Communication Skills
Humor
Humor helps to ease tension and develop rapport. People like to laugh and they like people who can cause laughter. Laughter is enjoyed in all cultures, so is a great way to reach across any divides.
Probably you naturally laugh, and inspire laughter, with friends but find it harder with strangers or in business situations. The problem is that humor involves risk. When with friends, we do not worry about saying something stupid, so we can take risks. You have to be willing to look foolish to use humor. If we are nervous or desperate to avoid a mistake, we cannot be funny. Even a well-written joke will normally fall flat in such circumstances.
Therefore, the secret of humor is not to memorize jokes, but to be able to relax and take risks in high pressure situations. In reality, the risks appear greater than they are. People like to laugh and will be glad of the opportunity. Furthermore, the willingness to use humor is a strong signal of confidence and competence.