How to use humor at work effectively
A finance director stands in front of hundreds of employees to reveal the annual figures. No, it’s not the start of the most corporate joke ever, but something I saw a few weeks ago. Right away, he reveals he’s nervous. This isn’t his natural habitat. In fact, the last time he was on stage was back in high school, playing Kenickie in a production of Grease . He promises that if anyone falls…
A finance director seeks to illustrate the power of humor in a corporate setting. He momentarily admits his stage fright, promising a sing to rouse anyone who dozes off. His openness and playful imagery humanize him. Humor effectively bridges the gap between a serious professional and his audience. Yet, it is crucial to employ humor wisely.
Humor that merely draws attention to the comedian rather than enhancing communication should be avoided. Derisory jokes, or "punching down," can be hurtful. Shared, situational humor is safest, as it resonates with everyone present. However, jokes that reference personal experiences, cultural nuances, or inside jokes risk alienation.
Self-deprecation can be effective if executed without undermining one's capabilities. One should recognize the humor that already exists in their own personality and build on that. Lastly, humor should never be transmitted via email, where tone and context can be misinterpreted. Ultimately, humor serves as a tool to communicate better, showing comprehension of oneself and the audience.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
