Training Tip of the Month
September 2000

Stupid Things Trainers Do To Sabotage Success - Not Using Humor At All, Or Using It Inappropriately

When it comes to training, there are certain things that trainers can do to really sabotage their training sessions.  Not using humor, or not using it appropriately is a good way to jeopardize the success of a training program.

If you don't use any humor in your presentation, you run the risk of coming across as being boring, or dry.  Humor is a great way to maintain interest during training.  Proper use of humor during training can help people to enjoy the learning process, and truly anchor what they learned.

Good humor often relates to the topic at hand, it doesn't offend anyone, and it is really funny.  Finding the right jokes or other humorous items to use in a training session often takes research.  Don't wait until training actually starts to try to think of something funny to say.  Even if you are a naturally funny person, you still want to have humorous items that tie in with what you are training.   

Another good reason to prepare humorous items ahead of time is so that you have plenty of time to scrutinize it to make sure that it won't offend anyone.  Using offensive humor is a sure way to cause people to stop learning.  It will additionally cut your credibility and your professionalism.  Some offensive humor could even land you in court.  Therefore, it is important that you examine your jokes carefully, and ask others who are different from you for their input as well.  If there is any doubt about whether or not something is offensive, leave it out!

Finally, make sure that your funny stories and jokes really are funny.  It is embarrassing to make a joke and have no one laugh at it.  Don't continue in the same vein if people are not responding to your humor, and don't blame the audience for "not getting it."  Remember, you are a trainer, and not a comedian.   To make sure that your material is good, try it out on several people before the session, and make a final decision on whether or not to include it based on several opinions.

Not using humor at all, or not using it appropriately will lessen the effectiveness of your training.  You can connect with your audience on a more personal level by using appropriate humor during a training session.  Maximize your effectiveness by preparing your jokes and stories ahead of time and scrutinizing them with others.