Q: I like when I see the use of humor in advertising, but is it effective?
A: Humor creates rapport, defuses tough situations, endears you to co-workers, and puts hair on your chest. Well, maybe not the last one, but you get the idea.
Why is that?
Because even in this wireless, tuned-in, 24/7 world of e-commerce and instantaneous global communications, at its core, business is still about relationships. Your ability to succeed, then, just might be in direct correlation to your ability to crack the well-timed joke.
Here’s an example: I have a friend who, like me, is a business speaker. This guy is top-notch — smart, moving, funny, full of good stories, the whole enchilada.
Recently, I went and saw him speak. He started this way: “Thank you, thank you. I bet you have really been looking forward to seeing a high-energy, pump-you-up, great motivational speaker! Someone with the most positive point of view ever! A virtual Energizer Bunny of a speaker!
“Sorry to tell you,” he deadpanned. “but I am not that guy.”
Everyone cracked up. He then explained that his purpose there was not to get us excited, but was more important than that. It was to actually have a positive impact on our ability to be more successful in business.
Don’t use stereotypes. Avoid racy and sexist humor.
The bottom line: Lighten up! Crack a joke. Have some fun. Don’t be so serious.
Photo by PMOS.
cassy on August 14th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I like this line:
Lighten up! Crack a joke. Have some fun. Don’t be so serious
Laughing is the best lighting system of the face, the best cooling system of the head and the best warming system of the heart.