When you have a point to make, your first inclination might be to pull out your soapbox and begin pontificating. Unless you are an actual preacher with your own choir and an altar, you are likely to lose your audience. (Even these guys could use a tad more humor in their delivery.)
Try making light of your subject instead. Find a humorous angle and let your audience draw their own conclusions. Lately, I have seen humor applied perfectly in three different instances:
1. The Verasage team has been teaching accountants to fight the notion of billing by the hour for years. They have been waging intellectual battles that are right on point. Recently, they have taken a different approach with the addition of Gregory Kyte to their team. I'm willing to bet a bucket of North Carolina barbeque that this video is already having an impact.
2. Software companies always provide sample data with their product. It's how you learn concepts and get started with minimal pain. But most of the examples are BORING. Who cares about a bicycle store or a nursery? Give me an example that holds my attention and makes me chuckle. Most people completely miss this opportunity to add fun to their solution. But the folks at www.Gliffy.com (an online flowcharting solution) have used it to full advantage.
Here is the flowchart example they provide as a template.
Try making light of your subject instead. Find a humorous angle and let your audience draw their own conclusions. Lately, I have seen humor applied perfectly in three different instances:
1. The Verasage team has been teaching accountants to fight the notion of billing by the hour for years. They have been waging intellectual battles that are right on point. Recently, they have taken a different approach with the addition of Gregory Kyte to their team. I'm willing to bet a bucket of North Carolina barbeque that this video is already having an impact.
2. Software companies always provide sample data with their product. It's how you learn concepts and get started with minimal pain. But most of the examples are BORING. Who cares about a bicycle store or a nursery? Give me an example that holds my attention and makes me chuckle. Most people completely miss this opportunity to add fun to their solution. But the folks at www.Gliffy.com (an online flowcharting solution) have used it to full advantage.
Here is the flowchart example they provide as a template.
Who hasn't needed a flowchart that tells them "What to Do When Someone Eats Your Lunch Out of the Staff Fridge."
3. Your humor doesn't have to be fancy, and it doesn't have to include pratfalls or a drumroll. How about an image that suggests you aren't taking yourself seriously? Consider the pig on this website for online mileage tracking, www.bizmile.com. He gets your attention long enough to make you want to read more. And we're talking about mileage records, folks.
Take a cue from the good people of Pelzer, SC and lighten up y'all.
3. Your humor doesn't have to be fancy, and it doesn't have to include pratfalls or a drumroll. How about an image that suggests you aren't taking yourself seriously? Consider the pig on this website for online mileage tracking, www.bizmile.com. He gets your attention long enough to make you want to read more. And we're talking about mileage records, folks.
Take a cue from the good people of Pelzer, SC and lighten up y'all.
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