Self-deprecation is an excellent tool, but be careful to use it in moderation. If the end result of your piece is to make your reader think you a clown, rather than a gifted writer who is fun to read, that s not exactly what you were aiming for. Arcane references might slay people with your education and expertise, but they ll just leave unconnected readers cold. Humor frequently comes through recognition, which is why repetition can be your friend. So if you ve got a good joke or humor element, don t be afraid to use it several times in your piece.
Absurdity can be devastatingly effective.
Consider bringing in some left-field references or turns to your writing. Getting in something unexpected can work wonders. In general, avoid sarcasm or cynicism. While it may indeed be funny, it also can leave a bitter taste or feeling in the reader and paint the writer as a malcontent. This is a hard one for many people to avoid, but if you can be funny without being overly dependent on negativity, your writing will be much more effective.