Papa CJ

Award-winning International Comedian,
Executive Coach & Motivational Speaker.

Don’t let the world change your smile. Let your smile change the world.

George Soros famously said, “If you’re having fun, you’re probably not making any money”. I’d argue that if you’re not having fun, what’s the point of making money at all!

Yes I know, romantically while they say they’re looking for a person with a good sense of humour, it always seems like they go home with a sleazeball. However while you may end up taking permanent residence in the proverbial friendzone, a friend is a wonderful thing to be. And whether it is work or play, everyone likes to be around someone they can have a laugh with. So here are my pro tips on how you can be that person.

A day without laughter is a day wasted – Charlie Chaplin.

Know your audience

If they don’t like risque jokes, don’t throw one in just coz a ‘really nice one’ popped into your head. Unless of course awkward silence is the response you’re aiming for.

Don’t force fit your joke

If what you have to say fits into the natural flow of the group’s conversation, sure, tell that story. Don’t just butt in coz you want your moment in the spotlight. Attention seekers are viewed as idiots.

Comedy is tragedy plus time

If you’re going to joke about a tragic incident for someone personally or the world at large, remember that there is such a thing as too soon. Make sure your Audience is in the same headspace before you do that hilarious plane crash joke.

Local and topical is funnier

A joke about recent events or something local and specific to the audience tends to be funnier. However topical jokes have a shorter life span and local content doesn’t always travel well. So maybe avoid doing that Punjabi joke about the Gurgaon taxi driver when you’re speaking to Tamil colleagues in Chennai.

Be authentic

Your content and delivery should be in sync with your personality. If you’re trying to be someone you’re not just to impress an audience, they’ll see through it immediately and you’ll come across as someone desperately seeking approval. Don’t do that.

Relatability is key

Your audience does not need to agree with your point of view but unless they get the context of the joke there is no chance they will get the punchline. Make sure you bridge that gap if there is one.

Keep it snappy

In an age of limited attention spans, it’s good to have a few one-liners or short jokes in the bag. The rule is the longer your story, the funnier the ending needs to be.

A magician always carries cards

Be armed with a couple of jokes or stories that you know are fantastic and that you tell really well. So that if the opportunity comes up, you’re locked and loaded and ready to fire.

Always leave them wanting

Little and amazing is better than a lot and not that amazing. If you nail two jokes that score 10s, resist the urge to throw in those maybe jokes that will bring down your average. Let them invite you to the next party to hear those.

Money can be very funny

If you have deep pockets and want someone else to do all the hard work while you reap the benefits, there is a brilliant and extremely modest comedian who’s available for hire. I believe his name is Papa CJ and he can be found in the friendzone.

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