Seddit, how do you improve your wit?

hchambers · 2013-01-26T21:17:46+00:00

The key is to become good at observation and develop a nice descriptive vocabulary. The balance is in finding remarks that are clever, yet not so esoteric that they fly over people's heads.

mephistopheles2u · 2013-01-26T21:34:24+00:00

Read about Schemas on Wikipedia. Pick random words out of the dictionary and try and connect them in really weird ways to expand your schematic reasoning. Or go the other way and pick a word and then think of the exact opposite of that word and explain why. Also, you can only develop wit to a certain extent. If you hang out with naturally witty individuals, you'll never be seen as witty because quickness is often associated with wit, and like IQ, you really can't learn speed of thought. Watch Mitch Hedberg, Demetri Martin, Ramin Nazer, or Steven Wright or any British comedian if you go the stand up route.

cicero11 · 2013-01-27T01:28:23+00:00

Wit is a demonstration of mental prowess rapidly deployed by the subconscious. It's comprised of four parts - speed, insight, eloquence, and brevity.

Speed: The quicker the response the greater the impact. Wit is the revelation of insights, observations and truths that go unnoticed by most, but become easily apparent once mentioned. Speed plays it's part in that as time passes between an incident and a response, there is a greater chance that an audience will eventually make similar observations and hamper your statement's element of surprise. A good example would be the "jerkstore" episode of Seinfeld, where George thinks of a great comeback to an insult, only it's too long after it happened.

Insight: The ability to see what others cant. The less an audience "sees it coming" the better the reaction. An obvious response will fail to make an impact, yet something out of left field will capture their attention. Wit is connecting dots to reveal the hidden picture, but the more obscure the connections, the greater the surprise.

Eloquence: Camouflage your observations using creative wording to increase the element of surprise. The less they see it coming the greater the impact. Rather than say something straight forward, provide just enough information to let your audience figure it out on their own. By doing this you give your audience their own"Aha!" moment which creates an impression that lasts.

Brevity: Make it short and sweet. Your insights should go off like a spark in the audience's mind, not stumble around.

AquaEights · 2013-01-26T22:27:01+00:00

You are the 5 people you hang out with the most.

Associating with witty people always helps.

HilarityEnsuez · 2013-01-26T22:44:51+00:00

This is going to sound weird, but here's a tip: Read aloud from books or articles you find articulate and interesting. Your mouth and mind adjust to allowing the words flow out of you and strengthens connections between thought and word, helping transition better. Now try it with emphasis on different words. Now try it over- a enunciating every syllable. Now try it as thought you are happy or sad or scolding or apologetic. Same words, different deliveries. This is an actor's technique that has additional benefits. A person improves quickly at drawing by tracing. Same can be true with words and speaking.

LitrillyChrisTraeger · 2013-01-26T22:33:59+00:00

Stop reading all the pun circle jerks on reddit for starters. Shit like "Anna frankly I do nazzi why you don't find me funny" won't impress any chicks at the bar.

circa7 · 2013-01-26T22:54:45+00:00

I was always among what I consider "funny people" but never considered myself funny when I was younger - I later found out it due to the fact that whilst they were close knit as friends, I was the "outsider" of the group, and just sort of tried not to annoy them too much.

After a few years I got to grips with my sense of humor, and when I joined college, I discovered that I could be the "funny one" if I wanted. Yeah - watching a LOT of stand up, reading witty books - Wodehouse and Wilde, watching classic comedy films.

Ultimately this is no substitute for the real thing - TALKING. Go out there and talk to (and make as many people laugh) as is humanly possible. You'll start out shit - unfunny observations, bad timing - to err is to be human, but as a philosopher once noted "sucking at something is the first step to being sorta good at something"

cdank · 2013-01-26T22:56:12+00:00

Listen to podcasts with smart people.

I listen to Kevin Pereira on Pointless and The Joe Rogan Experience. They ooze wit out of every pore.

Vatofat · 2013-01-26T21:42:38+00:00

Sharp wit comes as a result of too many attempts over time with no remorse.

InoNinpo · 2013-01-26T21:32:32+00:00

Spending time with wittier people than yourself helps, banter wars!

Ranchy_Poseidon · 2013-01-26T22:14:32+00:00

Either become friends with a good improv actor or put yourself in that atmosphere and learn. Theatre people are great at coming up with brutal one shots, especially the techs.

the_ayatollah · 2013-01-26T22:34:38+00:00

Read. Build up your vocabulary.

HilarityEnsuez · 2013-01-26T22:41:06+00:00

I find that if I'm in a group and start talking but nobody shows a response, it's best to finish out the thought or remark. I don't know how often I've heard somebody say something clever but didn't acknowledge it when really it made a lasting impression on me and I felt like I had a secret insight into them.

irvinestrangler · 2013-01-26T22:44:18+00:00

Winston Churchill

2013-01-26T22:58:59+00:00

Watch lots of quizcoms.

Comedy in the context of unscripted conversation.

Would I lie to you, QI, 8 out of 10 cats or Have I Got News For You are all very witty programmes.

2013-01-27T01:23:30+00:00

Honestly, you just don't give a fuck about what you say and you just say it. Eventually, you get it. It's all about talking.

epicness_personified · 2013-01-26T23:20:41+00:00

Watch english comedies and comedians. May I suggest Fawlty Towers or Black Adder. I find Qi with Stephen Fry a shot of adrenaline to the smarts.

2013-01-26T23:32:56+00:00

BowlingNight · 2013-01-27T01:25:47+00:00

Understand timing. When you throw around the word wit it conjures up ideas of being funny but constrained, and understanding the timing of jokes and conversation is critical to display your personal mastery of humor. Watch TV/movies/standup and notice how the punchlines are spaced, and how they compliment the scene rather than detract. The right timing can make or break a joke. Its difficult to explain but I'm sure if you googled it something more helpful will turn up.

Also I find that it helps to really understand the dynamics or typical conversation and life in general. Along the same lines, learn about misdirection. I personally think its an easy way to be 'witty' (I just don't like using the term) because its pretty methodical. Essentially you lead conversation or lead the other party to believe you're going to say x, but don't. This goes hand in hand with understanding conversation/being well read because you have a greater pool of typical saying or conventions that you can use to create misdirection.

As its been said already, expand your vocabulary or understand how to use your existing vocabulary to your advantage. Words have connotations to them, and using certain words out of context can be pretty funny. Instead of saying you're doing 'good', say you're 'just peachy'. It's odd, coy, slightly tongue-in-cheek. It's amusing, but on the subtle level you're likely looking for. And its different, which if you're interested to separate yourself from other guys, is a good thing. This is an example I came up with on the spot so its by no means perfect.

I find wit a difficult thing to explain, let alone teach. It's like pickup, practice makes perfect. See what works for you and remember that also like in pickup, everyone can have their own style (of wit/humor).

Guzzisti · 2013-01-27T01:28:03+00:00

Wit is often formulaic. Everyone else is thinking the response to A is B, you catch them off guard by saying C.

Forget stand-up comedians and check out Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and Winston Churchill. This can be as easy as finding an online quotes page. Dissect what they wrote and what it is exactly that was witty.

Sometimes when I'm doing mindless activities around the house, I'll (unintentionally) replay various conversations throughout the day and think of witty responses. I don't necessarily use the responses but some find it into future conversations. You'll eventually build a repertoire to pull from during conversation.

Don't forget body language. An eye roll or gesture adds quite a bit to your words.

Lastly: "Wit ought to be a glorious treat like caviar; never spread it about like marmalade." Noel Coward

judacphrixos · 2013-01-27T00:54:20+00:00

I watch a shit ton of stand-up and listen to comedy podcasts all day at work. Joe Rogan, Todd Glass, Little Esther....pretty much anything Deathsquad or Nerdist.

Also, Alphabrain, that shit has improved my ability to talk to people, it's fucking nuts.

troyv21 · 2013-01-26T23:33:23+00:00

oscar wilde

both quotes and books.

Th3MetalHead · 2013-01-26T23:41:39+00:00

Be confident then you won't give a shit about what others think and that means you're not afraid to say what you feel and laugh about it with others.

fullpowerattack · 2013-01-27T01:40:12+00:00

If you can find one, take an improv or standup comedy class. Even if you don't meet anyone that you get along with, competition breeds success. And best case scenario, you end up hilarious and sharp. Worst case? You lose a couple bucks. What do you have to lose?

Natten · 2013-01-27T03:24:38+00:00

I improve my wit by not being a dull twit.

takenoshit1 · 2013-01-27T04:08:36+00:00

Take improv classes...

CLIII · 2013-01-27T04:49:34+00:00

My best advice is just to read everything you can get your hands on, especially reddit.

Thepimpandthepriest · 2013-01-27T05:44:29+00:00

Improv, whether in a real class or not. Embarrassing as it might seem, even making little scenes with your boys will help you both with reactions.

The key thing is "Yes...and?", which is to say, always run with a conversation, and make sure it flows because of you.

For any comment, there are ten ways to reply wittily. The smug, the condescending, the obscene, the innocent, etc. Have a reply, and don't be afraid.

In the game of seduction you only lose if you don't roll the dice.

Jeffro1265 · 2013-01-28T20:30:42+00:00

Stop. Smoking. Weed.

I felt so beta, and had zero wit while smoking pot for 5 years straight. I'm a month clean and i can already tell my wit, and thought processes have changed.

DoctorHandsome · 2013-01-26T22:43:20+00:00

Read fiction containing witty characters. You adopt the traits they display subconsciously.

nerdrageofdoom · 2013-01-27T02:03:21+00:00

I increased my wit just by joking about everything. Learn how to use double entendres. Make fun of close friends. It comes with practice really. I learned quick in the army, having to deal with people that I couldn't stand. Some of my favourite jokes are ones that fly over most people's heads. Most would think it to just be a comment, but then you get the one or two who laugh about it. :)

12_bald_turkeys · 2013-01-27T02:19:19+00:00

Hchambers is absolutely right that observation and vocabulary are important, but I think that they are more of a foundation.

Along with building up vocab and observational skills, you should watch witty comedians. Groucho Marx is probably the king of the "one liner" but his humor is somewhat dated (he was popular in the 50's). Any of the late night talk show guys (Conan, Letterman, Leno, Ferguson,) will all help. Comedy Central is a great network. Dr. House (House M.D.) is witty as hell, but a bit abrasive.

Associating with witty individuals will have the same effect, but there is a caveat: you will probably never be as witty as them and therefore you will not appear "witty."

Also, make a list of "witty things to say in common situations" and memorize it. It won't be actual "wit" but it will have the exact same effect.

ysef95 · 2013-01-27T02:26:49+00:00

read books and listen to lots of different music because youll be more culturally aware and have better references to make.

I like to always try and be sober when sarging i feel like youll be quicker witted without alcohol.

Finally I would say that wit just happens you shouldnt try and force it and if you focus on the here an now instead of trying to remember some crazy joke a standup guy said youll come off as a lot more funny and definetly more original. As with anything else it comes with practice so just keep at it and youll get better with time.

AntiTypicalRedditor · 2013-01-27T03:45:20+00:00

Practice. Talking is one of those things that always gets better with practice, rarely with study.
You gotta want it. If you want it, you'll always be looking for ways to get better. If you notice someone saying something particularly witty, you'll make note of it and try to use the same idea/frame/whatever the next time you have an opportunity.
Find people you think are witty. Copy them.

CallMeMrBadGuy · 2013-01-27T03:56:46+00:00

Emulate Dane Cook. Seriously, buckle the fuck up, sit down and breakdown Dane Cook. You'll notice half the time it's not even the content of what he's saying rather everything else, the emotion, being animated, the faces, the voice changes, and most importantly the charismatically lead (yet douchey) in-charge personality he has that demand attention. I admit I seen some kid do him in a social setting and it seemed to work. It wont really help your wit however, but will improve social setting humor for your standard "fun groups" not your MIT grad students.

taiyar12 · 2013-01-27T04:10:32+00:00

Knowing pop culture is a good place to start. Use similes and metaphors comparing a situation and a recent incident with a celebrity (for example). Also, don't be afraid to copy what you see. If someone says or does something funny in reaction to something, note it. Then, use it next time you're out.

Iceinthewater · 2013-01-27T04:19:04+00:00

speak your mind with a smile, and deal with rejection and less-than-desirable reactions until you find the balance between weird, boring, obnoxious, and apologetic.

keeead · 2013-01-27T05:14:37+00:00

Quality over quantity.

An attempt at a witty remark that doesn't work will do more harm than what you gain from a good witty remark.

And especially in group conversations, you'll have a little extra time to inject something witty into a topic before the topic moves onto something else. Your window of opportunity is bigger than you think. Don't rush to just say something.

Read books/watch things by witty people. And channel them.

Practice.

itsmevichet · 2013-01-27T06:06:21+00:00

Watching standup, talking to lots of people smarter than me, reading a lot, and being well-informed.

isthisforeal · 2013-01-27T06:50:55+00:00

witty

lasagnaman · 2013-01-27T07:10:50+00:00

Read shakespeare.

Probably not the /best/ suggestion, but it's a good supplemental exercise in addition to the other stuff listed here.

Lanko · 2013-01-27T10:12:03+00:00

How do you get to Carnegie hall?

yousuf1984 · 2013-01-27T12:59:25+00:00

Hang out with quick-witted folk.

NahDudeFkThat · 2013-01-27T15:29:04+00:00

Forget everything about ''wit,'' you do not need it to get laid or make great friends. Although it doesn't hurt (most of the time...), there's no need of it in order to be awesome.

Not even for shit tests. If you are truly who you portray, which should be the case 100%, no wit is needed to prove you are YOU.

TackleMeElmo · 2013-01-28T22:44:33+00:00

Wit isn't a skill, per se. If anything, it's observance.

I personally think it's about connecting things. To elaborate, if you're in a group and the a girl was to say "I can't believe it's raining today, I hate being wet!"

The key is she hates wetness. For example I'd respond with, "And to this day she still won't do papier mache!" It keeps the conversation light-hearted and builds easy rapport by being a little odd.

GreenSuede · 2013-01-27T01:21:49+00:00

Your wallet

Title	Seddit, how do you improve your wit?
Author	[deleted]
Upvotes	179
Comments	143
Date	January 26, 2013 9:01 PM UTC (13 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/seduction
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/seduction/comments/17bzk0/seddit_how_do_you_improve_your_wit/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/seduction/seddit-how-do-you-improve-your-wit.1346401 https://theredarchive.com/post/1346401

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