"Conversation never sits easier than when we now and then
discharge ourselves in a symphony of laughter, which may not
improperly be called the chorus of conversation," according to
the eighteenth-century essayist Sir Richard Steele.
Humor is a social lubricant. It gives us something to share
and creates bonds of appreciation. We are automatically
endeared to people who make us laugh.
Successful people take their commitments seriously, but
seldom take themselves or life too seriously. Above all,
they have the ability to laugh at themselves. People
appreciate those who can see the humorous side of any
situation.
Humor should be appropriate, however, if it is going to be
effective. Keep the following suggestions in mind:
Keep it in good taste. Know your audience and the type of
material that they will appreciate. Some people are more
inhibited than others. Use discretion and respect their
standards of good taste.
Don't go overboard. If you are making someone laugh, do not
assume that being "on a roll" justifies going on indefinitely.
If their body language indicates that it is time to get back to
work, then get back to work! People appreciate digressions as
long as they are short and sweet. You do not want to be known
as "that clown who doesn't know when to stop."
Humor is not just telling old jokes. If you rehash jokes that
have been circulating for years, you will be regarded as a
jerk rather than a person with a great sense of humor. The
best humor consists of original, spontaneous comments
that flow with the conversation or the ideas being
discussed.
Look for humor in everyday life. This is the best way to
improve your sense of humor. Some people believe that a
sense of the comic is a God-given talent, but it can be
cultivated. There are numerous opportunities for you to
increase your repertoire of humorous anecdotes and
comments. If you make an awkward mistake, remember:
Don't take yourself too seriously.
The television star Lucille Ball is a perfect example of
someone who learned to take her tasks seriously but not
herself seriously. Ball was given the opportunity to audition
for the part of Scarlet O'Hara in Gone With the Wind. In the
middle of this serious dramatic reading, she dropped the entire
script on the floor. As she kneeled down to pick it up, she
tried to continue reading. She was so nervous that she
continued to read right from the floor, picking up the papers
as she went. The Director was shrewd enough to realize that
although she was wrong for the role, she was a talented
comedienne who had the ability to laugh at herself but take her
tasks seriously. He ended up giving her first big break.
Tony Alessandra
Member: Speakers Roundtable
Web site: http://www.speakersroundtable.com
Email: office@SpeakersRoundtable.com
Speakers Roundtable is a consortium of 22 of America's
foremost professional speakers, sales trainers and seminar
leaders. All members are dedicated to serving their training,
motivation and consulting clients with pertinence, excellence
and extraordinary value. FREE Ebook - Success Secret
available at http://www.speakersroundtable.com
| 
Ask Psychic Zelda