GoKawiilHere’s how to do it without making yourself or anyone else the punchline. A finance director stands in front of hundreds of employees to reveal the annual figures. No, it’s not the start of the most corporate joke ever, but something I saw a few weeks ago.
How to use humor at work effectively
Why This Matters
This piece is a workplace-communication primer on using humor effectively at work, framed around a finance director addressing hundreds of employees. For tech leaders who present constantly at all-hands and demos, tone can shape how well a message lands and whether audiences stay engaged.
Key Takeaways
- Humor can make corporate presentations, like an annual results update, more engaging.
- The key is landing a joke without making yourself or a colleague the punchline.
- Delivery and tone are practical leadership skills, not just personality traits.
Worth a Look
Humor, Seriously" by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas — Written by two Stanford business school lecturers, this book breaks down exactly how to use humor at work without becoming the punchline. It's a practical read for anyone who has watched a finance presentation flatline and wondered how to land a joke in a boardroom.
See Humor, Seriously" by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.
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humor at work
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workplace communication
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