What does it mean to be funny?

Most times I’m funny unintentionally. Being funny is such a weird concept. I think it all relates back to being comfortable enough to tell a story to a medium to large group of people… or even to only one person. In order to tell a story effectively, having a good relationship with time (in that you’re not afraid to use it) is very important. You should understand how to add emphasis and grandiose exaggerations where necessary, and that you are comfortable being the focus of attention for a longish duration of time. Even as an actor, I have an incredibly hard time slowing myself down enough to do this.

Obviously this dissection of what it means to be funny is the most unfunny thing ever. 

I tried to be funny once…

It was my grade 9 graduation, and I was appointed (alas not by my fellow students, but by the teachers) to speak at the graduation ceremony. What was I going to say? ‘Why not tell a story’ I thought. My mom came to the graduation with a professional camera guy in tow. I wanted to try public speaking because I was terrified of it, and although my intentions (to overcome this fear) were good, well…

So I’m waiting to go up on the stage, flipping through my Q-cards, and adjusting my dress. Finally it’s my turn to speak. I want to say something like ‘and then I tripped and my cue cards went flying,’ but what actually happened was pre-meditated embarrassment on my part.  I wrote this speech on my own time, and walked onto that stage thinking that I was (I’m sure I have a relative somewhere that would say this) ‘the cat’s meow.”

My mom nearly swallowed her tongue as I began my speech:

“When I was 5 my parents got a divorce.”

Don’t worry, it wasn’t a pity speech. What was this story I have been building up to for 400 words?

How one day, while walking down the street at the age of 6, I decided (in a fit of inspiration) to stick a good sized rock up my nose. This ‘mistake’ resulted in a trip to the hospital and (after several failed attempts by the doctors) a surgeon – who had to freeze my nose and suction the little bugger out. Were you expecting something worse? Sorry to disappoint, but can you imagine telling this story to an entire room of 15 year olds. I’m sure I had some sort of moral, like ‘think before you act,’ but I can’t remember.

In case your wondering, my mom lost the tape.

So to return to the question I asked at the top of this post: “What does it mean to be funny?” I think funny is subjective. Everyone is going to laugh at different things. Everyone has a very specific sense of humour. Some may have even forgotten how to laugh. I think the greatest comedy you can treat yourself to…is yourself. You have to be able to laugh at yourself. Don’t take life so seriously. Take this advice from someone who does take life WAY too seriously. It’s no fun. It’s much more exciting to laugh (instead of dwell) on any stupidity you indulged in during your youth (or even 5 seconds ago), and move on from there.