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Conquering Humor Fundamentals

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Connor Diemand-Yauman and Naomi Bagdonas

Connor Diemand-Yauman and Naomi Bagdonas

In this course, you’ll build the foundations of humor at work. You’ll explore the neuroscience of laughter and why it’s a superpower that increases bonds, creativity, and resilience on virtual teams. You’ll come to understand your unique humor style, including what makes you laugh, how you make others laugh, and how to activate your sense of humor with colleagues. Finally, you’ll mine seemingly mundane moments with your team for humor, apply simple comedic techniques from the pros, and shift your mindset towards being on the precipice of a smile.

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In this course, you’ll build the foundations of humor at work. You’ll explore the neuroscience of laughter and why it’s a superpower that increases bonds, creativity, and resilience on virtual teams. You’ll come to understand your unique humor style, including what makes you laugh, how you make others laugh, and how to activate your sense of humor with colleagues. Finally, you’ll mine seemingly mundane moments with your team for humor, apply simple comedic techniques from the pros, and shift your mindset towards being on the precipice of a smile.

This is Course 1 of 3 in the Remotely Humorous Program taught by Naomi Bagdonas and Connor Diemand-Yauman are leading experts who have taught at Stanford's Graduate School of Business. They’ve teamed up with comedic minds from The Onion, Funny Or Die, and many more impressive comedy mainstays to create a fun, interactive learning experience, focused on cultivating humor and levity in virtual teams and empowering you to show up at work more authentically, effectively, and joyfully.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the impact of remote work on your team culture
Learn the neuroscience of laughter and the psychology of humor
Activate your unique humor style at work and in life

Practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas
Unlock the power of humor on your virtual team

Understand the impact of remote work on your team culture
Learn the neuroscience of laughter and the psychology of humor
Activate your unique humor style at work and in life
Practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas
Unlock the power of humor on your virtual team

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the neuroscience of laughter, a key component of humor

Focuses on fostering humor and levity in virtual teams

Suitable for students with a beginner-level understanding of humor in the workplace

Taught by a recognized expert in the field of remote work humor

Aims to help students understand and harness the power of humor

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Reviews summary

Humor as a strategic professional skill

According to learners, 'Conquering Humor Fundamentals' offers a largely positive and transformative perspective on leveraging humor as a professional tool, especially for virtual teams. Students frequently highlight the engaging instructors, Naomi Bagdonas and Connor Diemand-Yauman, for making content digestible. Many value insights into the neuroscience of laughter and identifying their unique humor style. While praised for strategic frameworks and authenticity, some learners find the course too introductory or desire more hands-on practice with comedic techniques. It's ideal for those seeking a fundamental understanding.

Valuable insights into humor's neuroscience and personal style.

"The neuroscience behind humor was truly fascinating, and the instructors... made the content incredibly engaging..."

"I particularly enjoyed learning about my 'humor style' and how it impacts interactions."

"The segment on identifying your humor style was surprisingly insightful."

Explores humor as a powerful tool for connection and resilience.

"The course helped me see humor not just as entertainment, but as a powerful tool for building resilience and connection."

"I never thought about humor so strategically. The course gave me specific frameworks to understand and use humor effectively..."

"This course provided practical, actionable insights on how to leverage humor at work."

Taught by charismatic experts, content is clear and relatable.

"The instructors, Naomi and Connor, made the content incredibly engaging and easy to digest. Their personal anecdotes and practical tips for virtual teams were spot on."

"Absolutely brilliant! The instructors' energy is infectious, and the examples are relatable."

"Very well-produced course with charismatic instructors."

"The instructors are fantastic – knowledgeable, funny, and inspiring."

Could benefit from more interactive exercises or direct application.

"Some of the comedic techniques felt a bit basic, and I would have loved more advanced exercises or case studies..."

"My main feedback would be to include more opportunities for direct application and feedback on our humor attempts. It's hard to practice humor in a passive learning environment."

"I felt it could benefit from more interactive elements or group exercises to really cement the learning, as humor is so experiential."

Offers a solid introduction, but may be too basic for some.

"I found much of the content to be very introductory. If you already have some understanding of social dynamics or basic communication, you might find parts redundant."

"Honestly, I was underwhelmed... I didn't gain many new 'fundamentals' or practical tools I couldn't have found in a popular business book."

"It's an interesting topic, but the course is too basic for someone who's already somewhat comfortable with public speaking or team dynamics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Conquering Humor Fundamentals with these activities:

Understanding Neuroscience

Show steps

Prepare yourself for in-depth learning by beginning with general knowledge of neuroscience to ensure you have enough background knowledge to learn about the neuroscience of laughter and the psychology of humor.

Browse courses on Neuroscience

Show steps

Read introductory articles about neuroscience
Watch video lectures on the basics of neuroscience
Take an introductory online course or workshop on neuroscience

Personalized Humor Resource Collection

Show steps

Establish a personal library of humor-related resources. Include articles, videos, and other materials that resonate with your sense of humor and can serve as inspiration or reference points for future humorous endeavors.

Show steps

Identify and gather resources that align with your humor preferences
Organize the resources into a digital or physical collection for easy access

Delving into Stand-Up Comedy Techniques

Show steps

Acquire effective comedic tools by learning from experienced stand-up comedians. Their insights and techniques will help you develop your own humorous style during team interactions.

Show steps

Watch online tutorials or attend workshops by stand-up comedians
Apply the techniques you learn to your own humorous ideas
Practice delivering your humorous material in front of others

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Team Humor Brainstorming

Show steps

Harness the diversity of your team by conducting regular online or in-person brainstorming sessions to encourage open sharing of humorous ideas.

Show steps

Form small groups within your team
Assign topics or scenarios for brainstorming
In group sessions, generate a list of humorous ideas
Come together as a team to share and discuss the ideas

Humor Analysis in Real-Time Situations

Show steps

Enhance your ability to think humorously on your feet by practicing analyzing real-time situations through the lens of humor.

Show steps

Identify real-life scenarios that could benefit from the use of humor
Analyze the situation from different perspectives, considering the emotions and reactions of others
Develop hypothetical humorous responses or interventions

Virtual Team Humorous Playbook

Show steps

Create a centralized resource for your team by developing a virtual humorous playbook that includes a collection of tried-and-tested humorous techniques and strategies specifically tailored to your team's dynamics.

Show steps

Gather input from team members on effective humorous practices
Compile and organize the techniques into a virtual playbook
Share the playbook with the team and encourage its use during virtual interactions

Peer Mentoring for Humor Development

Show steps

Become a mentor for other team members who want to improve their humor skills. Sharing your knowledge and providing guidance can reinforce your own understanding and enhance your humor abilities.

Show steps

Identify individuals or small groups who would benefit from your humor guidance
Establish regular mentoring sessions
Provide feedback and support on their humorous ideas and approaches

Career center

Learners who complete Conquering Humor Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Humorist

Humorists are professional jokers. They work in a variety of settings, including television, radio, and live performance. **Humorists use their knowledge of comedy techniques to write jokes and deliver them in a way that makes people laugh.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful humorist. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Humorist

Stand-up Comedian

Stand-up comedians perform live in front of an audience. They use their comedic skills to make people laugh. **Stand-up comedians often use humor to share their own personal experiences and observations about the world.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful stand-up comedian. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Stand-up Comedian

Comedy Writer

Comedy writers write jokes, sketches, and other comedic content for a variety of media, including television, radio, and film. **Comedy writers use their knowledge of comedy techniques to create funny and entertaining content.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful comedy writer. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Comedy Writer

Public Speaker

Public speakers give speeches to audiences of all sizes. They use their speaking skills to inform, persuade, and entertain. **Public speakers often use humor to connect with their audience and make their speeches more engaging.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful public speaker. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Speaker

Teacher

Teachers help students learn new skills and knowledge. They use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and activities. **Teachers often use humor to make learning more fun and engaging for students.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful teacher. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Salesperson

Salespeople sell products and services to customers. They use their sales skills to persuade customers to buy their products or services. **Salespeople often use humor to build rapport with customers and make the sales process more enjoyable.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful salesperson. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Salesperson

Customer Service Representative

Customer service representatives help customers with their questions and concerns. They use their customer service skills to resolve issues and provide support. **Customer service representatives often use humor to diffuse tense situations and make customers feel more comfortable.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful customer service representative. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative

Event Planner

Event planners plan and organize events of all sizes. They use their event planning skills to create successful events that meet the needs of their clients. **Event planners often use humor to make events more fun and engaging for guests.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful event planner. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

Social Media Manager

Social media managers manage social media accounts for businesses and organizations. They use their social media skills to create and share content that engages followers and promotes the brand. **Social media managers often use humor to make their content more shareable and engaging.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful social media manager. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for businesses and organizations. They use their marketing skills to promote the brand and generate leads. **Marketing managers often use humor to make their marketing campaigns more memorable and engaging.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful marketing manager. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Public relations manager

Public relations managers manage the public image of businesses and organizations. They use their public relations skills to build relationships with the media and promote the brand. **Public relations managers often use humor to make their public relations campaigns more effective and engaging.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful public relations manager. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers manage the human resources department of businesses and organizations. They use their human resources skills to recruit, hire, and train employees. **Human resources managers often use humor to make the workplace more positive and productive.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful human resources manager. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Project Manager

Project managers manage projects from start to finish. They use their project management skills to plan, execute, and close projects successfully. **Project managers often use humor to motivate their team and make the project management process more enjoyable.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful project manager. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business analysts analyze business processes and recommend ways to improve them. They use their business analysis skills to identify problems and develop solutions. **Business analysts often use humor to make their presentations and reports more engaging.** This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful business analyst. You will learn about the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style. You will also practice using comedy techniques to hone your humorous ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts analyze financial data and make recommendations on investments. They use their financial analysis skills to identify undervalued stocks and bonds. **Financial analysts may use humor to make their reports and presentations more engaging.** This course may help you develop the skills you need to be a successful financial analyst. You will learn the neuroscience of laughter, the psychology of humor, and how to activate your own unique humor style.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Conquering Humor Fundamentals.

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of humor, including the different theories of what makes things funny. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the cognitive and social aspects of humor.

Cover image

Cover image

Comedy Writing Secrets

Save

Provides practical advice on how to write funny material. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills and learn how to use humor in their work.

Comedy Writing Secrets

Comedy Writing Secrets

Cover image

Cover image

A Guide to Keith Johnstone's Maestro Impro(tm)

Save

Provides an introduction to the theory and practice of improvisation. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different techniques of improvisation and how to use them to create spontaneous and engaging performances.

A Guide to Keith Johnstone's Maestro Impro(tm)

A Guide to Keith Johnstone's Maestro Impro(tm)

Improvisation For The Theater A Handbook Of...

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of theatrical improvisation. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different aspects of improvisation and how to use them to create spontaneous and engaging performances.

Improvisation For The Theater A Handbook Of...

Improvisation For The Theater A Handbook Of...

Cover image

Cover image

Juggling Between Life and Death

Save

Provides a collection of exercises and games for developing your improvisation skills. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different aspects of improvisation and how to use them to create spontaneous and engaging performances.

Juggling Between Life and Death

Juggling Between Life and Death: Témoignage

Cover image

Cover image

Impro for Storytellers

Save

Provides a collection of exercises and games for developing your improvisation skills. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different aspects of improvisation and how to use them to create spontaneous and engaging performances.

Impro for Storytellers

Impro for Storytellers

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Provides a collection of exercises and games for developing your improvisation skills. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different aspects of improvisation and how to use them to create spontaneous and engaging performances.

Improv Nation: How We Made a Great American Art

Improv Nation: How We Made a Great American Art

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Effort

1 to 2 hours per week for 2 weeks

Level

Introductory

Via

edX

Institution

Naomi Bagdonas and Connor Diemand-Yauman

Instructors

Connor Diemand-Yauman

Naomi Bagdonas

Language

English

Transcript

English

This course belongs to a collection called Remotely Humorous: Build Joyful and Resilient Virtual Teams with Humor. It's comprised of three courses:

Making Remote Humor Stick
Priming Your Remote Team for Humor
Conquering Humor Fundamentals (viewing)

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the neuroscience of laughter, a key component of humor

Focuses on fostering humor and levity in virtual teams

Suitable for students with a beginner-level understanding of humor in the workplace

Taught by a recognized expert in the field of remote work humor

Aims to help students understand and harness the power of humor

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