Communication Moment
Aikido Humor
“Laughter removes the burden of seriousness from the problem, and often times, it’s that very serious attitude that is the problem”
(Bob Basso)
Do you encounter challenges in your communication with others that you wish you could turn into an opportunity?
Try practicing the art of Aikido Humor. Aikido is the martial art where you take an attack and redirect the energy.
To give you an example, Say you’re dealing with an angry customer who is being a jerk.
Customer: “Can’t you help me, stupid?”
You: “I’m trying, sir.”
Customer: “What’s the matter with you people, stupid?”
You: “Sir, please be patient.”
Customer: “That does it! What’s your name, stupid?”
You: “Well, I guess it has to be STUPID.”
Customer: (Laughing)
You can see how this neutralized an uncomfortable situation Think of some of the ways you get verbally attacked and think of some and create some Aikido humor with them. Here is a couple to get you started.
(Attack) (Aikido Response)
-Are you serious? Sometimes I’m parallel.
-Your skirt is too short. No, my legs are too long.
That’s Aikido humor. So the next time someone attacks you instead of attacking back, redirect it using humor if at all possible.
Filed under: Communication, Communication Tips, Creativity, Humor, training tips
