Created by the writer using Copilot
If you have read articles on my website, you know I add a touch of humor in my writing wherever possible. In fact, most of my articles are based on everyday humor – or what some folks call ‘slice-of-life’ humor.
Humor is a powerful tool. It can connect us with others, make difficult situations more bearable, and possibly help us learn new things. You don’t need to be a professional comedian to write humor-based articles. Laughter is all around us, waiting to be captured in words. The key is to learn how to identify the funny in everyday life and translate it into engaging content for readers.
Observing the Absurdity of Daily Life
The first step to writing humor articles is to train yourself to see the funny side of everyday life. Pay attention to the little things – the way people interact with each other, the strangeness of some of our daily routines, and situations that seem nonsensical in hindsight. Here are some tips to get you started:
- People watching: Spend some time observing the people around you. How do they behave in different situations? What are their funny mannerisms? Look for inspiration in the grocery store line, at the park, or even at home.
- Embrace the mundane: The most mundane tasks can be a source of humor. Write about the hilarious struggle to fold a fitted sheet or the never-ending pile of dishes in the kitchen sink. People relate to these everyday frustrations because such events could be happening in their lives too.
- Keep a humor journal: Carry a small notebook or use your phone’s notes app to jot down funny observations, overheard conversations, or quirky situations you encounter throughout the day. If I don’t have access to a notepad or am unable to type, I just record an audio with my observation or idea. This way, when you sit down to write, you’ll have a ready list of ideas to draw from.
Finding Your Humor Voice
Once you’ve started noticing the funny in everyday life, get to work on your humor voice. This is your unique perspective on the world, the way you see things and translate them into humor. Here are a few things to consider:
- What makes you laugh? What kind of humor do you enjoy reading or watching? Are you a fan of witty observations or dark humor? Identifying what tickles your funny bone is a good starting point for developing your voice.
- Don’t be afraid to be yourself: The best humor is authentic. Let your personality shine through in your writing. What are your quirks, interests, and hobbies? Weaving these elements into your humor can make your writing more relatable and engaging. Most folks who know me read my humor pieces and tell me it feels like talking to me. I take that as a huge compliment. My humor is literally in my voice!
- Write often: The more you write, the more you develop your humor voice. Remember that not every piece you write may land well. Humor is like that. Don’t let those pieces deter you from putting more out there.
Crafting Your Humor Article
Now that you have a stash of funny observations and a better understanding of your humor voice, it’s time to craft your humor article. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Hook ’em early: Start your article with a strong hook that grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for your humor. This could be a funny anecdote, a self-deprecating observation, or a witty opening line. Titles are a great way to hook and draw your audience in.
- Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply telling your readers something is funny, use vivid details and storytelling to show them why it’s funny. Paint a picture with your words and let your readers experience the humor firsthand.
- Use humor techniques: There are a variety of humor techniques you can use in your writing, such as exaggeration, sarcasm, wordplay, and irony. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you and your story.
- Stay current: Keep an eye on current events and pop culture trends. Can you find a humorous angle on a recent news story or a popular meme? I find news articles to be a rich source of raw material for generating humor pieces.
- Know your audience: Consider who you’re writing for and tailor your humor accordingly. What kind of humor do they find funny? What are their interests and experiences? I write a lot on Medium.com where the audiences are mostly from Western countries. Many Indian references may not land well because they do not know the context. I choose my words and settings thoughtfully to ensure my global audience appreciates the funny.
- Edit ruthlessly: Once you’ve written your first draft, take some time to edit ruthlessly. Cut anything that isn’t working, tighten up your language, and make sure your jokes are landing.
The Takeaway: Humor is Everywhere
Remember, humor is subjective. What one person finds funny, another might not. Use the tips I provided to develop your comedic voice and craft humor articles to cause your audiences to chuckle. Start by observing the funny side of everyday life, pick up your pen, and get ready to share your unique perspective with the world. God knows, the world can use a healthy dose of humor!
PS: I used AI to help me generate this article. Not all of it is AI-generated though. I have added my thoughts and links to relevant articles. Overall, the article reflects my thinking and learning.
Anu Anniah Writes 