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On being funny at work
- Being funny can be a learned skill and is not something gifted to a select few, says author and famous Moth StorySLAM champion Matthew Dicks. The seventh technique helps to change the perspective of a question or situation to make other people laugh. By definition, humor is the strategic assembly of specific words, that are spoken in a specific way, to create a surprise that produces a smile or a laugh. Humor is the key to being a memorable leader. It is also perceived as a sign of intelligence, making an individual appear smarter than they might be.
- Being funny is about deploying strategies that make people laugh. Dicks teaches 27 different strategies for humor but explains that new strategies are being invented all the time. Using old technology and design, or experiences that we’ve all had, as opposed to humor is often unoriginal, so try to be unique and original with your delivery.
- Humor is a highly effective means of holding an audience’s attention, convincing people that you can be trusted and ensuring that you are remembered. Being funny is also a powerful way to get people to like you. Forbes identified a sense of humor as the fourth essential quality in a leader.
- By studying comedy and putting time into learning how humor works, business leaders can become more effective in their job. A learned sense of humor can set individuals apart and make them a more memorable leader.
- There are seven strategies that can be used to be funny at work, including nostalgia, exaggeration, and the technique of adding an element that doesn’t belong. Another idea is to use the power of definitions to create a surprising laugh moment, stimulate creativity and encourage a sense of teamwork.
- If being funny is not your strong suit, start with your everyday language and develop humor that feels natural and not forced. Experiment with different styles and approaches and find what works best for your personality and your team’s sensibility.
- Humor breaks down barriers and is a useful tool to lighten conversations or pitch new ideas. In addition to making people like you, humor is beneficial to the audience’s brain. Laughing swapping cortisol in the bloodstream with dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins— three powerful chemicals that every leader and public speaker should want in their audience’s brains.
- With a deeper knowledge of humor and how it works, business leaders will find it easier to persuade, influence, and connect with people. Using techniques such as exaggeration, including an element that doesn't belong, creating nostalgia, or using the power of definitions can turn a dull presentation into something engaging and memorable.
- Humor is not just about entertaining people. It can also be a powerful way to change minds and persuade people. By mastering humor, business leaders can sharpen their message, stand out from the pack, and influence people in a positive way.
- Finally, being funny should never be forced or contrived. Trying to be something you’re not is always apparent, so it's important to find humor in things that resonate with you naturally. Done right, humor is a powerful tool that can help business leaders communicate, influence, and connect with people in a way that leaves a lasting, positive impression.
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