Jan
30
L-A-U-G-H
∇ Category:Design | → |
Learning is awkward, uncomfortable, frightening. At least that’s what many adults
think. Learning means admitting knowledge gaps, in a strange room, in front of
strangers, to an instructor just met. Factor in prior school experiences, mandatory
attendance and the dizzying pace of life and it’s a wonder adults learn at all.
Fortunately, humor tackles these fears and overpowers them. When people laugh,
they relax. They also share a moment of togetherness. Humor should, for these
reasons, be a companion to any learning program.
But what’s an unfunny trainer to do: become a comedian? Hardly. It’s not necessary.
Everyone is already funny. Your funniness is simply undiscovered. And trainees, for
their part, are so desperate for humor that they will laugh at almost anything.
Almost funny is good enough.
But even almost funny requires planning. That’s where the acronym L-A-U-G-H can
help. If you learn how to “laugh,” your learners will too. To be funny, do the
following.
Lighten Up
The first step in discovering your natural humor is to Lighten Up. Although funny is
a result of natural tension, tense presenters stifle humor. When you tense, your
learners tense. The few laughs that occur will likely be at your expense. Strive to
present a carefree but focused approach. Relax and let the learners feel your
relaxation. You’re not the warden. Learning shouldn’t feel like prison. Life is too
short for dramatics anyway. Relax and your learners will too.
Amuse Yourself
Having adopted a lighter attitude, amuse yourself. Laugh at the absurdities of life.
There is plenty to be found in corporate life, government and relationships. In the
learning environment, seek out the fun. Say that aside when it occurs to you (as
long as you do not demolish your training time line).In general, have a good time.
Understand Humor
Once you’ve relaxed, created a humor friendly environment and begun enjoying
yourself in the training room, it’s time to learn the formulas that make funny funny.
All jokes are based on surprise. Simply put, a joke leads you down a path of
expectations. The humor arises when the listener realizes that the joke is about
something different than the initial expectations. This formula is universal. The
more an item surprises a listener, reflects a truth in life and provides unexpected
insight, the funnier it will be.
The best way to understand humor is to watch the pros. Jay Leno and his writing
staff are masters. They use the same formulas night after night to great laughs. You
don’t even have to stay up late. posts his best jokes daily.
Steve Allen’s book, How to be Funny: Discovering the Comic You is one of
many books one that can also help you understand the basic formulas. You could
also join an Internet joke-of-the-day list. Use these resources to watch, read and
compare. You’ll soon discover the formulas that make funny funny.
Gather Material
Once you understand the basic formula, the next step is to gather material. It is not
a good idea to tell jokes in the classroom. You can, however, use the formula to
come up with your own humorous asides and situations. The process most
comedians use is trial and error. They will insert a new line into their show. If it gets
a laugh they’ll keep it. If it doesn’t, they change it and try it again. If it gets a small
titter, they will tweak it and try it again. They will continue honing and refining it
with each delivery, searching for ways to make the line funnier. They’ll add words.
They’ll take out words. If it gets less of a laugh the next night, they’ll revert to the
delivery they used the night before. They’ll keep tweaking until the titter becomes a
belly laugh. And most importantly, if no one laughs, they’ll cut it. In this way, you
can hone your material. Eventually, you’ll have a line you can count on every time.
Handle With Care
Humor is dangerous. Some subjects are simply not acceptable. Religion. Politics.
Race. Age. Nationality. Disabilities. Your learners. A good rule of thumb is to laugh
at yourself. Never insult your trainees, your bosses, your organization or your fellow
trainers. One wrong comment can ruin the whole event.
If you follow the steps I’ve outlined, you too can be funny. Nothing but your own
fear prevents you from being the natural comic you are. So, make learning
accessible, not awkward. Make it irresistible, not uncomfortable. Make it fun, not
frightening. Learn how to L-A-U-G-H.
Lenn Millbower, BM, MA, the Learnertainment
