HUMOR: Does it Help in Business?
I had to speak recently at an event. The mood was heavy, we were talking about money and EVERYONE has been affected by this economy in some way or another. I was giving a transparent account of my giving for the year (and how tricky it was to make a charitable commitment—I did it. I believe in giving.) and I was surprised that right out of the gate I had people laughing. Now here’s the thing—that was not my intention. But sometimes the truth is funny, even when it hurts.
It got me thinking about business. In our business we do a lot of pitching, whether we are pitching a potential client, existing clients, the media or just consumers. And when we’re asking people for their money or their time it’s usually a serious business. So, how appropriate is it to inject a little humor into the proceedings? Well, I guess that depends on a few things:
- Does your “audience” have a sense of humor? If they don’t, tread lightly.
- Is your subject life or death? If it is, stay clear of jokes.
- Is the mood heavy or ambivalent? (Humor can lighten an intense room, but it can also piss people off)
- Do you really care about bumming out your audience? In other words, even if they are in a sour mood, are you willing to strike out on the humor path?
- How important is it for you to keep it light? If your natural personality leans toward “fun” will presenting a too serious side make you feel silly, or vice versa?
Personally, I think providing a light touch can always help in a meeting. Everything feels so serious these days. If there is anything this economy has shown us it is that no one has anything figured out—not really. So, stop taking yourself so seriously and laugh a little!
Source: www.moonbattery.com
