Using Humor to Humanize Your Writing

“Humor is something that thrives between man's aspirations and his limitations. There is more logic in humor than in anything else. Because, you see, humor is truth.” – Victor Borge

There’s an old saying: “If you can get people to open their mouths to laugh, you can get them to open their hearts to learn.” And that also makes for effective writing.

As a communication tool, humor can humanize you and your writing, cementing your bond with readers. It also can help your work stand out in a crowded market. Advertising studies have shown that humor both enhances how much we like what we’re reading and how well we remember it afterward.

But use it sparingly.  Unless you’re writing about an inherently funny topic, you should limit the humor you use to selective references. Remember, its purpose is to grab the reader’s attention and help you make your points in creative ways.  Find subtle ways to let your readers know that not only is it okay to laugh, but you want them to.  What you don’t want is to make them laugh at a time when you didn’t intend it. 

Food for thought while you’re having those writer’s moments.   Happy writing!  

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