I have a very sharp dry wit. Even my best friends have trouble telling when I am joking sometimes.
My motivation is simple. I love to make people laugh. I tend to see things other people don't. I have a 'stern' manner, though it comes from not expressing much outward emotion. I also like to make people think, because it is good for them. When you put all that together, you get someone who makes a lot of straight faced jokes.
The best ways to tell if I am joking:
Is what I am saying ridiculous, or blatantly not the case? If so, I am joking.
Is what I am saying making anyone else laugh? If so, the joke was for them, but feel free to laugh along with it.
Is what I am saying making you want to laugh, and the fact that you can't tell if I'm serious making you want to laugh more? Then I am
definitely joking.
Lastly, is what I am saying making you intensely confused and frustrated because you can't tell if I am joking? Most likely I'm doing it to make
me laugh.
You can see it in my eyes when I'm doing this. My vibe is playful and witty, even if my face doesn't say so. Also, my tone of voice and manner of delivery has a slight air of 'acting' to it, like a used car salesman. And lastly, at some point myself or others are going to be doing like my little money here...
Don't worry. You'll catch on.