Experienced trainers have an array of tools in their training toolbox that they use when they need to. Some tools, however, are more difficult to use than others. One such tool is humor. Use it wisely and it will enhance your training session; use it improperly and you run a high risk of failure.
You can apply the following humor guidelines when delivering your training session.
Don’t be funny if you’re not. The truth is, some people are funnier than others and some people just aren’t funny. If you’re not funny, use other tools at your disposal. Tools like competency, passion, and sincerity, to name a few. I’m the world’s worst joke teller; they always come out all wrong. With friends, it’s not a problem, they just groan and continue to stick by me anyway. But in a classroom of several knowledge-hungry people, blowing the joke is no funny matter and won’t be appreciated.
Don’t be funny for the sake of being funny. It’s true that if you use humor in a training session it will usually affect positively your rating. This is because when done naturally, humor gives an upbeat atmosphere to the session. If you try to be a stand-up comic, however, you won’t be effective.
Don’t be funny at the expense of others. Laughing at others is not really funny and it will cost you dearly in rapport. Laughing at your own mistakes and slip-ups, though, can have a positive effect on the participants and reinforce your self-confidence.
Always be open to humorous situations and have an upbeat attitude. Smile and have a good time. When used wisely, humor brings the participants together where everyone can have a fun time while learning.
Michel DiStefano, Montreal, Canada
michel.distefano@sympatico.ca
http://www.lightpublications.ca
Michel DiStefano has worked for over 25 years as a technical communicator, trainer,and marketing consultant; writing for engineers, technicians, trainers and executives. He studied Journalism and Communications at Concordia University. He is a certified Six Sigma analyst.
