Michael Kerr, an international business speaker, president of Humor at Work, and author of The Humor Advantage wrote, “In a workplace, humor is largely determined by its culture. Those who work in environments that encourage innovation, authenticity, and lower hierarchy often feel more comfortable expressing their humor. Relaxed environments that embrace humor are more likely to encourage people to share their humor. As a result, coworkers may feel more connected and trust one another and be more creative and productive”
- Humor boosts creativity and problem-solving skills and reduces stress and anxiety.
- Humor strengthens relationships and increases self-awareness.
- Humor is a powerful tool for connecting with others and conveying messages effectively.
This blog post explores whether humor done badly is worth the risk.
What do you do, Bee?
BEECOMMUNICATIONS helps people become better presenters, more comfortable with small talk, and relax and take things less seriously. This, as a bonus, optimizes performance. My goal is to teach everyone how to use humor. It is a powerful tool that can reduce stress, break down barriers, and build a friendly team environment. Workshop participants learn how to incorporate humor into their communication strategies.
Do you think doing humor badly is worth it?
Yes! Even if done poorly, humor can be a great way to lighten the mood and make people feel more comfortable with each other. It’s important to be mindful of the environment and the people around you when attempting humor, as it can easily backfire. It is advisable to exercise caution when it comes to humor, as it can be akin to a virtual hug, and not everyone may appreciate the less formal atmosphere that humor creates. If you are not familiar with the person on a personal level, it is important to seek permission before making any informal or personal jokes. You could try asking, “I just thought of something funny. Would you like to hear it?” It’s always worth trying to elicit a smile or an amused groan from others, even if they don’t outright laugh. Be careful not to tell a joke that punches down at anyone or is too revealing which can be seen as cringe-worthy. How do you know the difference, ask yourself would I say this in a group, or if I knew it would be publicized. Respect other people’s boundaries and always be aware of the environment you’re in, but most of all be yourself.
Be yourself, really?
Embrace your vulnerability and show your true self when you want to feel closer to others. Authenticity is often appreciated more than performance humor. After all, it’s easier to be yourself than to remember all those jokes you saw on YouTube. Be brave enough to share your story, and you will build closer relationships with those around you. You never know what experiences you have in common and what connections you can make. Vulnerability allows for true connection and understanding and builds rapport.
What is the take away from this article?
Drum roll please…rather than entertaining others, be true to yourself and share your unique perspective. In my stand-up class, I tell my clients that it’s not about performing on stage for the crowd in the spotlight but about sharing your perspective, embracing your vulnerability, and allowing others to do the same. Humor is innate in us all and it doesn’t mean you have to make jokes to make people laugh. In fact, the most effective humor often comes from being authentic and confident and sharing your perspective or your story.
The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses are Laughing all the Way to the Bank (Dec. 2013), Michael Kerr
The 7-week comedy course will start in October. Email me to learn more or join my mailing list.