One of the most charming qualities a person can have is their ability to make a quick and smart comeback. This allows them to keep the conversation going and leave people wanting to talk to them again after they’ve left. Developing this skill takes practice.
You may come across a person who is witty, and their characteristics may make others gravitate towards them. More likely, they have many friends, and they are often the focus of a party.
Why we all want to be witty
We want to be like those who are witty. Whether it’s due to how they draw in a crowd or our attraction to their quick comebacks, it’s a fact.
We want to be witty due to how contagious it is. It can make others gravitate towards you, and it can also make us feel more fulfilled in life.
Unfortunately, many people fail miserably at being witty. It is something most people have since become accustomed to, while others are still stuck in their awkward situations. There is no life sentence for being witty, just practice.
How to be witty
If you’re like most people, then you’ll want to be like those who everyone just likes. This guide will teach you how to be more witty so that you can easily win over others.
1. Don’t try too hard
People who are known as “witty” are individuals who are laidback and enjoy bringing a lot of fun to a conversation. They do not try too hard, and just happen to have a good sense of humor.
Anyone with a brain knows that trying too hard is an absolute no-no. It will obliterate any pretension of being clever. Just relax and enjoy yourself. The wit will come.
2. Be creative
People who are known as “witty” are individuals who are creative and enjoy bringing a lot of fun to a conversation. They do not try too hard, and just happen to have a good sense of humor. They are known for their quick and smart comebacks.
3. Think outside the box
When talking to others, most witty individuals do not rely on clichés or standard comebacks. Instead, they think outside of the box.
You should try to come up with something original that the other person would not expect.
4. Know who you’re talking to
Being charming and witty are also linked to knowing who you’re talking to. Having a tailor-made comeback depends on who you’re with, as you don’t want to offend anybody.
Being able to listen and get to know people can help you improve your ability to be witty.
5. Practice, practice, practice
Practice is important in order to become more adept at being witty. This involves going out and testing your newfound knowledge on various people and changing your approach depending on how they respond.
This can also be done at work, with your family and friends. Before you start making a good impression, make sure that you are comfortable with the jokes.
6. Listen intently
The people who are known as the wittiest are those who are able to listen to others better than others. Not only does this allow them to understand the other person’s perspective, but it also provides them with valuable material.
Being clever doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be the center of attention all the time. It means that you can be the one to deliver a witty remark whenever the time is right.
7. Be confident
Ever notice that people who are witty tend to keep themselves very confident? This is because they have a lot of confidence.
They are also more likely to talk to others confidently, which allows them to respond quickly and efficiently to any topic. Having confidence in your comebacks can help you avoid being perceived as an awkward person.
8. Talk to everyone
To become more adept at being witty, make sure that you talk to everybody at the party. Being able to interact with a large number of people can help improve your ability to respond efficiently and effectively to different situations.
You should also try to get to know more people in order to improve your work with others. Including people in your conversations can help you develop a better understanding of them.
9. Expand your vocabulary
If you’re not able to think of different words, how do you expect to be witty? Having a wider vocabulary can help you when talking to people, as it will allow you to use the right words in order to stun them.
If you’re not planning on going back to school, try creating a daily word count or an app that will help you add new words to your conversations.
10. Expand your knowledge on different topics
Apart from being more knowledgeable about words, you also have to know a lot about different subjects.
Since you never know what you’ll be talking about with someone, it’s important to be as knowledgeable as possible. We recommend that you subscribe to various newsletters and keep up with the latest headlines online.
11. Keep things short and sweet
People who are witty tend to leave their comments short and sweet. This makes them easier to understand and adds to their charm.
Being short can also make people think that you’re too hard when it comes to what you’re saying. This can lead to awkward silences as others try to figure out what you’re trying to say.
Being witty doesn’t mean that you’re smarter than others. Instead, it means that you value everyone and include them at the same level.
12. Be punny
One of the first steps in becoming a more witty person is by picking up a few puns. These are typically very funny and can make others want to be around you more.
Although you can initially start using good puns, you’ll eventually learn to develop your own funny and unique expressions as you become more adept at being witty.
13. Think quick
You can’t be witty when the topic that you’re debating has already been passed, even if it has already been discussed. To be successful at being witty, you have to be quick to react to the first thing that comes to mind.
The definition of witty is that one uses imaginative and quick verbal humor. Practice is necessary in order to be successful at being witty, and after a while, you’ll be able to produce witty comebacks.
14. Put yourself in a position to be able to be witty
If you refuse to talk to people, how can you be considered witty? You won’t be able to be effective at being witty if you are seated at the table with everyone else talking. People will start noticing if you let your wit shine through.
15. Watch a lot of movies
Although it may seem odd, watching a lot of TV and movies can teach you how to be more humorous.
List out your favorite shows and watch one season of each. You’ll have a huge amount of material to choose from, as the more you watch TV and movies, the more you’ll be exposed to.
16. Name things
This may seem silly, but it can improve your concentration and help you think faster. Place yourself in a room and look around. Name everything that you see immediately.
Although this may not seem like a big deal, practicing one’s ability to speak quickly and timing will help you become more adept at being witty.
17. Be unexpected
Being witty is not about making people expect you to make funny jokes. Instead, it’s about being unexpected. The best moments of comedy are those where everyone is genuinely surprised by the joke.
18. Rethink moments
Take a minute to reflect on moments in your life where you wanted to be more humorous but were unsuccessful. These moments can help you improve and become more successful at being witty.
19. Try improv
If you’re not sure if you’re capable of being witty, try taking an improv class. This form of comedy is all about developing unique and clever ideas.
In order to catch the attention of others, you should come up with unexpected and clever ideas. These classes are fun, and they can help you improve and become more successful at being witty.
20. Be obvious
One of the most effective ways to become more clever is by saying the obvious. For instance, if you’re all sitting around and it’s quiet, just say, “Man, is it quiet or what?” This simple yet effective way to start your journey toward becoming more clever.
21. Use sarcasm
One of the most amazing skills that you can have is sarcasm, which is a way to say the opposite of what’s happening. Say, “Wow, I could really use a hot chocolate right now” as you’re wiping your forehead after sweating profusely.
22. Be true to your sense of humor
Trying to get laughs is not a good idea, as it will make you look like an insincere person. Being witty is all about confidence in one’s own sense of humor.
23. Don’t be rude
You should never make jokes at the expense of others. While it’s perfectly fine to tease certain small things, you shouldn’t be rude. Being too frank may make you look like a complete jerk, which is not the goal of being witty.
24. Help others feel at ease
Being witty and able to get others to like you are not only about being smart or funny, but also about making them feel at ease. Avoid making jokes at the wrong moments. Instead, try to put them at ease in the right moments.
25. Get off your phone
Being present is very important in order to be witty. Being too focused on your phone while trying to find a funny meme will not cut it.
You can develop a more distinct sense of humor by engaging in conversations with others and going out into different settings.