Humour! I’d consider it a universal “law”; everybody laughs at some point; everybody has the need to violate the logical sequence of thinking and speaking, the politically correct attitude and the noble handling of expressing language.
Political leaders can be humorous occasionally. Public speakers apply humor to reach out to their audience’s disposition. Her late Majesty was known for her quirky humor even in cases she was sitting next to world leaders. Some of the most viewed ted talks entail pinches of humour carefully mastered by their presenters.
I am sure that in your last meeting someone made a joke and it most probably eased off the tone of the meeting.
Most people do accept humour and funny comments when these contradict their reality and the logical way of seeing it without violating or twisting it extensively.
Even physiologically speaking, laughter releases endorphins, the specific hormones that are responsible for feeling joyous. It’s an actual chemical reaction that releases the tension and makes us see things more casually and relaxed. You may think that it’s easier said than done or that from theory to practice it is a different story. And I couldn’t agree more. Let’s see how and why we should use humour effectively at the workplace and not only without trying too much though.
• First we need to consider that humour is subjective in many occasions. Depending on our cultural background and the way we were brought up we may not perceive it in the same way as the intention of the speaker. Besides every culture has their own version of similar jokes. So when attempting to be funny we should be respectful and not too provoking especially at the workplace. In no way should jokes get very personal or discriminatory as they may become offensive.
• When done with care humour reduces distress, transforms mood and puts people at ease. Even in very strenuous debates humour in the form of sarcasm breaks through the tension and makes participants be more open to divergent opinions. It makes people more creative and playful. So instead of losing your temper and become jittery crack a joke, play with the words, throw a smile and start over. Jokes shouldn’t last too long. Even a single word with the appropriate facial expression and intonation can do the trick.
• Many of you may be thinking that I am not a funny person and it’s stressful for me to make jokes. And what about the others? Are they going to genuinely laugh or just be kind to my silly joke? The answer to that is that if you want others to respond genuinely be genuine yourself. Authenticity is the key. Jokes cannot be fabricated but they can be refined. Share a true story, an anecdote or make a comment on the spot. If you ask me the sense of humour is innate but up to a point. It can be cultivated if you are willing to open up and get exposed.
• A good way to start is by laughing at you and by being self sarcastic. In other words we shouldn’t be taking ourselves too seriously. It can make people around you relate with you. Ex. If you keep being late in meetings you can say in the next one “Hello everyone. I can’t believe it but I am actually on time” Or “Where are the others? I wonder why people keep being late”(indirectly mocking yourself about a bad habit). Or if you are reaching a stalemate in a negotiation you can say “I can see that we have some common understanding” in a funny way. Bear in mind that being sarcastic has its limitation otherwise you risk being humiliated and not being taken seriously.
Humour can go extremely well and can go extremely wrong. But it is worth a try as it undeniably loosens people up, reduces stress level, makes the participants more open and creative to new ideas and it is simply fun. As the iconic Charlie Chaplin said “A day without laughter is a day wasted”.