In this episode, comedy writer and humour strategist Beth Sherman, a seven-time Emmy Award winner known for her work on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Letterman, and The Tonight Show shares how humour can transform communication in professional and personal settings.

We explore how to use humour not to entertain, but to connect, build trust, and communicate with impact. Beth explains why “truth is funny,” how to find your authentic comedic voice, and the importance of reading the room. She also breaks down what makes humour inclusive, how to balance professionalism with playfulness, and why humour truly is a love language.

Together, we discuss practical ways to use humour as a communication tool, from leadership to public speaking and how anyone (even non-comedians) can develop a more relatable, engaging style at work.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Humour in Professional Settings

04:40 Beth Sherman's Journey to Comedy Writing

08:03 Inside the Writer's Room: Collaboration and Competition

12:03 The Pressure of Deadlines in Comedy Writing

17:09 Finding Humour in Truth and Specificity

24:49 Using Humour as a Love Language in Communication

29:52 The Power of Acknowledgment in Communication

34:19 Choosing the Right Humor for Professional Settings

38:02 Using Humor as a Tool for Connection

41:22 Finding the Balance: How Much Humor is Too Much?

44:15 Quickfire Humour Tips and Misconceptions About Comedians

Key Takeaways

takeaways

• Humor should be used to connect with others.
• The best humour reflects truth and authenticity.
• In a writer's room, collaboration is key to success.
• Deadlines can foster creativity in comedy writing.
• Self-awareness enhances the effectiveness of humor.
• Humor can diffuse tension in professional settings.
• Truth is the foundation of effective storytelling.
• Humor is seasoning; it should complement the main message.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for humor.
• Using humour can demonstrate resilience and approachability.

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