Do I Really Have to Do the Homework?
Holly and Dolly hanging out. She was likely telling her something funny. :)
Let’s be honest: communication is hard enough these days, and adding humor into the mix? Forget it. Some people think they don’t have it at all, while others (like me) are convinced they do, but only when the timing is just right.
I always tell people I’m funny, and I truly think I am (friends and family no need to weigh in here). But my funny shows up in the moment. Think spontaneous Whose Line Is It Anyway? improv, not boring “I wrote this joke and practiced it 12 times in the mirror” humor.
So when I picked up David Nihill’s book Do You Talk Funny?, I froze. He says to script things–write your stories out, find the humor, and practice it. My first reaction to that is: absolutely not. Humor on the fly? Yes. Humor on purpose? In front of people? Triple no.
But the thing is, whether it’s a retro, a workshop, or even this blog, I want people to connect. I want them to laugh, nod their heads, and walk away thinking, “Yep, I get it” instead of “What did she just say?” So maybe… I do need to do the work.
The Shift
What I’m realizing is that being “naturally funny” only gets you so far. Sure, it works with friends, but in front of a team it’s a completely different story. Preparation matters.
The script doesn’t make you fake, it makes you ready. And practicing doesn’t mean you’re less funny, it means your joke actually has a shot at landing instead of falling flat. It’s not about becoming a comedian, it’s about using humor as a tool that works when you need it to.
The Homework (Ugh)
Yes, apparently I do have to do the homework. Which means writing things down, practicing, and maybe even rehearsing. (Insert dramatic sigh here.)
One idea I actually like that Nihill suggests is building a Story Bank:
Write down 5–10 stories you always tell.
Mark the part where people laugh.
Practice telling it, and pause right before that laugh line.
It’s simple, but it makes sense. And it feels like something I can actually stick with. I don’t want to lose the natural, off-the-cuff humor. I just want to give it a better chance of showing up when I need it most.
The Wrap Up
So, homework it is. Humor isn’t just about quick comebacks, it’s also about being intentional. For me, that means having a few stories ready, practicing the timing, and figuring out how to bring in some laughs without losing the serious stuff.
And frankly, humor at work isn’t just for fun, it’s leadership! It builds trust, breaks down walls, and makes people remember what matters. If doing a little extra work helps me (and maybe you) get there, then I guess I’ll get my notebook out.
