Humour: Breaking Down Barriers and Creating Lasting Impressions
Sep 12, 2024
Humour is more than just a tool for entertainment; it is a powerful mechanism for breaking down barriers, establishing rapport, and creating an environment of openness and engagement.
As the “H” in my SHIFT framework, Humour plays a critical role in my keynotes and workshops, ensuring that complex topics become more relatable and accessible while making the overall experience enjoyable and memorable.
The Science Behind Humour in Presentations
Research shows that humour can enhance learning by reducing anxiety and increasing retention. In fact, studies indicate that humour can lower cognitive load (Sweller, 1994), making it easier for audiences to process new or complex information. When used effectively, humour helps maintain attention, foster rapport, and create a more relaxed learning environment (Morreale, Spitzberg, & Barge, 2014).
This is crucial when discussing challenging topics such as the future of work, AI, or disruptive technologies. Without humour, these topics can feel daunting or abstract. Humour helps humanize these subjects, making them feel more approachable and less intimidating.
Connecting with Audiences Through Humour
In a keynote I delivered for a global HR event, I discussed the Perennial Mindset, a concept that encourages lifelong learning and adaptability. While this topic can be intellectually stimulating, it also runs the risk of sounding overly theoretical. I opened with a humorous story about a retiree who, well into her 70s, launched a tech startup after a career in HR. This story instantly lightened the mood and made the concept more relatable. Research supports this approach: according to Narrative Transportation Theory, audiences are more likely to engage with, and retain, ideas presented in a narrative with humour (Green & Brock, 2000).
The Role of Humour in Complex Conversations
Humour is especially useful when addressing contentious or complex issues. In a presentation on AI and automation, I often use self-deprecating humour about technology’s rapid advancement, joking that I’m just:
“trying to keep up with my own laptop”.
This breaks the tension that often accompanies discussions about job displacement or automation, and it helps the audience feel more comfortable engaging with the topic.
Research indicates that humour enhances message processing by lowering emotional resistance, especially when audiences may feel threatened or anxious about the topic (Morreale, Spitzberg, & Barge, 2014). In this sense, humour acts as a buffer, allowing complex ideas to be received in a more positive light.
Cultural Sensitivity and Humour
One of the key elements to consider when using humour in a professional setting is cultural sensitivity. What’s funny in one context may not resonate in another. I learned this lesson firsthand during a keynote in Riga, where I used AI technology to deliver part of my presentation in Lithuanian. The effort was well-received because it demonstrated both the potential of AI and my willingness to engage with the audience on their terms. The use of humour and AI as part of my delivery not only broke language barriers but also built trust and rapport with the audience (Jaffe, 2012).
Humour and Emotional Engagement Humour also fosters emotional engagement by creating a positive atmosphere. A study by Pekrun et al. (2017) shows that positive emotions, like amusement, can significantly enhance cognitive performance and memory retention. By making my keynotes enjoyable, I ensure that the audience is not just passively listening, but is actively involved in the learning process.
For example, when discussing the role of technology in the workplace, I sometimes refer to a fictional AI assistant that constantly misinterprets simple commands. The audience laughs, but more importantly, they see how this exaggerated scenario reflects real-world frustrations with technology. This emotional engagement helps the audience connect with the topic in a meaningful way.
Humour as a Tool for Lasting Impressions
Humour also plays a critical role in creating lasting impressions. People tend to remember things that made them laugh or feel good (Shams & Seitz, 2008). In fact, studies show that positive emotional experiences help cement long-term memory (Barsalou, 2008). By using humour, I can ensure that key messages from my talks stick with the audience long after the event is over.
One example comes from a talk I delivered at a Ministry of Defence conference, where I used a humorous analogy about preparing for the future being like preparing for a never-ending marathon. The audience laughed, but the analogy also served as a metaphor for future readiness—a concept that stayed with participants, as evidenced by feedback weeks later.
Humour as a Key to SHIFT
Humour is not just a way to entertain; it is a critical tool for breaking down barriers, creating emotional connections, and enhancing learning. By incorporating humour into my keynotes, I make complex topics more accessible and ensure that the audience is engaged both intellectually and emotionally. As the “H” in my SHIFT framework, humour is fundamental to creating a memorable, impactful experience that drives home key messages and inspires action.
References
1. L. W. (2008). Grounded Cognition, Annual Review of Psychology.
2. Green, M. C., & Brock, T. C. (2000). The Role of Transportation in the Persuasiveness of Public Narratives, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
3. Jaffe, C. (2012). Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills for a Diverse Society, Cengage Learning.
4. Morreale, S. P., Spitzberg, B. H., & Barge, J. K. (2014). Human Communication: Motivation, Knowledge, and Skills, Cengage Learning.
5. Pekrun, R., et al. (2017). Emotions in Learning and Achievement, International Handbook of Emotions in Education.
6. Shams, L., & Seitz, A. (2008). Benefits of Multisensory Learning, Trends in Cognitive Sciences.
7. Sweller, J. (1994). Cognitive Load Theory, Learning Difficulty, and Instructional Design, Learning and Instruction.
Originally published here https://scottmcarthur.substack.com/p/humour-breaking-down-barriers-and
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