Connecting Through Humor

I’ve recently started working in the Engaging Humor path in Pathways, and it has reminded me just how powerful humor can be—not only onstage, but in leadership and life.

For me, humor has always been a bridge. A way to connect, to lighten the moment, and to remind people (and myself!) not to take everything too seriously. One of my favorite ways to connect is with a bit of self-deprecating humor—it’s honest, it’s real, and it helps people relax.

I often tell the story of why I went to my first Toastmasters meeting: to run away from my kids! That always gets a laugh. But underneath the joke is something more meaningful. I was looking for something that was mine—a space to learn and grow. Recently, my daughter said, “Actually, you weren’t running away. You were running toward something.” She was right. And that simple, funny story became a doorway to something much bigger.

Humor can do that—it can open doors, shift perspectives, and bring people together. It creates what I like to call universal touchpoints: moments that remind us of what truly connects us.

At a recent District event, I saw this in action. The emcees used humor throughout—sharing how they were feeling, laughing at their own mistakes when they went off script, and keeping the audience fully engaged. The result? A room full of energy, warmth, and connection.

As Toastmasters founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley said, “We learn best in moments of enjoyment.” A little laughter can lift the mood, spark engagement, and make learning feel effortless.

Humor makes us more relatable—and that’s the first step to genuine connection.

But it’s also important to use humor with care. It should never divide or demean. The best kind of humor brings people together. It’s kind, inclusive, and rooted in empathy.

So go ahead, tell the story, make the joke, laugh at the moment you once wanted to forget.

Because the right kind of humor doesn’t distract from your message—it helps deliver it.

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