Your sense of humour!

Do you have a 'good' sense of humour?
Nasha Fitter

April 18, 2006

You could be trying to break the ice with a new client.

Or trying to impress a hot date.

In both situations a good sense of humour could prove advantageous.

But how do you know whether your's is good enough? How do you build upon it?

We received a reader query on the subject for Get Ahead expert Nasha Fitter. Let's see what Nasha has to say.

• Got a question for Nasha? Write to us!

I have heard having a good sense of humour often helps in breaking the ice. Also people remember you because of your wit and humour.

I think I don't have a very good sense of homour. Could you suggest how to build on this?

-- Radha Karnik

This is a great question that is unfortunately difficult to answer. I can only give you my views on this topic, which may or may not be correct. I know that my sense of humour developed over time.

When I was younger I was not funny at all; now I can easily make people laugh. At the same time, sometimes I say things that I think are very funny but others do not. Improving wit and humour, I believe, is an ongoing process.

Now, there are various forms of humour and everyone has their individual style. Overall, I believe being fluent in a language is very important for being witty or funny. The way we play around with words adds the "funny" tag to an otherwise normal sentence.

Also, seeing irony is very important. I think humour is often the link between two unrelated things.

In my experience, laughing frequently and appreciating other people's jokes and wit is very important. Within this, finding humour in everyday normal situations is the key.

I often notice what is going on around me and say funny things in my head and laugh to myself. That serves almost as practice for when I am in a group. I watch comedy shows and movies and I am sure that has some effect on helping me improve my sense of humour.

And last, having confidence that you ARE witty is important. There will always be someone wittier or funnier than you, which is fine. Just work on building your own style.

Remember, if you are trying to be funny and witty in order to break the ice at a business function, be careful.

In those situations, humour has to be mild and politically correct.

http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2006/apr/18nasha.htm

Well, I know the article is quite an outdated one.😳 But still wanted to share... So in your opinion, how is your sense of humour?

Many people say that I am way too serious and I don't have a good sense of humour. So, do you know how does one develop his sense of humour? Is it an inherent quality?

Thanks.
Have fun and keep smiling.😊

Originally posted by: Ms.Pooji

Now, there are various forms of humour and everyone has their individual style. Overall, I believe being fluent in a language is very important for being witty or funny. The way we play around with words adds the "funny" tag to an otherwise normal sentence.

I can relate to this part very well. Till 16 yrs of age I had lived in Bengal and I was used to have fun and humour in Bengali and in school English. But then I was thrown in the midst of different cultures and different languages and it was not only difficult for me to be funny in their language but also to comprehend their humour as they frequently used slangs specific to certain region. But now after 10 yrs of living outside of my home and friends making up main part of my life it seems natural to be humorous in their language (hindi).

Well, I know the article is quite an outdated one.😳 But still wanted to share... So in your opinion, how is your sense of humour?

Now that's difficult to say for myself.😛 So, I'll ask you. But anyway, I can tell my preferences. I like playing with words, irony, sarcastic humor better than plain slapstick humour. However, everything has its place and among friends slapstick and silly humour is quite common.

Many people say that I am way too serious and I don't have a good sense of humour. So, do you know how does one develop his sense of humour? Is it an inherent quality?

Maybe you're serious, that never means you can't have a good sense of humour. I'm not an expert on this issue (obviously otherwise I'd be the one writing the article not reading it 😛) but I think interacting with friends help. Especially friends who know how to have a good time, free-spirited and not too stingy (yes you read right, and I meant stingy 😉). Talk with them, make comments have fun together. And never get offended by some comment your friends make (as long as it doesn't involve crossing the line you don't like being crossed). Take everything light-heartedly even if it involves something embarassing you did. Yes such things happen and it's better to have a good laugh about that among your friends than being uptight about it and don't worry your turn will come too. That way even if someone from outside your friend's circle makes a comment about something you did, you can make it look funny. And quick repartees are always good, that comes with practice.

So, go and start practicing and sharpening your riposte skills with Grace.😛

Thanks.
Have fun and keep smiling.😊 You too sis and never again think that you don't have sense of humour.😊

^^ Thank you so much for replying and for the advice!!😳 Will surely put to practice...

So, go and start practicing and sharpening your riposte skills with Grace.😛

Will try...😛😳

Thanks.
Have fun and keep smiling.😊 You too sis and never again think that you don't have sense of humour.
It's only at times when my friends are cracking jokes and everyone is laughing hard, and I am not finding anything funny😕, that I ask myself such questions.

Thanks again for helping me!!

Originally posted by: Ms.Pooji

It's only at times when my friends are cracking jokes and everyone is laughing hard, and I am not finding anything funny😕, that I ask myself such questions.

Thanks again for helping me!!

Oh it happens. As it's mentioned in the article every person has their own style of humor. Maybe they are joking about something which you're not too knowledgable about, like you know lawyer or politician jokes or maybe the subject is such which you're not too comfortable discussing, you know what I mean. I presume you haven't lived in a hostel, but once you move out of your home you'll find out that these types of jokes and even more weird things take place (not so much maybe in girl's hostel I dunno). You'll have to take them sportingly and yet be firm about where you want to draw the line, cos if you don't take it sportingly you'll be targeted more. And after some time who knows, you may find yourself actually enjoying such jokes and leg pullings and even taking part in them.

And you're my sis no, so need to say thanx for anything.😛

hmm.... i need advise on humour. I rarely try to be funny, but weirdly people always end up cracking up at what i say even when im being serious. i know their not laughing at me because they think im stupid coz everyone always compliments on how smart and hilarious i am 🤢 . But, when i actually do try to be funny.... no one laugh!!!!!