We are all about serious business. Is
using humor in our e-mail newsletter too risky?
Humor is a great way to quickly build rapport. Nothing creates an
instant connection with readers regardless of their age, gender, race or
religion like humor. You don't have to be a professional comedian
to add humor. A well placed oxymoron can make your eNewsletter articles
better than new.
Some companies have a culture where humor is considered inappropriate,
so they shy away from using humor for fear of looking foolish. Humor
can be suitable for all aspects of a business, including company newsletters,
without undermining your credibility and professionalism. You don't
have to be somber to be taken seriously.
Businesses have successfully used humor to connect with their target market. For
example, Southwest Airlines provides no-frills flights with friendly and
outgoing flight attendants. They give entertaining spiels over the
intercom and play good-natured jokes. Southwest's uniform of khaki
shorts and golf shirts help to instill the attitude that flying can be
fun.
The Wall Street Journal capitalizes on humor to appeal to its strictly-business
audience. Every day, the journal publishes a column of cartoons,
quips and one-liners on business topics. It also runs a daily humor
column called "Pepper and Salt" located on the editorial page.
Still don't think humor is right for your company newsletter? Consider
these words by Mark Twain "The human race has one really effective
weapon and that is laughter."
How Humor Can Enhance Newsletters
Business writing can be dry but that doesn't mean your company's
newsletter has to be that way. Instead of using cold and complex technical,
you can use clever wit to make the articles interesting and engaging. Quips
or reverse humor can do wonders to freshen up an ordinary topic or lighten
a heavy one. Just be sure to use humor in small dosages. Too
much humor can detract from your message.
Incorporating funny one-liners or jokes into company newsletters can help
you:
- Arouse interest.
- Maintain readers' attention.
- Emphasize key points.
- Relate facts and figures.
- Explain complex ideas.
- Create a positive impression.
Displaying humor in business communications shows confidence. This
can help differentiate your business from competitors. Consider adding
more humorous elements. You'll be tickled at the results.
To learn more about how humor can enhance your company e-newsletter, email Proven
Systems Corp. or call 970-223-6565. |
