Vanessa Van Edwards shares six one-liners for awkward moments: "I'll allow it," "We don't like to talk about that," "That's why they pay me the big bucks," "I've said too much," "Bold choice," and "Thanks, I grew it myself." Each works for different situations, from deflecting boring questions to awkwardly accepting compliments.
I'm not really that funny, but I would really like to be. And here are a couple bits that I use that you can use too. These all come from my next book, Conversation, where I have 2 chapters on how to be funny. Yes, it's something you can learn. Number 1, I'll allow it. Say it like a judge whenever someone does something totally normal. Friend grabs a piece of gum? I'll allow it. Friend says they have to go to the bathroom? I'll allow it. Number 2, we don't like to talk about that. Say it seriously about something completely trivial or when someone asks you a boring question you don't wanna answer. How have you been? We don't like to talk about that. Do you like cilantro? We don't like to talk about that. That's why they pay me the big bucks. Break this out anytime you pull off something that's only mildly competent. You open a jar nobody else could? That's why they pay me the big bucks. You reply all to the right thread on the first try? That's why they pay me the big bucks. The smaller the accomplishment, the funnier it plays. Number 4, I've said too much. Use it right after saying something totally ordinary, then look away like you leaked a secret, like this. Yeah, I had cereal this morning. I've said too much. It's been a long week. I've already said too much. Number 5, bold choice. Say it super approvingly about anyone's very mundane decision. You ordered a medium coffee? Bold choice. They announce they need to go to the bathroom? Bold choice. Number 6, thanks, I grew it myself. Somebody likes your smile, your beard, your handwriting, your kid, your eyes? Thanks, I grew it myself. It's perfect for those of you, like me, who get awkward when someone gives you a compliment. Alt for this is, thanks, I tried really hard, or thanks, it's on purpose. Do you have any? Comment below! And if you want my full tutorial on how to be funny, check out my new book, Conversation, wherever books are sold.
