Humor Is One of the Keys To Good Communication
By Wayne Weiner D.Ed
I am not a hoarder by any means, but I found an old dusty box in my garage. No it didn’t have any secret documents; it had an old cassette player and some cassette tapes as a lark I put some batteries in the player and it worked. There was a tape that I listened to more years ago then I admit that still resonated with me and I thought I’d share it with you by Malcom Kushner.
Malcolm Kushner, an expert in humor and communications, is known for his practical insights on using humor effectively in professional and personal settings. Here are some of his main thoughts on humor:
Humor as a Communication Tool: Kushner emphasizes that humor can be a powerful tool in communication. It can break down barriers, ease tension, and make messages more memorable. By incorporating humor, speakers can engage their audience more effectively and make their content more relatable.
Appropriateness and Sensitivity: He stresses the importance of appropriateness when using humor. What might be funny to one person could be offensive to another. Kushner advises being sensitive to the context and audience to ensure that humor does not alienate or offend.
Authenticity: Authenticity in humor is crucial. Kushner suggests that humor should reflect the speaker’s true personality and style. Forced or insincere humor can fall flat or seem disingenuous, whereas authentic humor can strengthen connections and build trust.
Benefits of Humor: According to Kushner, humor has several benefits, including reducing stress, fostering a positive work environment, and enhancing creativity. By integrating humor into daily interactions, individuals and teams can improve morale and productivity.
Using Humor in Leadership: For leaders, Kushner advocates using humor to inspire and motivate teams. It can humanize leaders, making them more approachable, and can help in navigating difficult conversations or changes by lightening the mood and building rapport.
Kushner’s insights highlight the value of humor as a strategic tool in both personal and professional settings, provided it is used thoughtfully and genuinely.