How to Socialize, Be Funny and Make Friends

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Socializing and making friends can feel really intimidating, especially if you're also trying to be funny! Most people aren't naturally funny, and it's normal to struggle in social situations. Fortunately, you can improve these skills with a little practice. If you're ready to get out there and make some friends , start by going places where you can meet new people and have fun. Additionally, practice starting conversations, keeping them going, and inserting humor. Overcome your nerves by improving your social skills and building your confidence.

Socializing and Making Friends

When in doubt, start with a smile and open body language. Then, try building up to small talk and asking other people about their lives and interests. Dr. Nancy Lin, a licensed clinical psychologist, suggests "starting from the easiest steps [and] taking things at your own pace."

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Improving Your Social Skills and Confidence

PDF download Download Article
  1. If people feel like you're ignoring them, they won't want to keep talking to you. However, keeping your focus on them will make them see you as a more interesting, caring person. Turn off the sound on your phone when you're out socializing, and don't check your notifications while you're in a conversation with someone. [1]
    • If you need to check your phone regularly, set aside time to do that. For instance, you might step away every hour to review your notifications.
    • If you might receive a call that you need to take immediately, you can set your phone to "Do Not Disturb" and make that phone number an exception. For instance, you may need to allow calls from your babysitter.
  2. Identify your best qualities to improve your self esteem . Everyone is unique and interesting in their own way. To help you recognize your awesome qualities, make a list of your talents, skills, and interests. Additionally, pick out your best physical qualities so you can play them up. Over time, this will help you feel more confident . [2]
    • For example, you might write down that you play guitar, enjoy reading thrillers, like cats, and prefer staying home to going out.
    • Your favorite physical qualities might be your eyes and your legs.
    Advertisement
  3. When you use open body language, people think you're more approachable. The easiest way to appear more open is to smile, make eye contact, and tilt your chin up. Additionally, avoid crossing your arms. Instead, keep them down at your sides. When you walk, use good posture by straightening your back and shoulders. [3]
    • When you're listening to someone, look at them and nod along to show them you understand.
    • If you're talking, try to use hand gestures to involve people in the conversation. It's helpful to practice doing this while you're alone so that it feels natural when you do it with other people.
  4. Learning to socialize may be hard for you, and that's okay. Start small by just smiling at people you pass in public. Then, try saying a simple “hello.” When you're ready, make small talk by asking people casual questions or making observations. After that, you can try introducing yourself to people and asking open-ended questions. [4]
    • Don't worry about how long it takes you to get better at socializing. Give yourself the time you need.
    • Keep things simple by sticking to short interactions at first. After you feel more comfortable, try to keep the conversation going.
  5. You may feel like there is a list of things you "should" do, like going out more, attending parties, or making a bunch of friends. However, what's really important is what you enjoy doing. Think about where you're most comfortable and how you really enjoy spending your time. Then, replace your "should" statements with goals for making yourself happy. [5]
    • For instance, let's say you're an introvert who tells yourself, "I should go to parties more often." If you don't enjoy parties, don't try to force yourself to go. Perhaps you want to spend the evening in the bookstore or watching a movie instead.
    • Similarly, you might be an extrovert who tells yourself, "I should have a single best friend instead of a bunch of close friends." If your friends make you happy, that's all that matters.
  6. Be yourself so that people get to know the real you. It's hard to make real friends if you're pretending to be someone you're not. Even if you get people to like you, it will be hard to maintain the friendship. Instead, be honest about who you are so the right people will find you. Additionally, be respectful of others, and they'll likely respect you in return. [6]
    • Speak your mind when you care about an issue.
    • Try out new hobbies and interests, but be honest about what you enjoy doing.
    • Wear clothes that make you feel your best, not what you think will impress other people. At the same time, don't be afraid to try out something new!
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Meeting New People

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can find event postings online by checking Facebook events or local news sites. Additionally, you may find event postings on bulletin boards at your library, community center, or local coffee shops. Go to events that interest you so you can meet people who share your interests. [7]
    • For instance, go to art openings, concerts, community movie nights, weekend markets, and festivals.
    • It will likely take time for you to meet people who will make good friends. However, the more people you meet, the more likely you are to find someone who'll make a great friend. Just keep putting yourself out there.
  2. Clubs are a fun way to meet people and start making friends. Look for a club that focuses on something you enjoy. Then, go to their meetings regularly. Talk to the people you meet there, and you'll likely make friends over time. [8]
    • If you're still in school, look for an after-school or social club.
    • Otherwise, look for clubs by searching online. Sites like Meetup.com and Facebook are also great for finding groups in your area.
    EXPERT TIP

    Our Family Plays Games

    Board Game Experts
    Our Family Plays Games, LLC is a family-owned business based in Omaha, Nebraska. Launched in 2018, their mission is to promote growth and awareness of the modern board game hobby and bring more BIPOCs and families into the board game community. In June 2020 they were featured on Good Morning America and have since been featured on NBC News Online, Senet Magazine (UK), Ligadas.com (Brazil), a variety of YouTube programs, podcasts, and on local television. In January of 2022, they launched a second program on their channel, called OFPG Voices to highlight other underrepresented voices in the hobby. In addition, they make special appearances at board game conventions all around the country and work with board game publishers from around the world.
    Our Family Plays Games
    Board Game Experts

    Strengthen your friendships by playing board games. Board games are a great way to connect with others, and can even help you make new friendships. Join a local game night or invite people to your house. Board games are a magic conversation starter. You'll be surprised by the connections you forge over the game table.

  3. Look for classes by contacting your local community organizations or colleges or by looking online. Pick a class on a subject you enjoy so that you'll meet people who share your interests. Then, attend all of the class sessions so you can get to know people. [9]
    • You likely won't make friends on the first day of class. However, attending class regularly will help you get to know your classmates so you might become friends.
  4. When you volunteer, you'll meet fellow volunteers and community members who need help. This can help you make new friends who already have things in common with you. Look for a nonprofit or activist group that works on an issue that interests you. Then, attend their events and meetings. [10]
    • For instance, volunteer at a local animal shelter, distribute holiday gifts to families in need, or become a docent at a local museum.
  5. Playing a team sport is a great way to make friends because it requires interaction between you and your teammates. Look for local sports teams by contacting your community center, checking the bulletin board at the library, or searching online. Then, sign up to play for a season. [11]
    • Don't worry about being good at the sport. Recreational sports are good for people of all skill levels, and your teammates will help you get better.
    • You may be able to find a team that's intended for your experience level or age. For instance, the recreational league in your area may have beginner and experienced teams. Similarly, they may separate teams based on your age group. Check with the organizers to learn your options.
  6. If you have religious or spiritual beliefs, you can likely make friends by attending services. Similarly, many religious or spiritual organizations host social events for members, which will help you meet more people. Look for an organization in your area, then start attending their services or events. [12]
    • If you aren't religious or spiritual, you may be able to find an organization in your area for people who have similar beliefs, like an atheist's group.
    • If you don't have religious or spiritual beliefs, you can still attend community events hosted by local religious organizations. For instance, they may host charity events, festivals, holiday celebrations, and carnivals that are open to the community at-large.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Having Fun Conversations

PDF download Download Article
  1. Tell them your name and something about yourself. Try to tell them something you think will be relevant to the current situation. This will help you start conversations with people. [13]
    • You might say, “Hi, I'm Jamie. This is my first time coming to one of these events,” or “Hey, my name is Lola. I was hoping there'd be snacks here.”
  2. People like hearing good things about themselves. Plus, giving people compliments will make them think you're nice. Look for reasons to offer someone a compliment. Then, keep the conversation going by asking a follow-up question. [14]
    • Say, “That's a great dress! Where did you get it?” or “That story you told was so funny! Did you ever find out who pranked you?"
    • As a general rule, it's best to compliment things people can control, like their hair, clothes, skills, and talents. Try not to compliment their innate qualities, like their eye color or facial beauty, because this can make some people feel uncomfortable.
  3. This is an easy way to make small talk with people you've just met. Don't worry about saying anything important. Pick out something in your environment and ask a simple question about it. When the person responds, try to keep the conversation going. [15]
    • It's okay if the conversation doesn't go anywhere. This is a lot like fishing; sometimes you'll get a bite, and other times the person just isn't interested.
    • For instance, you might ask, “How are you coping with all this rain?” or “Have you been to this restaurant before?”
    • Try to ask open-ended questions because they encourage the other person to keep talking. Open-ended questions require more than a “yes” or “no” answer, so they make it easier to keep a conversation going.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 2053 wikiHow readers what strategy they prefer for changing topics, and only 10% of them agreed that the best way to do so is by using a conversation starter. [Take Poll] Instead, try to keep the conversation going organically based on what you’ve already been talking about.
  4. People love talking about themselves, so showing interest in them is a great way to maintain a conversation. Even better, people will like you more because you listen to them. Ask the person you're talking to open-ended questions, then listen to their response with interest. [16]
    • You might ask, “What do you like doing in your free time?” “How do you know Sam?” or “What's the last movie you saw?”
  5. Self-deprecating humor helps people relate to you and shows everyone that you don't take yourself too seriously. Tease yourself with jokes about your quirks, your mistakes, and the things you like. Then, laugh along with everyone else. [17]
    • For example, let's say you drop your drink. You might joke, “And the award for clumsiest person goes to…me.”
    • As another example, you might say, “I would've been here sooner but I need an excavation team just to find my shoes because I'm so disorganized.”
    • Sprinkle this type of humor throughout your conversations, but don't do it too much. People might get uncomfortable or perceive you as being negative if you make fun of yourself too often.
  6. Telling amusing stories is a casual way to show people you're funny. Pick stories from your own life or things that happened to people you know. Then, practice telling them until your delivery sounds natural. [18]
    • For instance, practice them in the mirror or film yourself telling your stories.
    • Keep in mind that you can repeat the same stories to different people, so don't feel like you need to constantly be finding new stories to tell.
  7. Thinking up jokes on the spot is a rare talent, so it's helpful to have a go-to list of jokes. Read jokes online, watch stand-up comedy specials, or take a comedy writing class. Practice your delivery so you deliver the punchline with good timing. Here are some jokes to get you started: [19]
    • Why do you tell an actor to break a leg? Because every play has a cast.
    • Did you hear about the new restaurant called Karma? There's no menu – you get what you deserve.
    • I'm great at sleeping. I can do it with my eyes closed.
    • Yesterday my friend asked me, “What rhymes with home?” Do you know what I said? No, it doesn't.
    8. Advertisement


Build Real Friendships with this Expert Series

Are you struggling to make friends? We’ve put together this series of expert articles to help you build true, lasting friendships.
1
Find a True Friend
2
Socialize, Be Funny and Make Friends
3
What It Means to Be a Good Friend & How to Be a Better One
4
Know If Your Friends Are Using You
5
Revive a Friendship
6
Respect Your Friends

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you mingle with a new friend?
    Ashley Pritchard, MA
    School Counselor
    Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.
    Ashley Pritchard, MA
    School Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Ask them about what they're interested in, or what they do in their spare time. It's possible the two of you share a similar interest and you just haven't discovered it yet. Once you find something you have in common with your friend, it will be a lot easier to get along.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 4
  • Question
    I tried to be funny, but the more I get funny, the more the jokes feel boring. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Remember it's not all about being funny. The best thing is to find what your friend laughs at the most and practice at it. It's okay to talk about serious things sometimes too.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 120
  • Question
    How do I become popular when I am shy?
    Community Answer
    Being "popular" isn't the only way to make new friends and people to like you. People will like you because of who you are, so just show them your true self and the right people will like you and will be interested in you. Many people are shy, and it is perfectly ok to be so. Try to get out of your comfort zone by gradually talking more than you usually do. The more you talk to people, the more comfortable you will become. Socializing is a skill like any other.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 24 Helpful 195
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Watch funny movies and stand up comedy to help you improve your sense of humor. [20]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • People are typically too focused on themselves to be judging you, so don't worry about what people think.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Don't try to say something just for the purpose of looking smart or funny. Most people would rather be friends with someone who comes off as being sincere, not someone just trying to show off. Make sure your humor comes naturally and isn't forced.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If you're telling jokes, avoid dirty and offensive jokes so that people don't get upset with you.
        Thanks
        Helpful 20 Not Helpful 2
      • Try to avoid sensitive topics, like politics and religion, when you're talking to people you've just met. It's very easy to offend someone who has a different opinion.
        Thanks
        Helpful 12 Not Helpful 6
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Be Popular: Tips for Teens, Adults, and More
      How to
      Make Friends
      How To Initiate a Friends with Benefits (FWB) Relationship
      How to
      Be Good Friends With a Girl (Guys)
      How to
      Make Female Friends
      What Are Friend Crushes? Signs You Have One & How to Act On It
      How to
      Make New Friends Quickly
      What to Do When Someone Likes You But You Don’t Feel the Same
      How to
      Find and Make Gaming Friends
      How to
      Make a Best Friend
      The Best Ways to Get to Know Someone on a Deeper Level
      How to
      Make Friends in Your 20s after College
      How to
      Impress Someone
      How to
      Find a True Friend
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/nonverbal-communication.htm/
      2. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/dealing-with-loneliness-and-shyness.htm/
      3. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/nonverbal-communication.htm/
      4. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/dealing-with-loneliness-and-shyness.htm/
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/casual-close/201712/six-mistakes-avoid-when-making-friends
      6. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/making-good-friends.htm/
      7. ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. Academic & School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.
      8. ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. Academic & School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.
      9. ↑ https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/socialization/
      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-mild-cognitive-impairment/201606/the-health-benefits-socializing
      2. ↑ https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/socialization/
      3. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/ways-to-meet-new-people-1385464
      4. ↑ https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/socialization/
      5. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/dealing-with-loneliness-and-shyness.htm/
      6. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/dealing-with-loneliness-and-shyness.htm/
      7. ↑ https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/7-ways-to-make-small-talk-way-more-interesting.html
      8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-s-so-funny/201411/eight-steps-becoming-funnier-person
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-s-so-funny/201411/eight-steps-becoming-funnier-person
      10. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-s-so-funny/201411/eight-steps-becoming-funnier-person
      11. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-s-so-funny/201411/eight-steps-becoming-funnier-person

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to socialize, be funny, and make friends, start by joining a recreational team, getting involved in your community, or taking a class so that you can meet new people. Then, approach people that you'd like to be friends with, say "Hello!" and share something about yourself, like "I'm really glad to be taking this class, how about you?" When they respond, listen carefully so you can keep talking about topics they seem interested in. You can also practice a few jokes so that if conversation creeps to a halt, you can ease the tension with a funny remark every now and then. Before you know it, you'll be making lots of friends! To learn how to master good social skills, like being honest and patient, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,742,578 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Liz Molapo

        Oct 31, 2018

        "I work with older people. They like me and I like them, too, but sometimes it's difficult to chat with them as ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement