Humour as a catalyst for connection

Humour as Catalyst for Connection

We’re all familiar with the warmth, connection, trust, and relaxation, that a little humour brings to a a room during a speech. 

Whether you're delivering a pitch, a keynote speech, awards speech, leading a team, or simply trying to make a good impression, the ability to harness humour appropriately and sensitively can greatly enhance and  transform how you relate to others.

With a 35 year career as a comedy writer, actor, and presenter, I've experienced firsthand how the sensitive use of humour can positively change the dynamic in a room.

The Neuroscience of Shared Laughter

Laughter triggers an amazing na impressive cascade of neurochemical reactions in the brain. When we find something funny, the brain releases dopamine (linked to reward and pleasure), endorphins (which reduce pain and enhance mood), and oxytocin (the so-called "bonding hormone"). These chemicals aren’t just feel-good fluff—they build trust, foster social bonding, relaxation, creative thinking, and even enhance memory, focus and attention.

This is why shared laughter can so quickly shift a professional atmosphere from stiff and formal to collaborative and engaged. humour creates a climate of trust, imagination, possibility, collaboration, openness and ease.

A business asset: Humour makes your message stick

Studies show that people are more likely to remember information that’s been delivered with humour, and more likely to view the speaker as likeable and competent.

In business, connection is currency. Whether you're pitching an idea, delivering a persuasive keynote, or motivating a team, your ability to connect can determine your effectiveness. Humour, used wisely, shows confidence, invites empathy, and breaks tension. Done well, it also shows you don’t take yourself too seriously—a trait that modern audiences and employees alike find disarming and refreshing.

Authenticity is Key

The caveat is that humour must be used sensitively and come from an authentic place. Forced jokes, recycled one-liners, or punch-down humour can backfire. 

Understanding and Insight into this area, and rehearsing and practice with guidance and feedback from an experienced coach can greatly help in this area.

With nearly two decades as a voice and communication Coach, certified therapist, and a 35 year career as a comedy writer, actor, and presenter, I've experienced firsthand how the sensitive use of humour can positively change the dynamic in a room.

Practical Tips to Use Humour Effectively

1. Know your audience – Tailor your tone and references to suit the people in front of you. Know your audience, you're aiming for attunement, levity and trust, more than to 'impress'.

2. Tell stories, not jokes – People connect with people, not punchlines. A funny story that reveals something real about you or a situation may be far more effective than a canned joke. Look for common ground that connects you to your audience.

3. Be generous – Humour that invites others in, rather than putting them down, builds connection. Avoid sarcasm or anything that could alienate. Try thinking of a joke is well intentioned 'offering'.

4. Practice out loud – Like any other performance tool, humour improves with rehearsal. Practice your speech aloud and notice where you naturally want to smile or share an anecdote.

   
   

For speakers, leaders, and anyone looking to make a meaningful impact, developing a confident relationship with humour, along with great story and speech structure, vocal gravitas and body language mastery, is another powerful asset in your arsenal to persuade.

If you'd like to explore how to use humour with skill and authenticity in your own speaking or leadership journey, reach out and make contact with me here https://calendly.com/karenhayley/phoneconsult