Monica: Okay, so we talked about composure. Let's go in the other direction now and talk about humor.
J: Ah, that's something that's always puzzled me. Is it a good idea to make jokes?
M: Research shows that people are more likely to accept an idea if it's wrapped in humor. But the point isn't about finding a really funny joke. Laughter is actually about bonding.
S: Yes....I've noticed that many times people at a meeting are all laughing about something that really isn't all that funny.
M: That's right! They are not really joking....they are attempting to bond.
A: So go ahead and throw in a funny comment or a clever remark...but there's got to be some minefields we should avoid as well, right?
M: Yeah....don't make dirty, sexist or racist jokes or comments. And of course don't humiliate anyone.
J: I have a question. I'm never quite sure where to sit during a business meeting.
M: The ancient Chinese art of "Feng Shui" teaches that you should never sit with the door behind you - and actually there's a scientific reason for that.
虽然及时讲个笑话,或是发表一点幽默的评论能有助于调节气氛,加强纽带,但讲笑话也有一些需要忌讳的地方,或者说是 minefield 雷区。Don't make dirty, sexist or racist jokes or comments. Monica说,不要讲黄色笑话、性别歧视的笑话和种族歧视的笑话,而且不要 humiliate 羞辱别人。James问了一个很简单的问题,那就是,开会的时候应该坐在哪儿。Monica 说,按照中国风水里的讲究,后背不要对着门,这是有科学道理的,为什么呢?
M: When a person's back is placed towards an open space he becomes stressed; his blood pressure increases and his heart beats faster.
S: That makes sense! People subconsciously worry about getting attacked if they don't know what's lurking behind them.
J: Interesting. I'll be sure to sit facing the door from now on!
A: Monica, thank you for another great class! I think we all learned a lot today.