Humor and storytelling are powerful tools to connect with others, especially in the professional world. They can help you establish rapport, build trust, and create memorable impressions. But how can you use them effectively to build long-term professional relationships? Here are some tips to help you master the art of humor and storytelling in your career.
Before you crack a joke or share a story, you need to know who you are talking to and what they expect from you. Different audiences have different preferences, sensitivities, and cultural backgrounds. What might be funny or interesting to one group might be offensive or boring to another. Do some research on your audience, their industry, their goals, and their challenges. Tailor your humor and storytelling to fit their needs, interests, and values. Avoid topics that might be controversial, inappropriate, or irrelevant.
Humor and storytelling are not about pretending to be someone else or making up things. They are about expressing your personality, your perspective, and your values. Be yourself and be honest when you use humor and storytelling. Don't try to copy someone else's style or exaggerate your achievements. Show your vulnerability, your passion, and your curiosity. Humor and storytelling are not only about entertaining, but also about revealing who you are and what you stand for.
As the head of content in a digital marketing company, humour and story-telling (for obvious reasons) are critical skills given our client interactions on a daily basis. I remember once during an SEO call, things got a little heated and my human outburst about grappling with the ever-changing SEO algorithms and client expectations resulted in not just easing the situation but also making the client see the problem from our perspective.
In today's busy work world, David felt lost trying to fit in. Everyone seemed so perfect at work, making him feel out of place. Even though David believed in doing the right thing and being himself, he found it hard to show this at work. But, using lessons from a popular book and his own beliefs, he started being true to himself at his job. He shared a story about using meditation to tackle a challenging task, and his coworkers genuinely connected with it. The lesson? It's better to be genuine and do what's right than to fake it. Be Yourself. People notice and remember realness. ????
Humor and storytelling can help you break the ice, lighten the mood, and make a lasting impression. But they can also backfire if you overdo it or use it inappropriately. You don't want to come across as unserious, disrespectful, or immature. You want to show that you are competent, credible, and respectful. Balance your humor and storytelling with professionalism. Use them sparingly, strategically, and respectfully. Don't interrupt, distract, or undermine your message or your audience. Use them to enhance, not to replace, your content and your purpose.
Humor and storytelling are skills that can be learned and improved with practice. You don't have to be a natural comedian or a born storyteller to use them effectively. You can learn from others, from books, from podcasts, and from your own experience. Practice your humor and storytelling in front of a mirror, a friend, or a colleague. Get feedback, learn from your mistakes, and refine your delivery. Experiment with different types of humor and storytelling, such as anecdotes, metaphors, analogies, jokes, quotes, or facts. Find what works best for you and your audience.
Humor and storytelling are not only about making a good first impression, but also about building a long-term relationship. You want to keep the conversation going, deepen the connection, and create value for both parties. Follow up and follow through after you use humor and storytelling. Send a thank-you note, a relevant article, or a useful resource. Ask for feedback, offer help, or suggest a next step. Keep in touch, stay updated, and show interest. Humor and storytelling are not only about making people laugh or listen, but also about making them care and collaborate.