How do funny motivational speakers use humor to boost resiliency?

1 Why humor matters

Humor is not just about making jokes or laughing, but rather a way of thinking and feeling that can help you handle difficulties and surmount impediments. Humor can reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, the feel-good hormones, as well as stimulate the right brain to encourage creativity and problem-solving. Additionally, humor can strengthen relationships and trust by creating rapport and empathy, while boosting self-esteem and confidence by allowing you to laugh at yourself and your mistakes. Finally, it can increase optimism and hope by uncovering the silver lining and the positive aspects of any situation.

2 How to develop your humor sense

Developing your humor sense doesn't require you to be a comedian or a clown. Rather, exposing yourself to funny motivational speakers, videos, books, podcasts, or shows can inspire and entertain you. Practicing finding the humor in everyday situations, especially stressful or challenging ones, can help you sharpen your sense of humor. Sharing your humor with others who appreciate and support it is also beneficial. It's important to use humor appropriately and respectfully, avoiding sarcasm, insults, or offensive jokes that might hurt or alienate others. Knowing when to use humor and when to tone it down is also essential for achieving a balanced approach.

3 How to use humor in your communication

Humor can be a great way to communicate your message, engage your audience, and influence their behavior. You can start off with a funny story, anecdote, or quote that relates to your topic and captures attention. Metaphors, analogies, or comparisons can also make your point in a humorous way. Adding humor to your slides, visuals, or props can enhance your presentation and make it memorable. Self-deprecation, exaggeration, or irony can make fun of yourself or your situation in a way that does not undermine your credibility or authority. Finally, you can end with a humorous call to action, summary, or takeaway that leaves a lasting impression.

4 How to use humor in your goal setting

Humor can be a great way to set and achieve your goals, whether personal or professional. You can make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and add an S for Silly or an F for Funny. Additionally, you can create a vision board or collage that incorporates humor to motivate you. As you reach milestones or complete tasks, reward yourself with something funny or fun such as watching a comedy show or playing a game. Finally, celebrate your successes with humor by throwing a party, sending a funny card, or making a speech that acknowledges your achievements and challenges in a humorous way.

5 How to use humor in your coping strategies

Humor can be a useful tool for coping with difficult situations, failures, or crises. You can reframe your situation in a humorous way to find the irony or paradox in it, or you can seek humor support from others who can make you laugh or offer a different perspective. Humor can also act as a distraction or diversion from negative emotions and thoughts, such as watching a funny video, reading a comic strip, or listening to a joke. Additionally, laughing at the situation, making light of it, or finding the lesson in it are all ways of using humor as a coping mechanism. Humor is not a cure-all but it can help you approach problems with more resiliency, courage, and positivity. Incorporating humor into your life and work can improve your well-being and happiness.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?