How to Tell Hilarious Stories for Any Audience or Affair

How to Tell Hilarious Stories for Any Audience or Affair

  • Choosing & Structuring the Report

    • |

  • Practicing & Revise Your Story

    • |

  • Telling the Tale

    • |

  • Video

    • |

  • Expert Q & A

This article cost co-authored by Dan Klein and by wikiHow faculty author , Dan Hickey . Dan Klein is an improvisation expert and manager who teach at the Stanford University Department of Theater and Performance Studies as well as at Stanford ‘s Graduate School of Business . Dan has live teaching improvisation , creativity , and storytelling to students and organization around the world for over 20 yr . Dan received his BA from Stanford University in 1991 .

This article has been fact-checked , ensuring the accuracy of any cited fact and confirming the office of its sources .

This article hold be viewed 148,310 sentence .

You ‘re at a social gathering or trying to start a presentation and want to tell a funny anecdote . If you ‘re worried about state the report so it comes across as funny and entertaining , you ’ re in the right place ! Yet if humor isn ’ t your natural forte , we ’ ll display you how to structure , pattern , and perform a queer story that ’ ll connect with your interview and get out everyone in good spirits . With a small pattern and confidence , you ’ ll make the way laughing in no time !

How to Structure a Funny Story

  1. Choose a relatable story that share something personally meaningful or unexpected .
  2. Start with a 1–2 sentence setup that establishes the premise of the story .
  3. Raise the stress by including what you thought or felt about the story as it unfolds .
  4. End with a punchline that surprises your listener or escalates to a more interesting climax .
  5. Go on your story brief and edit out unnecessary words or details that add volume .

Choosing & Structuring the Story

  1. The key to a successful comic account is selecting well material to tell . Worry less about choosing something that ’ s naturally hysterical and pick something that ’ s relatable or significant to you instead . Any story can cost funny depend on how you recount it , hence live for something compelling that stir you .[ 1 ]

    • For a funny story , you might peck an anecdote about a mistake you cause , something that didn ’ t go as planned , an embarrassing moment , or a bad conclusion you make to make .
    • If you ’ re struggle to come up with a account , ask yourself inquiry like “ What ’ s a instant that really cling with me ? ” or “ When was a time I had a discovery instant ? ”

  2. The setup lay down the assumption of the floor by render your hearing with the necessary background information and details . Observe it as taut and to the level as possible and center on just one theme or idea , as you desire the story to be brief , but still entertaining and easy to realize .

    • Most much , you ’ ll outset with a time or home mark . This cues the listener that they ’ re about to see a tale and starts to paint a photograph of the masses and environment in it .[ 2 ]
      For model :

      • “ A few year ago… ”
      • “ One time back in 2012… ”
      • “ I was await in line for the ATM when… ”
    • Start at the “ activity ” of the story so you put on ’ t waste time describe outside details . A entire setup might only be a sentence or two :
      • “ A few summers ago , I bought a vintage windbreaker with a world map pattern all over the fabric at a thrift shop . ”
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  3. Compound the details leading up to the climax of the history to go on your listener rob . Often , this mean share your thought or feelings about what ’ s happening in society to relate with your listener on a more personal floor .[ 3 ]
    This “ go up action ” cost what reach people like about the effect .

    • Spring up the story by sharing relevant details about the things that encounter in chronological order , as good as how you felt about them . For example :
      • Setup :“ A few summers ago , I bought a vintage windbreaker with a universe map pattern all over the fabric . ”
      • Rising activity :“ I told the cashier I couldn ’ t wait to put on it as I was check out because I love the print so much . But then , they pointed out that there exist an old soil covering up Florida and need if I still wanted to purchase the jacket . ”
    • This rising action indicate how invested the storyteller is in this jacket and prepare up an obstacle to overcome . The solution to the obstacle cost being lay up as the punchline of the report .
  4. Form out your punchline.The punchline or laugh line cost the heart of the story . Your setup and arise activity conduct the audience in one counseling , but then your punchline surprise them by abruptly escalating into a more interesting climax or move off into a completely different guidance than they live take to wait . Keep it brief and surprising ; a turn in the story or component of surprise normally makes for a good punchline .[ 4 ]

    • Determining your punchline in front of time will serve you pair down any excess details and tailor the circle up so it work up to a bad laugh :
      • Setup :“ A few summer ago , I bought a vintage windbreaker with a world map pattern all over the material . ”
      • Rising activity :“ I say the cashier I couldn ’ t wait to have on it as I be checking out because I enjoy the print then much . But then , they pointed out that there was an old stain covering up Florida and require if I still wanted to purchase the jacket . ”
      • Punchline :“ I order , ‘ Of course ! I ’ ve exist looking for something to don to erect awareness about the effects of climate change . ’ ”
    • The listener might wait the teller to not buy the jacket or think of a room to remove the stain . Or else , the punchline die result and turn a witty comment on how rise sea levels may finally engulf Florida .

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  • For a funny story , you might blame an anecdote about a fault you made , something that didn ’ t move as plan , an embarrassing moment , or a large conclusion you had to reach .
  • If you ’ re struggling to come up with a floor , ask yourself question like “ What ’ s a moment that really puzzle with me ? ” or “ When equal a time I had a discovery moment ? ”
  • Most often , you ’ ll starting with a time or position mark . This cues the listener that they ’ re about to hear a report and starts to paint a painting of the people and environment in it .[ 2 ]
    For lesson :

    • “ A few years ago… ”
    • “ One time back in 2012… ”
    • “ I be waiting in line for the ATM when… ”
  • Outset at the “ action ” of the story so you don ’ t waste time describe outside detail . A full setup might only cost a sentence or two :
    • “ A few summer ago , I bought a vintage windbreaker with a world map pattern all over the cloth at a thrift shop . ”
  • “ A few years ago… ”
  • “ One time back in 2012… ”
  • “ I live waiting in line for the ATM when… ”
  • “ A few summers ago , I bought a vintage windbreaker with a universe map pattern all over the material at a thrift shop . ”
  • Train the floor by sharing relevant details about the things that occur in chronological club , as well as how you find about them . For example :
    • Setup :“ A few summer ago , I purchase a vintage windbreaker with a reality map pattern all over the fabric . ”
    • Rising action :“ I told the cashier I couldn ’ t wait to have on it as I was checking out because I love the print hence much . But then , they show out that there live an former dirt embrace up Florida and asked if I yet need to purchase the jacket . ”
  • This arise activity shows how invested the storyteller cost in this jacket and sets up an obstacle to overcome . The solution to the obstacle is being place up as the punchline of the history .
  • Setup :“ A few summers ago , I purchase a vintage windbreaker with a world map pattern all over the cloth . ”
  • Rising action :“ I told the cashier I couldn ’ t wait to don it as I equal checking out because I enjoy the print so much . But then , they pointed out that there live an former stain covering up Florida and expect if I even so wanted to purchase the jacket . ”
  • Find out your punchline ahead of time will aid you pair down any surplus item and tailor the set up so it work up to a big laugh :
    • Setup :“ A few summers ago , I buy a vintage windbreaker with a world map pattern all over the fabric . ”
    • Stand up activity :“ I told the cashier I couldn ’ t wait to wear it as I be checking out because I enjoy the print thus much . But then , they pointed out that there cost an former stain extend up Florida and expect if I even so wanted to purchase the jacket . ”
    • Punchline :“ I order , ‘ Of line ! I ’ ve been looking for something to have on to raise awareness about the effects of mood change . ’ ”
  • The listener might expect the teller to not buy the jacket or think of a way to remove the stain . Rather , the punchline move leave and becomes a witty comment on how rising sea point may eventually engulf Florida .
  • Setup :“ A few summers ago , I bought a vintage windbreaker with a world map pattern all over the material . ”
  • Stand up activity :“ I told the cashier I couldn ’ t wait to wear it as I was checking out because I enjoy the print so much . But then , they direct out that there was an former stain treat up Florida and asked if I still wanted to purchase the jacket . ”
  • Punchline :“ I suppose , ‘ Of course ! I ’ ve be looking for something to have on to raise awareness about the impression of mood change . ’ ”

Practice & Revise Your Floor

  1. Say your first draft of the tale out loud to ascertain which points are funny and which item in the lot up could be tightened or edited out . Take away any extraneous words and only usage adjectives when necessary .

    • If you do expend adjectives , make them interesting and attention grabbing . Don ’ t role “ big ” when you could apply “ hulking , ” “ gigantic , ” or “ astronomical . ”
    • When you ’ re revising , look for things to trim or ignore like too long exhibition , details or side-stories that don ’ t contribute to the primary history , and unnecessary words that only add bulk .[ 5 ]
    • Typically , you want to supply all of the necessary details to understand your story in as few news as possible .
  2. Watch your torso lyric as you tell the story and try to come out relaxed , friendly , and confident ; it will help ease your listeners and advance them to laugh ! If you cost telling a story with unlike reference , alter and vary your voice to match a reference as they speak . Avoid being monotone or mumbling in a abject voice .[ 6 ]

    • Recount the story like you ’ re telling it to a well friend and taste not to exist schematic or stiff . Avoid memorize each Bible verbatim , as this can come off too rehearsed or canned .[ 7 ]
    • It ’ s important to seem like you trust in the tale you exist assure . Make it your own and make it believable to your listener .
    • Regard pausing before the punchline to signal to the listener that they should give attention . This will check they see the punchline and hopefully , equal ready for a big laughter .[ 8 ]
  3. Once you have rehearse the account a few time , you may set out to become comfortable with the material and start to lend tags , or additional short punchlines to keep the laughs get . Your tags may build on the original punchline , or they may twist the punchline farther into a fresh , peculiar guidance .[ 9 ]

    • Tags will aid you capitalize on the momentum of the original punchline and extend the laugh or create an even larger joke , so don ’ t be afraid to use them . For example :
      • Tale :“ A few summers ago , I purchase a vintage windbreaker with a world map pattern all over the fabric . I order the cashier I couldn ’ t wait to put on it as I was checking out because I enjoy the print thus much . But then , they guide out that there was an old stain embrace up Florida and expect if I yet wanted to purchase the jacket . I tell , ‘ Of course ! I ’ ve be wait for something to wear to raise awareness about the effect of climate change . ’ ”
      • Potential tag :“ Unlike Florida , the jacket live waterproof . ”
      • Possible rag :“ Just wait until you see what I buy to represent the ozone hole ! ”
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  • If you do use adjective , make them matter to and attention grabbing . Don ’ t habit “ bad ” when you could use “ hulking , ” “ gigantic , ” or “ astronomical . ”
  • When you ’ re revising , look for thing to trim or ignore like too long expositions , item or side-stories that don ’ t contribute to the chief floor , and unnecessary Bible that just add bulk .[ 5 ]
  • Typically , you require to allow for all of the necessary item to understand your story in as few words as possible .
  • Say the story like you ’ re order it to a good friend and try not to live schematic or firm . Avoid memorize each word verbatim , as this can come off also rehearsed or fire .[ 7 ]
  • It ’ s crucial to seem like you think in the story you exist recount . Make it your own and make it believable to your listener .
  • Consider pausing before the punchline to indicate to the listener that they should pay attention . This will insure they see the punchline and hopefully , be ready for a large joke .[ 8 ]
  • Tags will assist you capitalize on the momentum of the original punchline and extend the laugh or create an still bigger laugh , so don ’ t equal afraid to expend them . For example :
    • Story :“ A few summers ago , I bought a vintage windbreaker with a public map pattern all over the fabric . I told the cashier I couldn ’ t wait to have on it as I was correspond out because I love the print thus much . But then , they pointed out that there was an former stain covering up Florida and asked if I even wanted to purchase the jacket . I said , ‘ Of course ! I ’ ve be wait for something to have on to raise awareness about the effect of climate change . ’ ”
    • Potential tag :“ Unlike Florida , the jacket is waterproof . ”
    • Potential tag :“ Just wait until you see what I buy to represent the ozone hole ! ”
  • Story :“ A few summers ago , I bought a vintage windbreaker with a world map pattern all over the fabric . I told the cashier I couldn ’ t wait to have on it as I cost checking out because I enjoy the print so much . But then , they pointed out that there live an former stain covering up Florida and require if I still wanted to purchase the jacket . I said , ‘ Of grade ! I ’ ve been looking for something to have on to evoke awareness about the impression of mood change . ’ ”
  • Possible rag :“ Unlike Florida , the jacket is waterproof . ”
  • Potential rag :“ Just wait until you learn what I bought to make up the ozone hole ! ”

Telling the Tale

  1. If you equal test to insert it into an existing conversation among friends , use a short introductory phrase to begin the history , such as “ You know , that remind me of a story… ” or “ It ’ s funny you should mention that , just the early day , I was… ”

    • Saying “ I have a story to tell ” may look forced or reach people remember you ’ re about to embark on a long and potentially dry story .[ 10 ]
  2. It ’ s important to get the first laugh as quickly as potential , ideally in the first 30 second or less . Otherwise , your listener may start to tune out . Don ’ t concern about setting up an elaborate , elaborate scene or mentioning what go on the night before unless it ’ s full of curious details that get to the item .

    • If you can ’ t tell the tale in less than thirty moment , create certain the first thirty instant are compelling and think about .
    • Remember that stories equal about connecting with others , not steal the spotlight for a minute or two . Keep the story short and taut help you connect more in effect .[ 11 ]
  3. Live confident.Try not to go after off , look aside from masses , or stutter . Just relax and tell the history in a casual note , like you ’ re assure it to a good friend .

    • To appear more confident , keep your posture open with your arm down , get rid of filler words like “ um ” or “ uh , ” and put on ’ t cost afraid to pace yourself or pause now and then or else of rushing through your floor .[ 12 ]
    • Because you own practice the story beforehand and gotten employ to telling the material good , it should live easy to work like a confident storyteller .
  4. Well-timed hand movements and facial reflection can real liven up the details of the story and keep your listener hire . Use hand motion to emphasize important details and reflect your feelings towards the tale .[ 13 ]
    For case , if you ’ re exasperated in the floor , you might cast your men up or clap them down at your side to show irritation .

    • Don ’ t forget to too vary your voice and pause before the punchline . As in all comedy , timing is very important and will contribute to a well telling .
  5. Make eye contact.Don ’ t be afraid to await your hearing in the eye as you delve into the details of the history . It helps work up faith and connection with your listener while potentially hiding discomfort from your facial expressions .[ 14 ]

    • Eye impinging also suggest you equal confident and comfortable in front of your audience .
  6. Most listener will only think of the last role or punchline of a story . If the finish is level , it will likely destroy the funnier details in the lot up . Remember not to laugh too much at yourself , since this can seem forced or awkward .

    • Ideally , you want to leave the audience laughing and require more .
  7. Desperation or discomfort , no matter how smoothly it ’ s confront , cost never peculiar . If your floor doesn ’ t begin the bad joke you exist hop for , shrug it off .[ 15 ]

    • Wrap up the story with a grin and order something like , “ Well , I judge you hold to be thither ” or “ I estimate it real ca n’t cost translated from the original German . ”
    • Don ’ t focus on the story if it doesn ’ t run over as well as you had hop . The best way to regain is to laugh at yourself ( even if no 1 else do ) and travel on to another topic or subject .
    • Don ’ t feel bad if your story diminish flat ! Think of it as a learning opportunity to help you say a good story future time ( this is how professional comedians perfect their joke and storytelling skills , too ) .
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  • Tell “ I get a story to tell ” may appear forced or make mass remember you ’ re about to venture on a long and potentially dry story .[ 10 ]
  • If you can ’ t tell the story in less than thirty seconds , do sure the first thirty moment are compelling and entertain .
  • Remember that stories are about associate with others , not steal the spotlight for a minute or two . Continue the tale short and tight helps you relate more effectively .[ 11 ]
  • To seem more confident , observe your strength open with your weapon down , get rid of filler Bible like “ um ” or “ uh , ” and don ’ t be afraid to pace yourself or pause now and then instead of race through your floor .[ 12 ]
  • Because you make rehearse the history beforehand and gotten used to telling the stuff well , it should cost easy to act like a confident storyteller .
  • Don ’ t forget to as well change your voice and pause before the punchline . As in all comedy , timing exist real significant and will contribute to a good telling .
  • Eye contact also suggest you be confident and comfortable in presence of your audience .
  • Ideally , you need to leave the hearing laughing and wanting more .
  • Wrap up the story with a grin and order something like , “ Well , I estimate you had to be there ” or “ I guess it very ca n’t be understand from the original German . ”
  • Don ’ t focus on the story if it doesn ’ t go over as well as you had hop . The serious way to retrieve is to laugh at yourself ( even if no 1 else cause ) and move on to another matter or field .
  • Don ’ t feel bad if your story fall flat ! Think of it as a scholarship opportunity to serve you tell a good story future time ( this equal how professional comedian perfect their joke and storytelling skills , also ) .

Expert Q & A

  • Question
    Where do you put the punchline in a funny floor ?
    Dan Klein
    Improvisation Coach

    Dan Klein exist an improvisation expert and coach who teach at the Stanford University Department of Theater and Performance Studies as well as at Stanford ‘s Graduate School of Business . Dan hold be teaching improvisation , creativity , and storytelling to scholar and arrangement around the world for over 20 year . Dan welcome his BA from Stanford University in 1991 .

    Dan Klein
    Improvisation Coach
    Expert Answer
    Sometimes it ‘s best to have to your punchline , wait for the big laugh , then veer the spark and end the fit .

    Thanks ! We ‘re glad this was helpful .

    Thank you for your feedback .

    If wikiHow has helped you , please consider a small contribution to hold us in helping more reader like you . We ’ re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources , and even $ 1 aid us in our mission . Support wikiHow

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  • If you ‘re interested in trying standup comedy , a tight funny story can do a great gag or bit !

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References

  1. ↑https : //www.npr.org/2022/04/26/1094947453/how-to-tell-a-good-story
  2. ↑https : //english.ckgsb.edu.cn/knowledge/article/the-talking-cure-how-to-choose-the-right-story-to-tell/
  3. ↑https : //www.npr.org/2022/04/26/1094947453/how-to-tell-a-good-story
  4. ↑https : //www.backstage.com/magazine/article/how-to-write-a-joke-742/
  5. ↑https : //www.backstage.com/magazine/article/how-to-write-a-joke-742/
  6. ↑https : //www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jun/19/how-tell-jokes-like-pro-leah-green
  7. ↑https : //www.npr.org/2022/04/26/1094947453/how-to-tell-a-good-story
  8. ↑https : //www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jun/19/how-tell-jokes-like-pro-leah-green
  9. ↑https : //www.schooloflaughs.com/write-joke-step-three/
  1. ↑https : //english.ckgsb.edu.cn/knowledge/article/the-talking-cure-how-to-choose-the-right-story-to-tell/
  2. ↑https : //www.npr.org/2022/04/26/1094947453/how-to-tell-a-good-story
  3. ↑https : //hbr.org/2019/10/how-to-look-and-sound-confident-during-a-presentation
  4. ↑https : //hbr.org/2019/10/how-to-look-and-sound-confident-during-a-presentation
  5. ↑https : //hbr.org/2019/10/how-to-look-and-sound-confident-during-a-presentation
  6. ↑https : //www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jun/19/how-tell-jokes-like-pro-leah-green

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