Humor, Seriously Book Summary - Humor, Seriously Book explained in key points

Listen to the Intro

00:00

Humor, Seriously summary

Name: Humor, Seriously
Rating: 4.1 (479 reviews)
Author: Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas

Jennifer Aaker Naomi Bagdonas

Why Humor Is a Superpower at Work and in Life (And How Anyone Can Harness It. Even You.)

4.1 (479 ratings)

23 mins

Brief summary

Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas is a book that explores the power of humor and how it can improve our lives. It offers practical advice on how to use humor to enhance creativity, build stronger relationships, and improve overall wellbeing.

Topics

Persuasion Resolving Conflict Emotional Intelligence Personality Teamwork Work Culture

Table of Contents

Humor, Seriously
Summary of 8 key ideas

Audio & text in the Blinkist app

Key idea 1 of 8

What’s in it for me? Learn how to tap into your funny and use joy to create a more creative and productive workplace.

Imagine you’re the founder of an exciting new venture and you’ve just done a big round of hiring. You’re not some stuffy corporate exec – you’re a cool boss. So you’re throwing a little cocktail evening to introduce yourself and help the team mingle.

The drinks start flowing, you get a little extra pep in your step, and all of a sudden you’ve grabbed the mic . . .

“Hello, everyone. Welcome! So, you know, I always tell new hires: Don’t think of me as your boss; think of me as a friend who can fire you!”

And: crickets.

Well, that didn’t go well.

Many people say that there is no room for humor in the workplace, but the authors of Humor, Seriously disagree. And they disagree passionately. Sure, there was probably a better way for you to have navigated that cocktail party, but in these blinks you’ll learn why humor is important.

Even if you don’t consider yourself the next Tina Fey or Seth Meyers, you’ll learn, first, how to tap into your own funny, and then how to use those skills to help create an environment of trust, creativity, and success for you and your colleagues.

In these blinks, you’ll learn

how to talk like a human;
when it’s appropriate to make a joke; and
how to use humor to boost creativity.

Humor is a learned skill, and it’s benefits are myriad.

Let’s start by considering what might be holding us back. Often, it’s because we’re worried that we’re not funny or that our jokes are going to fall flat. Sometimes we don’t think we’re particularly entertaining and our friends and family don’t think we’re funny – the author’s kids sure didn’t. And you can’t even learn funny, so what’s the point?

The point is, none of that is true. You don’t need to be a comedian to have levity, to understand the value of humor and bring some sincerity to a situation. And no one is born funny! Except maybe those babies who try lemon for the first time. Humor can be present without comedy and it’s a skill that you learn, adapt, and grow over time.

According to the results from a Gallup survey of 1.4 million people across 166 countries, the frequency at which we laugh or smile drops significantly once we hit 23. Which is sad, because as kids we laugh all the time! But then as we grow up and enter the workforce, we seem to lose our sense of play. There is the very real pressure to be “professional.” But why should professional mean überserious?

The lack of levity and laughter in life and in work is causing us to miss out on so much of the good stuff. The good stuff, you ask? Let’s take a look at the science.

“Laughter is the best medicine” isn’t just a phrase. It’s true! Laughter has been scientifically proven to benefit you both physically and emotionally. When we laugh, our brains release a cocktail of hormones. We get endorphins which give us that euphoric feeling we might have after exercise. We get a big release of dopamine that makes us feel happier. Oxytocin, the “love hormone,” is also released, which makes us more trusting. And our cortisol levels are lowered, which means we’re a whole lot less stressed. In short, according to the authors, laughter is like exercising, meditating, and having sex all at once. How great! And it’s HR approved!

There are four main types of funny people.

It can be helpful to start by taking a look at what kind of humor is out there. There are traditionally four different types of funny people, the stand-ups, the magnets, the sweethearts and the snipers.

The stand-ups are the expressive, thick skinned people who can take as good as they give. If you’re edgy, a fan of roasts, and have been known to enjoy darker humor, then this might be for you.

Truth is the heart of humor. But tread lightly when joking about pain and anger.

So how exactly does “funny” work? According to the authors and the many professionals they approached, you don’t just pull something funny out of thin air. Instead, you make note of and use the absurdities of the world around you, and then point them out. Take a second to look back on the last few days. Did you forget an acquaintance's name? Did you tell the waiter that you hope he enjoys his meal, too? Maybe your kids pointed out that you’re the CEO at work but grandma is the boss at home?

These are real-life moments that you undoubtedly share with others. The truth creates an opportunity for shared recognition and at the heart of humor lies – you guessed it – truth. Meaning that if you tap into your own life – your likes, dislikes, opinions, feelings, all the things that make you you – you will allow for moments of shared levity where a colleague might say, “Hey, I do that! She’s right! I’ve had that happen to me, too!”

Get funnier by using exaggeration, being specific, using analogies, and remembering the rule of three.

It would be great if humor was always as simple as, “I tell you this funny thing that happened in my life, you laugh, and we work together happily ever after.” Sometimes, making these simple observations is not quite enough to be funny. So what can you do to be prepared? Through speaking to professional improvisers and coaches from schools like Second City, in Chicago, and The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, in New York, the authors collected some simple tools to help get you from idea to punchline, successfully.

First, use exaggeration to your advantage. Take that life event and embellish and escalate it to surprise the listener. The funny comes when you say something they weren’t expecting at all. Consider the example from actor and stand-up comedian, John Mulaney: “Went to a spa to get a massage. I went into the room to get the massage and the woman there told me to undress to my comfort level. So I put on a sweater and a pair of corduroy pants and I felt safe.” Were you expecting him to say that he’d be putting on clothes? Probably not, and that is where it becomes funny.

Work on your go-to stories and bring humor to work with “The Bad Idea Brainstorm.”

People like Amy Schumer or Hasan Minhaj spend months and years cultivating their humor: writing, rewriting, and testing their jokes on audiences. But most of us don’t have that kind of time, so when we’re using humor, in our lives or in the office, we’ll need to be able to create moments of levity spontaneously.

One good way to go about it is to know your go-to stories, the ones you enjoy telling and have already proven to be funny. Then, as we’ve already learned, be observant. Use what you see in the here and now to find what’s funny to the people around you. Seth Herzog, a comedian who also happens to have the colossal task of warming up the audience for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, has some good advice. He suggests that you ask yourself, “What’s funny right now, to this group only? That’s the fastest way to get a group laughing.”

Ideas of funny differ – so be sure to use humor responsibly.

People have different ideas of what is funny. Our humor varies depending on everything from our upbringing and personal experiences, to political views, hangriness, and more. Your long-term colleague may be a fan of “your mom” jokes – but the new guy in sales might think they’re distasteful. So, it’s critical to know what to do when these different ideas of funny arise.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that in all instances, you need to use humor responsibly. And have sensitivity, empathy, and hilarity all working together. It’s a matter of reading the room. And that’s not just about knowing what will make the audience laugh but how it will make them feel. Are there any cultural differences to take into account? Will it offend anyone?

Improve your humor by embracing your personality.

Often, it’s as simple as talking like a human being. Stiff talk, be it in the boardroom or over email, doesn’t leave much room for connection. Like the authors put it, “If we write like corporate drones, then pretty soon we’ll start acting like them, too.” So, whether you’re talking face-to-face or writing an email, stop trying to rid yourself of a personality.

What may seem like essential formalities can actually prevent you from showcasing the type of person you are. See emails as an opportunity to invite genuine connection. If you know that a CEO just had a child, maybe start your email or conversation by asking how mom and baby are doing. If you know you and your client are suffering through the same heat wave, try signing off with a little joke acknowledging your shared experience.

Become a better leader by bringing humor to the workplace.

The leaders of old were a rare breed. All intelligence, bravery, moral superiority, and cunning resolve. Consider Ernest Shackleton drifting on sheets of ice in the Antarctic to rescue his crew. Or Marco Polo, who traveled across mountains to inspire generations of children . . . to play blindly in their swimming pools.

But those days are behind us. In the wake of multiple wars, nuclear disasters, financial crises and more, we now share a collective lack of trust in our leaders.

Want to see all full key ideas from Humor, Seriously?

Key ideas in Humor, Seriously

More knowledge in less time

Read or listen

Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.

Find your next read

Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.

Shortcasts ^New

We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

What is Humor, Seriously about?

Humor, Seriously (2021) explores the value of a human-centered approach to business, and of the funny that can be found and created in any environment. It relies on science, psychology, and humorous anecdotes from experts in the field to show how using humor can create a culture of levity, build trust, and unlock creativity.

Humor, Seriously Review

Humor, Seriously (2021) explores the power of humor in our lives and why it is crucial for success. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

It offers a refreshing perspective on humor, explaining how it can unlock creativity, build stronger connections, and enhance our well-being.
The authors combine rigorous research with real-life stories and practical tips, making it a valuable guide for incorporating humor into any situation.
With its sharp insights and wit, the book keeps readers engaged and entertained, ensuring a fun and enlightening reading experience.

Who should read Humor, Seriously?

Leaders looking to build trust
Managers who want to enhance creativity
Anyone seeking more joy in work and life

About the Author

Dr. Jennifer Aaker is a leading expert on how purpose and meaning shape individual choices. Her work has been widely published in leading scientific journals, and featured in the Economist, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, and Science. She counts winning a dance-off in the 1980s as one of her greatest feats.

Naomi Bagdonas, a Stanford professor, facilitates interactive sessions for leaders, Fortune 100 companies, and nonprofits. She also coaches executives and celebrities for appearances on shows ranging from Saturday Night Live to Today. Her constant stream of foster dogs describe her as gullible and full of treats.

Categories with Humor, Seriously

Management & Leadership Communication Skills Career & Success

Book summaries like Humor, Seriously

Talk Like TED

Carmine Gallo

The Nine Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds

The Curious Science of Everyday Lives

Rewire Your Brain to Stress Less, Laugh More, and Achieve More'er

The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking

The Joys of Being an Amateur, the Power of Falling in Love, and Why You Need a Hobby

How to Feel Alive Again

26 min

4.4

The Stoic Path to Wealth

Darius Foroux

Ancient Wisdom for Enduring Prosperity

Holding Your Seat through Life's Eight Worldly Winds

17 min

4.4

The Fine Art Of Small Talk

Debra Fine

How To Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills – and Leave a Positive Impression!

19 min

4.0

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

Carmine Gallo

Master the gold standard for presentations

Using Nature's Playbook to Spark Energy, Ideas, and Action

How to Start Conversations that Get Results

15 min

4.1

A Treatise of Human Nature

David Hume

Explore the Roots of Human Reason

16 min

4.5

Wired To Create

Scott Barry Kaufman & Carolyn Gregoire

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind

Create and Scale Passive Income with a Business on Autopilot

18 min

3.6

Speaker, Leader, Champion

Jeremy Donovan and Ryan Avery

Succeed at Work Through the Power of Public Speaking

13 min

4.0

How to Become a People Magnet

Marc Reklau

62 Strategies for Powerful Relationships and Positive Impact

Uncovering Hidden Manipulations That Erode Trust and Truth

17 min

3.8

Coach Yourself Confident

Julie Smith

Ditch the self-doubt tax, unlock humble confidence

17 min

4.2

Women, Food, and Hormones

Sara Gottfried

A 4-Week Plan to Achieve Hormonal Balance, Lose Weight, and Feel Like Yourself Again

23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present

16 min

4.2

I Never Thought of It That Way

Mónica Guzmán

How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times

A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal

The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health

18 min

4.2

The Innovator’s Dilemma

Clayton Christensen

When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail

14 min

4.4

The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication

John C. Maxwell

Apply Them and Make the Most of Your Message

16 min

4.4

Single, Dating, Engaged, Married

Ben Stuart

Navigating Life and Love in the Modern Age

Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't

How to free yourself from philosophical dogmas and assert your own values

Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work

19 min

4.2

Briefly Perfectly Human

Alua Arthur

Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real about the End

The history and core principles of the Eastern philosophy of Zen

The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth

Journey Through Parallel Universes and the 10th Dimension

The Science of Conversation

25 min

4.1

Workstyle

Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst

A revolution for wellbeing, productivity and society

The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking

21 min

4.3

Influence is Your Superpower

Zoe Chance

The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen

The Pathway of Surrender

How Today's Biggest Trends Will Collide and Reshape the Future of Everything

The Psychology of Persuasion

You Are Always In The Right Place At The Right Time

Red Flags, Green Flags

Ali Fenwick

Modern Psychology for Everyday Drama

Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

How Tenants Can End the Housing Crisis

The Life of Gordon Moore, Silicon Valley’s Quiet Revolutionary

23 min

4.3

People ❤️ Blinkist

Sven O.

It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

Thi Viet Quynh N.

Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

Jonathan A.

Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

Renee D.

Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.