Read the works of Dorothy Parker, Ogden Nash, and Tom Stoppard. Listen carefully to the comedy of Louis C. K. and Wanda Sykes or the lyrics of Jay Z. [3] X Research source

A bit of alcohol can be good for your wit, making your conversation more natural and effortless. Too much, however, will compromise your ability to think clearly. [5] X Research source

For an example of this type of comedy, review New Yorker cartoons. One of the most famous is that of a businessman on the phone with the caption, “No, Thursday’s out. How about never—is never good for you?” The joke hinges on taking a convention, a busy businessman rescheduling a meeting he doesn’t want, and then taking it in a direction no one would see coming. [6] X Research source To make unexpected allusions or comparisons in conversation, it is important to have a broad understanding of the world. Keep up to date with current events.

You should pay close attention so that you can listen for words that have multiple meanings. Puns are one of the easiest ways to make witty banter. Listening is also essential for the “call back,” which is when you apply a point made earlier in the conversation to a new topic in a way that is ludicrous. [7] X Research source If you pay attention to stand-up routines, you’ll notice that most reference earlier jokes in ways that make them progressively more absurd. One example is the constant use of “That’s what she said. " Similarly, if you have some good lines in the back of your head, you need to make sure that you are using them at the right time. Busting out an off topic quote will just be weird; missing a good chance to use a quote will be an unfortunate lost opportunity. [8] X Research source

Self-deprecating humor tends to be inclusive and bring people in. Laughing at yourself makes people who would otherwise be intimidated by you feel comfortable. [11] X Research source Studies have even shown that self-deprecating humor is sexually attractive. [12] X Research source For example, Stephen King once quipped, “I am the literary equivalent of a Big Mac and Fries. “[13] X Research source This comparison suggests that King’s writing isn’t very high-quality, but it is very popular, allowing King to poke fun at himself while acknowledging his position. Make fun of a person’s strength in a way that is ironic. When your joke implies that a bodybuilder is out of shape, it is fairly likely that no offense will be taken. It might even be interpreted as a compliment, because he understands that you mean the opposite of what you are saying. The same strategy can be used when making self-depreciating jokes to highlight your own strengths. Make fun of society or the state of the world. Few people can take offense at these jokes. These, however, require that you do some homework. Also consider whether your audience will get the joke.

Insults are often a way to establish social hierarchy. Taking offense will give the other person an edge over you in inter-group dynamics. [15] X Research source

If the person in question is someone you respect and the comment has an element of truth to it, consider whether the “insult” might have been constructive criticism. If so, try to follow the advice. This is generally preferable to returning the insult. Returning the insult means that you consider it a credible threat to your social status. It validates the insult and, unless you can execute a comeback very effectively, you will come out on bottom. [16] X Research source It was often alleged, for example, that Ronald Reagan was too old to serve as President. Instead of going on the counterattack, he diffused the situation with self-deprecating humor: “Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘One should not worry about chronological age compared to the ability to perform the task. ’ . . . Ever since he told me that I stopped worrying about my age. “[17] X Research source

To be effective the insult should sound creative. But the standard format of “Your mom is so ____” or “You are so ____” is a good go to. Examples include: “Your mom is so generous she would give you the hair off her back” or “Your mom is so old she was the waitress at the last supper. “[18] X Research source