The Connected Leadership Podcast
Using Humour to Build Connections With Beth Sherman
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Episode notes
In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata interviews Beth Sherman, speaker, comedian, and multiple Emmy Award-winning comedy writer, whose credits include The Tonight Show, Ellen and the Academy Awards. She passionately believes that humour is a skill that can be taught, and speaks to teams and leaders about how to use humour to connect quickly with customers, colleagues and audiences. Beth offers insights into the world of comedy writing and reveals the collaborative process that takes place between writers, producers, and comics in delivering successful content to millions of viewers.
Andy and Beth discuss the professional relationship between comics and writers, the importance of chemistry in delivering successful jokes, and how it differs when writing for an individual's voice rather than writing for oneself. Additionally, Beth highlights the challenges of writing topical content and the unique role that humour can play in developing professional relationships.
Beth also shares her experience performing stand-up comedy for the US Army in combat zones and forward operating bases in Iraq.
The topic of diversity in the writer's room is touched upon, with Beth acknowledging that while diversity is important, it sometimes comes down to hiring people who can do the best job. Beyond comedy writing, she has written speeches for corporate executives and helps them inject humour into their presentations. She highlights the importance of spotting comedic opportunities and finding the funny in what you're saying, rather than trying to tell jokes.
Throughout the episode, the importance of self-awareness emerges as a key component in establishing connections and finding common ground with others in the workplace. Andy and Beth emphasise the importance of using humour appropriately and avoiding banter that may not be appropriate in a professional setting. Beth now focuses on speaking and showing how to use humour to make connections, how to use humour to connect with colleagues, and how leaders can use humour to make themselves more accessible to their teams.
The episode offers valuable insights on the role of humour and self-awareness in building relationships and navigating professional situations. If you want to learn more about using humour effectively to build relationships and connect with others, don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your communication skills and connect with others in a fun and meaningful way!
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Andy Lopata
Beth Sherman