How to Be Funny, Witty & Popular Among Your Friends

Everyone knows outgoing, fun-loving people who are the life of every party because they've got a great sense of humor and are fun to be with. Most people want to be popular so they'll be the ones who are always included in social events. But social pressures can feel overwhelming at times. It's important to know how to relax and make yourself desirable company in your circle of friends.

Following fashion trends seems to help increase popularity. Research conducted by Roehampton University in England and reported by Julie Henry, Education Correspondent for The Telegraph in "Research Reveals How to be Both Clever and Popular at School," found that students who are attractive and who wear their hair and clothing in the latest styles are the more popular ones. Pay attention to how the popular kids at your school look and check out fashion magazines to help get ideas about current clothing trends and hair styles.

It helps to listen carefully to the conversations around you if you want to increase your ability to make humorous, witty remarks. Social confidence coach, Eduard Ezeanu, suggests on the website People Skills Decoded, that paying close attention to what others are saying can help you find opportunities to respond with spontaneous, clever comments. Although humor often comes from saying the unexpected, be careful to assess the emotional tone of the conversation. For example, jumping in with a funny, witty remark when the topic is an emotionally painful one might be seen as inappropriate and insensitive and won't gain you any popularity.

The most popular and funny people are the ones who project confidence and seem relaxed. Don't concentrate too hard on trying to be the center of attention; the goal is to have others enjoy your company and laugh with you, not at you. If you're feeling shy or nervous, those around you will probably pick up on your negative emotional state and feel the stress. If you want to repeat a good joke you recently heard, practice saying it to yourself in the mirror when you are alone until you feel confident you can tell it smoothly.

Observe your audience before you jump in with a remark intended to show how witty you are. See what makes them laugh so you can avoid offending anyone. Psychologist-comedian, Mitch Earleywine points out in his book, "Humor 101" that humor is subjective; what some people find amusing, others do not. He suggests that it's helpful to get a feel for what makes your audience laugh and what does not, just as professional comics do. He further suggests that it's helpful to be sympathetic and open to those around you if you want to increase the likelihood that they'll appreciate your humor.