Writing with humor can be a very integral tool for writing, speaking, and presentations in the business world. Tossing in a little humor here and there can create a positive atmosphere, loosen up the crowd, and lighten the mood. Although, in my personal opinion, humor in writing of any sort can help bring out the writers personality which is always important. However, there are some key points one needs to adhere to when using humor.- Know your audience- Remember what is funny to you or me is not funny to everyone.
- Tone- A negative tone can turn a positive joke, presentation, or memo into a negative one.
- Language-Be careful not to use offensive or abusive language, again remember, each and every person has their own opinions of offensive and abusive.
- Clarity- Be sure not to cloud your writing with humor, or to focus the writing around the humor. This method can confuse the reader or take away from the overall purpose.
- Chase the outsiders- A writer can use humor to attract readers who usually might not be in the readers normal audience.
- Be Appropriate- It is obvious that many jokes or innuendos are not appropriate in the workplace, therefore, they should not be used.
Though these tips will not guaruntee any laughs or great writing, they should help when it comes to using humor in professional writing. Keep in mind, humor is not for all situations, all people, or all writing but it can help bring out a new audience or your personality!
http://www.alexcommunications.com/style_guide.htm#humor
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http://www.consultpivotal.com/humour_in_business_presentations.htm
Be sure and include your name after the title of the post. Nice graphic!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! The tip "Be Appropriate" is very true! What may be funny to one person may be offensive to another!
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