trade.

To be funny, you have to have a captive audience that wants to be entertained. For example, you’re not going to crack a joke or prank your boss after you drop the ball on a million dollar account. This is not a wise moment. However, a properly executed unexpected prank can set the stage for other situations that will have your friends calling you the life of the party.

Real life situations are often the most fun things you can offer. Look at some of the most successful comedians in the world. Bill Cosby, Richard Prior, Eddie Murphy and Kris Rock, all they really do is tell stories about their lives that make us fall out of our chairs. Granted, they have a way of doing it, but our lives provide us with your humor every day.

Another thing that provokes laughter is a little pain and suffering. This is a time-honored tradition and is the root of slapstick humor. What was more fun than the Three Stooges when you were a kid? Someone getting slapped in the head or shot in the snout can make you fall out of your chair holding your guts from laughing so hard. Work a few of these things and you’ll be amazed at how much fun it becomes for your friends.

Quick wit is also something that will come in handy when trying to be funny. Making a comment about the obvious with a statement that reflects the opposite is always a success. Think of Chandler Bing in Friends. His sarcasm would have fans in stitches on every show.

Does it take work to be fun? Sure, but it’s so much better than being boring!