When Things Get Awkward . . . Try This!
You can help everyone!
There are plenty of benefits to using humor in both business and everyday life—connecting instantly with people, breaking the ice, diffusing tension. But one big perk that often gets overlooked? Humor can save you in those awkward, embarrassing moments we all dread.
I had one of those moments years ago when I was keynoting for
a large group. The speaker right before me was a high-ranking government official – I won’t mention her name. We both showed up and immediately realized we were wearing the exact same outfit. Not just similar—identical. Black pants, cream-colored top, and a very distinctive green pleated jacket. Same cut, same shade, everything. I got mine at J.C. Penney. No idea where she got hers.
There was no time to change, and hitting the hotel gift
shop wasn’t an option. Taking off the jacket wasn’t an option either—my arms are better suited to long sleeves, and an hour long keynote under stage lights can equal... sweat. So we were stuck.
She spotted me backstage and kept her distance—I’m guessing she was mortified. Luckily, I was speaking after her, so I had a few minutes to come up with a way to handle the situation. Because the second I stepped on stage, it was going to be obvious.
Here’s what I said:
“Great to be here today! You may not have noticed, but apparently it’s Green Jacket Day. I almost missed the keynote because security stopped me for impersonating a government official.”
It got a big laugh.
By simply acknowledging the awkwardness and adding a bit of humor, I helped everyone relax—especially her. And more importantly, no one spent my entire keynote distracted, trying to figure out where they’d seen that green jacket before.
Actively look for ways to help others feel good in embarrassing situations. Humor is one tool to do that.
Jan McInnis is a Keynote Speaker, Comedian, Comedy Writer, and Master of Ceremonies. She has written for Jay Leno’s Tonight Show monologue as well as many other people, places, and groups – radio, TV, syndicated cartoon strips, and even guests on the Jerry Springer show (her parents are proud). For 20+ years she’s traveled country as a keynote speaker and comedian sharing her unique and practical tips on what business leaders can learn from comedians (no, it’s not all about telling jokes). She can be reached at www.TheWorkLady.com, or Jan@TheWorkLady.com She’s also a GREAT Master of Ceremonies. Click here for her emcee site
Some of the stories in this newsletter are taken from Jan’s popular book:
Convention Comedian: Stories and Wisdom From Two Decades of Chicken Dinners and Comedy Clubs.