Different Isn't Always Better
Comedy, in the contemporary definition, is a form of communication
The challenge in any company’s presentation is to create sticky messages – sustained content that doesn’t leave their heads after the lunch bell. Companies have always looked for new ways to reach out to idea-fatigued employees. So why is humor the preferred delivery system?
We live in a unique event world
On my end, the use of humor in the corporate world comes down to the basics: How do we connect? How do we impact? Over 25 years in teaching and comedy writing preaches that there is only a small window of opportunity to gain access and trust with any audience or classroom full of students. Gain trust, build comfort, eliminate anxieties – these are the cornerstones of the speaker’s craft. But this message is nothing new. What is new is how clients are seeking new ways to use humor as a key ingredient of the delivery system. With the ever-present struggle of finding new ways to penetrate and sustain in limited mental real estate, the search is on for different ways humor can make a splash, spark, and speak to an ADD, message-riddled audience. My take is: Different isn’t always better. Better is better. I hope my inside game on the use of humor for message stickiness can lead corporations and event planners into stronger, smarter choices.
Shorter, faster funnier
What do the presentation experts and overpaid consultants preach? Keep it short, make it memorable and gain authentic feedback. The craft of comedy is the art of compact, direct communication that demands a response. The intent to make someone laugh inherently becomes a dialogue – a potent exchange – with laughter as the obvious language of approval. Comedy by its very nature is the art of distilling, connecting and asking for feedback.
