Book Review: Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas
Laughter is big business. In their book, Humor, Seriously, authors Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas have vividly written about “why humor is a secret weapon in business and in life.” Taken from extensive research, studies, CEO interviews and trainings with the best comedy institutions and their Stanford course on levity, this book is certain to upend a few preconceived ideas about humor. From a “seat at the table” with talk-show host’s writers to diagrams of hands-on approaches to humor at the office and personal life, these authors convincingly prove Peter Ustinov’s belief that “Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.”
Why are we reading this book?
We like books that present a unique story. That shatter long-held “truths.” That give you the tools to succeed at something “that works for others, not me.” They bust four deadly humor myths: the serious business myth, the failure myth, the being funny myth and the born with it myth, and help you find and adapt your humor style with a humor audit. Because a sense of humor is like a muscle that atrophies without use, and that lack of humor is considered to be a serious global problem, this is a must-read book.
Backstory:
Co-author, Jennifer Aaker is proof that humor can be learned. Five years before writing the book, her immediate family unanimously voted her the least funny when she asked them to name the funniest person in the family. The youngest and bravest child finally spoke up and announced that Dad was funniest followed by the three kids, their dog, Mackey and mom (Jennifer) was last. Everyone agreed. Fueled by a deep desire for “global impact and familial redemption,” Jennifer is now the triumphant author of a book about humor.
Challenge:
Before effectively using humor in the workplace, the authors claim you have to first “find the funny.” Taken from countless research of how the pros find their funny, the challenge is how to find your funny, form the funny, be spontaneously funny and deliver the funny. That’s a tall order, yet the authors explain the techniques for each in a well-presented chapter, Anatomy of Funny.
Solution:
- To find your funny—mine your life for truth. Notice incongruity and differences. Take note of emotions like what makes you cringe or smile.
- To make it funny—use exaggerations, contrasts and analogie. Use specifics especially those that carry a slew of recognized and polarizing associations.
- To be spontaneously funny—know your signature stories, notice what’s going on in the moment and refer back to a previous joke or funny moment.
- To deliver the funny—you’ll find five techniques on pages 94-95. It’s time for this reviewer to move along.
Summary:
Like thrilling novels that have you glued to your seat, you won’t want this book to end. And while typically no one wants to hear the ending before they’ve read the book, if you don’t have time to read Humor, Seriously from cover to cover, it’s worth getting the book to read the last chapter which is devoted to what the authors care about most: using levity to create a life well lived where boldness, authenticity, presence, joy and love flourish. Definitely won’t spoil the (After)Words other than to say, you’ve never read anything like it. Finally, if we haven’t convinced you to read this book, check out A. Levine’s 2-minute Amazon book review video that’s “SO GOOD it’s not even funny. Except that it’s REALLY funny.” Same holds true for the book.