Leveraging Humor
IN BRANDED COMMUNICATIONS
Tonnie Chamblee + Greg deSantis
If business communications were a cocktail, humor would be the little umbrella and sparkly straw – making even the driest drink appear a bit more festive.
While not every attempt at humor will hit the mark (just like not every dad joke does), the risk can be worth taking when the payoff is a viral moment or an email that breaks through the clutter.
A fun, self-aware tone allows a business to reveal its human side. It invites clients to see the brand as a friend who might text you a hilarious meme to brighten your afternoon instead of an impersonal enterprise with a penchant for jargon.
HUMOR BREAKS DOWN BARRIERS
When a brand laughs at itself, it demonstrates to clients that it’s okay to admit, “Hey, we’re not perfect, and that’s perfectly fine.” Transparency builds trust and makes interactions feel like conversations with an old friend.
There’s something refreshing about a brand that knows when to don its serious hat – and when to set it aside. It’s like a Michelin-star chef who whips up a gourmet meal with the seriousness of a brain surgeon but then cracks a joke about how the soufflé might collapse under the weight of high expectations. This blend of unwavering professionalism and a willingness to poke fun at oneself sends a clear message: Quality isn’t compromised by a sense of humor; it’s often enhanced by it.
By embracing the idea that “work is serious; we’re not,” brands invite their audience into a more relaxed and relatable narrative. When clients feel that personal connection, they’re more likely to stick around, share a smile, and perhaps even recommend the brand to others.
When a brand laughs at itself, it demonstrates to clients that it’s okay to admit, “Hey, we’re not perfect, and that’s perfectly fine.” Transparency builds trust and makes interactions feel like conversations with an old friend.
A BALANCING ACT
Humor is wildly subjective. What one person finds side-splittingly funny might leave another as confused as a penguin trying to text. Brands need to be mindful of their audience’s sensibilities.
The key is to strike a balance. A bank, for instance, might opt for dry humor over slapstick jokes. And then there’s timing. Humor is out of place in moments of crisis or solemnity. Companies need to know when to dial down the humor and when to set it loose.
Some brands, like Old Spice, have mastered the art of making us laugh. Their ads transform an everyday body wash into a surreal, over-the-top extravaganza. Their charismatic spokesman dryly delivers lines in absurd settings that defy logic – it’s like an executive in a tailored suit holding a Zoom meeting in a bathtub full of glitter. Humor sets them apart in a crowded market.
Then there’s Wendy’s on X (or the artist previously known as Twitter). Known for its snarky comebacks and playful banter, Wendy’s social media presence feels like that friend who never fails to deliver a zinger at just the right moment, leaving competitors and fans alike both amused and impressed. Wendy’s demonstrates that a clever tweet can be as impactful as a full-blown ad campaign.
Featuring a cast of quirky characters, GEICO and Progressive’s commercials turn insurance into a source of smiles. Making their brands not only memorable but also surprisingly endearing.
So, how does one incorporate humor into business communications without accidentally becoming a joke themselves? Here are a few tips:
1. Know Your Audience: (and Their Sense of Humor): Before dropping that witty pun, make sure it won’t land like a lead balloon on your target demographic. It’s like choosing the right playlist for a dinner party – what delights one guest might leave another reaching for the remote.
2. Keep It on Brand: Don’t shoehorn humor in if it doesn’t fit with your overall style. Your humor should feel like a natural expression of your brand, not out of place or forced – like putting a rubber clown nose on a politician.
3. Experiment in Private: Test your humorous material in a small, controlled environment before unleashing it to the masses. Consider it your corporate dress rehearsal – complete with witty one-liners and a potential blooper reel.
4. Stay Sensitive: Avoid humor that might alienate or offend. The last thing you want is for your attempt at a good chuckle to end up on social media with hashtags that make your customer service team break out in a cold sweat.
5. Adapt and Evolve: What worked in 2015 might not fly in 2025. Keep your finger on the pulse of your audience.
Brands that fail to adhere to these 5 guidelines may attempt to tickle the funny bone and end up with a bruise instead. A recent example is Pepsi’s 2017 advertisement featuring Kendall Jenner. The ad tried to combine humor with a message of unity during protests. Another example is Heineken’s “Sometimes, Lighter is Better” campaign. The playful ad suggested that a lighter beer could add a cheerful twist to social situations. Without going into detail, both ads generated a chorus of backlash and disapproval. They were accused of being out of touch and dismissive of serious social issues – they came across like that one over-enthusiastic member of the church chorus who doesn’t know she’s tone-deaf.
Companies that master the art of humor effectively remind us that business doesn’t have to be all spreadsheets and legal disclaimers. Instead, it can be as lively as a family reunion, as unpredictable as a toddler’s first attempt at riding a tricycle, and as endearing as that one friend who always shows up with a smile (and possibly a cheesy joke) when you need them most.
Humor lightens weighty subjects, builds bridges, sparks creativity, and ensures that even when you’re discussing the mundane details of a product launch, there’s always room for a laugh. And in a landscape crowded with endless content and stiff messages, that laugh might just be the secret ingredient to lasting client loyalty.
Composed with human insight, creativity, and perspective, and developed with AI assistance.
C O N T A C T
Tonnie Chamblee
CoFounder, Brand Strategist
Email Tonnie:
Text Tonnie:
571.213.2434
950 North Washington Street
3rd Floor
Alexandria VA 22314-2393
© Copyright 2025,
Design Alliance Holdings, LLC
Design Alliance is a US Registered Trademark of Design Alliance, LLC.
C O N T A C T
Tonnie Chamblee
CoFounder, Brand Strategist
Email Tonnie:
Text Tonnie:
571.213.2434
950 North Washington Street
3rd Floor
Alexandria VA 22314-2393
© Copyright 2025,
Design Alliance Holdings, LLC
Design Alliance is a US Registered Trademark of Design Alliance, LLC.