3 answers
Joshua
Student
Imperial, California
3
Questions
Updated
205 views
How can I use my sense of humor as a lawyer?
How can I make jokes to lighten up the mood without looking like a bad person, or someone who does not take me serious.
3 answers
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
134
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Josh: I have a wicked sense of humor and I used it every day of my career as a lawyer. Plus, being a lawyer can be very streessful and you see a lot of bad things. Having a sense of humor helps you cope and stay sane! You have to be serious as a lawyer but you should never ever lose your sense of humor!
Louis Turenne
Contract Management
3
Answers
Bernards, New Jersey
Updated
Louis’s Answer
Here's what I try to do when incorporating humor in more professional setting:
1. Know your audience - try find subjects they know or are interested in
2. Pick your spots carefully - timing is key. If you are having a heated discussion, you may not want to interject with a joke unless you really know it's something that will humor the other party (see #1).
3. Self-deprecation works well - making yourself the target of the joke usually works well with most audiences. You won't be seen as "bad person" for picking on yourself. It's also a topic that you can use without really taking away credibility, so people will still you take you seriously.
It's a great way to break up the mood and make yourself more relatable to other parties.
1. Know your audience - try find subjects they know or are interested in
2. Pick your spots carefully - timing is key. If you are having a heated discussion, you may not want to interject with a joke unless you really know it's something that will humor the other party (see #1).
3. Self-deprecation works well - making yourself the target of the joke usually works well with most audiences. You won't be seen as "bad person" for picking on yourself. It's also a topic that you can use without really taking away credibility, so people will still you take you seriously.
It's a great way to break up the mood and make yourself more relatable to other parties.
Maureen Merriles
6
Answers
Brea, California
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
I agree with both Lewis and Dennis. My thoughts: Injecting your personality (and humor) into your conversations with clients will make you feel more human and accessible to them. Validating their experiences by sharing one of your own can help them relate to you and a fearful situation can be made to feel more comfortable. BUT, that all being said, you do need to "read the room" and gauge where your client is, emotionally. I hope that helps! :D
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