Humor and laughter are power tools possessing the potential to uplift and encourage or to offend and cause serious harm. Even when we use humor with the best of intentions, we risk offending someone if we are not aware of the how to use humor in sensitive situations.

We all have areas of sensitivity. Those unexpected and most embarrassing moments often look humorous to those watching, but do not feel funny to the person who is the target of their laughter. 

Understanding that laughter is a result of the natural, spontaneous reaction that occurs when our funny bone is tickled, or when we are surprised helps us not to take laughter personally. It helps us to be less sensitive and understand that people are laughing with us and not at us.

In addition, gaining a better understanding of how to use humor in sensitive situations allows us to use our sense of humor appropriately to bless someone, and minimizes our risk of offending.

Program Outcomes and Benefits -

Participants gain a better understanding of how humor and laughter work and reduce their own sensitivity to laughter directed at something they said or did. They learn the do's and don'ts of how to use humor in sensitive situations and minimize their risk of offending others.

Participants build their confidence, and expand their ability to use humor effectively when they: 

• learn how humor helps us heal
• gain an awareness of how humor can be misinterpreted
• gain valuable insights about the sensitivities of disability
• compare the traits of healthy humor to harmful humor 
• learn how to deflect hurtful humor
• discuss three strategies for responding to negative humor or putdowns
• learn the important first step to successfully use humor in sensitive situations 
• obtain seven guidelines for introducing humor in sensitive situations like change, loss, crisis, illness, death, disaster, or disability
  

Program Length: 45 to 60 minute training (may be combined with another humor workshop or training)