Why Humor Is a Leadership Skill Every Smart Leader Needs
Understanding the Role of Humor in Leadership
What Does Humor Really Do for Leaders?
Humor isn’t about cracking jokes to get a cheap laugh at the start of your presentation. It’s about connection, relatability, and building trust—the real drivers of influence. Smart leaders use humor to lower defenses, humanize themselves, and create a space where people feel safe enough to listen and act.
Research in Harvard Business Review has shown that leaders who use humor are seen as more competent and motivating by their teams. Humor, used strategically, is a tool for building credibility, not undermining it.
Why Is Humor Important in Leadership?
In a world of dry data and endless meetings, humor is the shortcut to engagement. It transforms one-way presentations into real conversations and turns “just another meeting” into a moment people actually remember. Humor builds emotional connection, which is the foundation of trust—and without trust, there is no leadership.
What Can Leaders Gain from Using Humor?
Leaders who learn to use humor effectively:
Build trust and rapport quickly
Communicate with clarity and warmth
Inspire teams to take action
Navigate conflict with grace
Create a culture where people want to contribute
Bringing Humor to Leadership with Beth Sherman
How to Learn Humor as a Leadership Skill
The best leaders aren’t afraid to be human, and humor is the fastest way to show your humanity while keeping your authority. Beth Sherman, a business speaker, seasoned comedian and 7x Emmy-winning comedy writer, teaches leaders how to use humor not simply for laughs, but for connection, persuasion and impact.
Why Beth’s Keynotes Stand Out
Beth’s interactive keynote, “Laughter Connects: Why Smart Leaders Use Humor,” is the perfect combination of education and entertainment. Meeting planners and attendees alike have called Beth “a breath of fresh air” because she delivers actionable insights while keeping audiences engaged and energized—especially at dry conferences that need a lift.
Preparing to Bring Humor to Your Leadership Event
Align Humor with Your Leadership Development Goals
Beth’s keynotes are customized to your organization’s needs, ensuring humor becomes a tool for your leaders to connect authentically, communicate clearly, and lead with presence.
Engage Your Audience
Beth’s background in stand-up comedy and 30 years of experience as an Emmy-winning comedy writer for shows including Letterman, the Tonight Show, Ellen and the Oscars, means her sessions are interactive, fun, and full of real-world examples leaders can apply immediately. She doesn’t just talk about humor—she demonstrates it in action.
Tips for Using Humor as a Leader
Make It Real
Humor in leadership isn’t about punchlines; it’s about acknowledging truth and self-awareness (which doesn’t have to be self-deprecating,) with warmth, vulnerability, and timing.
Keep It Purposeful
Beth teaches leaders how to use humor to highlight key messages, relieve tension, and inspire teams, ensuring it builds connection and supports your goals rather than distracting from them.
Conclusion: Smart Leaders Use Humor to Lead with Impact
If you want your leaders to connect, communicate, and inspire action, humor isn’t optional. It’s a critical leadership skill that makes your message land — and your presence felt.
Book Beth Sherman for “Laughter Connects: Why Smart Leaders Use Humor”
Beth’s interactive keynote brings practical tools, energizing stories, and laughter that connects your leaders with their teams and your organization’s mission.
Ready to book a speaker who will make your event unforgettable—and give your audience skills they’ll apply right away?
