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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/g73dxc/conquering
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
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
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
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.
Stand-up Comedian
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.
Comedy Writer
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.
Public Speaker
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.
Teacher
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.
Salesperson
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.
Customer Service Representative
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.
Event Planner
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.
Social Media Manager
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.
Marketing 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.
Public relations 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.
Human Resources 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.
Project 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.
Business Analyst
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.
Financial 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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/g73dxc/conquering
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/g73dxc/conquering
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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)
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