Capturing humor in writing not always easy
One of the hardest forms of writing is that involving humor. You may have a great sense of humor, but capturing that in your writing takes skill and practice. You may think that when it comes to writing, humor is best used only in fiction or satire. But while we think of comedy in terms of exaggeration or fabrication, effective humor can be just as much about creative misdirection—engaging readers by taking them someplace they don’t expect to go—and subtly choosing metaphors and words that make readers giggle without even knowing why. And a smiling reader is one who’s paying attention and eager to read on. Sociologists, linguists and biologists say that our ability to laugh and desire to do so isn’t all fun and games, but actually serves two essential life functions: to bond with members of our “tribe,” and to lessen tension and anxiety. Both of these are also excellent reasons to incorporate humor in your nonfiction. As a communication tool, effective use of humor can humanize you, cementing your bond with readers. It can also help your work stand out in a crowded market. And as advertising studies have shown, humor enhances how much we like what we’re reading and how well we remember it afterward. Trying to find the funnier side of things reduces the loneliness, rejection and stress of the writing life and it boosts your creativity by challenging you to approach your craft in new ways. Even if your subject is a serious one, the subtle use of humor can both ease tension and provide a respite from difficult moments.
New tricks of the trade good for any writer
The writing experience sometimes resembles a dog chasing its tail—you circle around and around, but keep returning to the same themes, characters and ideas. Don’t let the thought of going down a new path cause your palms to sweat or your heart to beat out of control. If so, you may have Serious Writer Experiencing Anxiety and Timidity Syndrome (SWEATS). The surest sign is when you have on occasion referred to yourself as a “serious writer” without cracking a smile. Fortunately, you don’t need medication to cope with your ailment. You just may need an introduction to Comedy Writing 101. It doesn’t matter what your writing style is. Every writer can benefit from learning a few new tricks.
Life functions are a byproduct of humor, humor writing
Sociologists, linguists and biologists say that our ability to laugh and desire to do so go farther than just fun and games. Humor actually serves two essential life functions: to bond with members of our “tribe,” and to lessen tension and anxiety. Both of these are also excellent reasons to incorporate humor in your nonfiction. As a communication tool, effective use of humor can humanize you, cementing your bond with readers. It can also help your work stand out in a crowded market. And as advertising studies have shown, humor enhances how much we like what we’re reading and how well we remember it afterward. Trying to find the funnier side of things reduces the loneliness, rejection and stress of the writing life, not to mention boosting your creativity by challenging you to approach your craft in new ways. Even if your subject is a serious one, the subtle use of humor can both ease tension and provide a respite from difficult moments.
Techniques of humor can improve writing
The goal in adding humor to your writing is not about becoming the next Erma Bombeck or David Sedaris (unless that’s your dream). The goal is to improve your writing by using all the tools available to you, including comedy. Whether or not you consider yourself a funny person, it’s not as difficult as you might think to put humor to work for you.