Conferences
Using Improvisation, Humor and Storytelling to Build Confidence, Communication and Community
Maria Pippidis and Jerri Husch
Summary
Humor provides a largely acceptable means by which to hold ideas and life up to the light for inspection and critique. Similar to other art forms, humor is fundamentally about emotions and human connection, which makes it simultaneously risky and inviting; relatable and inexplicable. While their methods and approaches vary greatly – from slapstick to satire; political cartoon to YouTube musical number – humor is effective as a tool for health, resilience and social change. Farm stressors are not funny to our clientele and those who are experiencing the stress. But key communication strategies can be engaged to create a safe place for new ways of thinking, communicating and addressing the stressors that farmers face.
Research in the “science of humor” suggests that at an individual-level humor may positively impact health and has the potential to offer pain relief, strengthen immune function, improve positive emotions, moderate stress, improve interpersonal processes and facilitate communication.
This session will review improvisational communication skills and strategies for incorporating these skills into your work.
Presentation Materials
Details
| Conference | 2022 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference |
| Presentation Type | 30 Minute Concurrent |