This slide show supports a workshop presented in March 2009 at the Fulfilling the Promise Conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

1. Putting Our Funny Where Our Mouth Is Fulfilling the Promise Conference March 12, 2009

3. Learn about humor Laugh Share some fun ideas on humor at work Smile Learn how to be careful about humor Get a workout without leaving our seats Go home feeling energized! This afternoon we will...

9. Laughter lowers blood pressure Humor changes our biochemical state Laughter protects the heart Laughter gives our bodies a workout Humor improves brain function and relieves stress Laughter has physical benefits

10. Laughter makes it easier to cope with challenges Puts us in the “now” Can’t worry Depression lifts Diffuses fear, anger and boredom Expression of joy/light-hearted attitude

12. Laughter builds social and interactive skills “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” - Victor Borge Interrupts power struggles Safe environment Promotes trust 30 times more likely to laugh with someone

14. Using Humor at Work

15. Start a “Humor Me” file

17. Allestouristen und non-technischenlooken peepers! Das machinkontrol is nichtfür das gefingerpoken und mittengrabben. Oderwise is easy schnappenderspringenverk, blowenfusen, und poppencorkenmitspitzensparken. Der machine is diggen by experten only. Is nichtfürgeverken by das dumpkopfen. Das rubberneckensightseenenkeepen das cottonpicken mittens in das pockets. So relaxen, und vatchen das blinkenlights. Achtung:

22. TRUE OR FALSE: By age three, temper tantrums end. What do you expect?

24. What do you expect? TRUE OR FALSE: Parents should be concerned when their child won’t eat at mealtime.

26. What do you expect? TRUE OR FALSE: Toddlers should be punished for constantly getting into things.

28. What do you expect? TRUE OR FALSE: When your child has a nightmare or is afraid of the dark or monsters, parents should assure them that there is “nothing to be afraid of.”

30. What do you expect? TRUE OR FALSE: Parents need to be concerned if a child reverts back to a previous behavior like thumb-sucking, wetting the bed, etc.

32. Using Humor at Work Have funny things in your office Use humor with kids Use humor in a community presentation Give funny homework quiz Use humor for icebreakers or mixers Use humor for volunteers Take laughter breaks with staff

33. Know your audience Too intimate language Overkill with email Health concerns Cultural concerns Crisis times are not funny Be careful with using humor...