Humor: A Rhetorical Superpower

The importance of laughter to mutual persuasion

Inducing laughter is an immensely powerful rhetorical tool. It can help us broach serious and uncomfortable subjects that may otherwise induce an audience to anger. But humor can do so much more than that. In this brief essay, I want to take a look at the rhetorical benefits of humor and how it may help bridge the cultural and political gaps of society that have gotten wider in recent years.

So, what is humor? The Oxford English Dictionary provides a simple explanation: the quality in something that makes it funny; the ability to laugh at things that are funny. However, this is not the original meaning of the term. Humor derives from the Latin word meaning “moisture.” (That’s appropriate; I get a kick out of making people uncomfortable by using this word.)

The subsequent meaning of humor had to do with biology as it was understood in medieval times: it denoted each of the four bodily liquids thought to influence health and character. It was believed that when these humors were balanced in one’s body, one would be healthy and even virtuous. So, humor was seen as a reason to be in good spirits (another word with moist origins). Our modern-day usage derives from this latter explanation, which means humor is ultimately beneficial. I like to think this is why I see humor as a powerful tool when discussing difficult topics; it can keep one in good spirits despite the topic.

This take on humor renders it a rhetorical tool, persuading or informing people of bad news while keeping them in good spirits. In our polarized and increasingly hostile society, we need this take on humor more now than ever. Andrew Tarvin, and expert in workplace humor, says that “Humor connects” even in difficult and antagonistic situations. He continues, “It builds trust, defuses tension and creates a positive shared experience that brings people closer together. Humor forces you to put your guard down, to stop being defensive and become more receptive. It’s like a little reminder in your brain that says, ‘let’s have an open mind here.’” Yes, modern society definitely needs humor.

But how do we ensure that our jokes are, indeed, funny? A few theories exist that attempt to explain this. The incongruity theory of humor incongruity theory argues that humor is due to a shock factor that goes against the normal or the expected. The disposition theory of humor argues that the identity of the but of the joke matters. For example, if a joke seems to be punching down (the strong picking on the weak) audiences may not respond positively. The superiority theory suggests that people laugh to feel a sense of triumph over others. This laughter can create a sense of camaraderie within an in-group and serve as a sense of division between parties. Generally, theoretical approaches to humor have existed from antiquity (Plato, Cicero) to modern times (Henri Bergson, Simon Critchley). Humor is a legitimate philosophical and rhetorical subject.

Humor has a variety of benefits as well. It can help increase long-term memory, improve workplace ambience and managerial success, reduce stress, build trust, enhance self-confidence, and even reduce the risk of heart disease! It seems like humor is a kind of superpower. Perhaps the best news is that, according to Tarvin and others, humor is a skill that anyone can learn.

Stay moist, America!