Tentative Agenda

Week 1: Laying the Foundation (Introduction to Strategic Humor)

• Objective: Explore the foundational role of humor in coaching and its impact on the brain.
• Topics covered:   
  • What is strategic humor and why does it matter?
  • Understanding the science of humor and neuroplasticity
  • Overview of the benefits of humor in communication and influence 
• Humor Challenge: SEE funny

Week 2: The Shortest Distance Between Two People (Building Connection with Humor)

• Objective: Learn to use humor to establish rapport and trust 
• Topics covered: 
  • Techniques for creating a shared humanity with humor
  • How to make people feel comfortable and open
  • The role of humor in building authentic relationships
• Humor Challenge: Pay it forward—share humor to connect

Week 3: Goldmines & Landmines (Ethical and Effective Humor)

    • Objective: Identify and evaluate the key competencies of humor that determine whether your use of humor enhances—or undermines—influence and well-being.

• Topics covered:  
  • The 7 Competencies of Humor™ explained.
  • Recognizing boundaries and cultural sensitivities
  • Assessing the appropriateness of humor in case studies
• Humor Challenge: Stack the Deck 

Week 4: The Long & Winding Road (Coping, Resilience, and Mental Health)

• Objective: Explain how humor reduces stress, supports coping, and promotes resilience.
• Topics covered: 
  • Distress and the brain.
  • Four hormones of humor
  • Four applications of humor to reduce stress and boost resilience. 
• Humor Challenge: Practice By Choice, Not Chance 

Week 5: Is It Hot in Here, or Is It Just Me? (Humor and Conflict)

• Objective: Employ a humor strategy to reduce conflict when interacting with your client, team member, or student.
• Topics covered:  
  • Five means of dealing with conflict
  • Humor to de-escalate tension and improve outcomes
  •  Using humor as a safe, non-intrusive tool for behavioral change
• Humor Challenge: Create Your Humor Habit

Week 6: Yes, And (The Power of Improv)

• Objective: Practice improv-based communication techniques to strengthen collaboration and adaptability
• Topics covered: 
  • Five rules of improv
  • Communication techniques (Yes, and...)

• Humor Challenge: Step out of your comfort zone

Week 7: Once Upon a Time (The Power of Story)

• Objective: Construct and deliver stories that integrate humor,  disagreements
• Topics Covered:
  • Storytelling and the brain
  • Crafting authentic, humor-infused, and empathetic stories
• Humor Challenge: Become a student of humor

Week 8: Beyond Funny (From Learning to Lifelong Practice)

• Objective: Design at least one personalized humor intervention (story, gesture, activity, or teaching tool) that can be implemented in their practice immediately
• Topics covered:
  • 10 ways to apply humor beyond jokes or stories (gestures, gamification, celebrations, etc.)
  • The role of AI in humor—tool and caution
  • Integration and sustaining humor habits

Capstone: Design your own Humor Intervention

What's in it for YOU?

Here's just the beginning...

1. Build instant rapport
2. Solve problems more creatively
3. Navigate conflict with less friction
4. Adapt faster under pressure
5. Manage your own stress
6. Strengthen emotional intelligence
7. Improve recall & active listening
8. Enhanced active listening skills  
9. Boost resilience & group facilitation
10. Work better across cultures

What's in it for THEM?

For starters...

1. Stress reduction
2. Improved rapport
3. Increased self-awareness
4. Increased resilience in facing challenges
5. Improved cognitive flexibility
6. Enhanced problem-solving 
7. Diffusion of tension in difficult conversations
8. Increased self-awareness
9. Greater creativity
10. Improved ability to reframe negative situations