How can you use humor to engage readers in a feature story?

One thing I do is mess up in the kitchen when doing demos with food, and it's usually not intentional. However, when it happens, I make the most of clearing it up and showing my vulnerability...it comes naturally and usually is funny. One time I had a fire in my oven on the air. That turned into "well I'm glad I wasn't using oil and the house didn't catch on fire!" Turned it into a lesson on how to smother kitchen fires and tossed the burned towel into the sink. Often when I'm chopping veggies, I'll toss the discarded pieces over my shoulder into the sink behind me. That usually gets a giggle. We all mess up in the kitchen-I'm no exception so don't mind making fun of it rather than getting upset. I know the audience gets it.

Consider using humor that aligns with the cultural references and preferences of your target demographic. Sarcasm might be suitable for a younger, urban audience, but it may not resonate well with a more conservative, rural readership. Similarly, be cautious with pop culture references, ensuring they are relevant and familiar to your audience. Tailoring your humor to match the sensibilities of your readers establishes a connection and makes the feature story more relatable and enjoyable for them. It sets the foundation for a more engaging and impactful storytelling experience.

Injecting humor into your feature story involves a rich tapestry of techniques. Experiment with anecdotes, metaphors, similes, irony, exaggeration, wordplay, puns, and jokes. Don't forget the visual aspect – integrate photos, cartoons, or memes to complement your narrative. Variety is key; avoid monotony by mixing these techniques throughout your story. By keeping your humor diverse, your readers are less likely to find it predictable or repetitive. Let your creativity flow and discover what resonates best with your chosen topic and tone.

Humor in your feature story should be a supportive force, not a distraction. Ensure it aligns with your topic, reinforcing the main point without deviation or contradiction. In addressing serious issues like climate change or human rights, use humor to illuminate absurdities or ironies without trivializing or mocking. It's crucial to maintain respect for sources, subjects, and readers. Steer clear of humor that could be deemed offensive, insensitive, or inappropriate. Keep your humor purposeful and relevant to maintain the integrity of your feature story.

Humor shines when it's subtle and surprising, not forced or obvious. Avoid a constant barrage of jokes; instead, use humor strategically, letting it flow naturally from your story and voice. Don't announce or explain; allow readers to discover and relish the humor independently. Create surprise through contrast, twist, or reversal—setting up an expectation and then playfully breaking it. This way, your humor becomes an engaging, unexpected element, enhancing the overall impact of your feature story.

I think practicing your humor in front of someone you trust is crucial. My wife is someone I regularly use to test out my jokes and humorous stories. She provides great feedback, sometimes with a simple laugh and sometimes with more pointed observations and suggestions.

Crafting humor requires careful editing and testing. Don't hesitate to rewrite or delete if it doesn't resonate with your story. Seek feedback from editors, colleagues, or friends. Pay attention to their reactions—do they laugh, smile, or chuckle? Assess if they grasp the point, reference, or joke, and whether they find it funny, clever, or witty. Gauge appropriateness, respectfulness, and relevance through their responses. Use this valuable feedback to refine and improve your humor, ensuring it becomes a truly engaging element in your feature story.