Research Hit: Laughing at Yourself May be the Best Strategy

New research shows that laughing at your blunders beats embarassment

I grew up in with an ability to laugh at myself, so is this a good thing?

Yes, indeed. I also grew up with an ability to laugh at myself but this can change with age also. For example teenagers are particularly sensitive to embarrassment — I regularly embarrass my teenage daughter — and she often talks about events that may be “cringe”.

There also seems to be a natural human reaction of embarasment in many awkward social situations.

And this you say is not the best thing?

Well, according to recent research just out, there are many benefits to laughing at yourself — apart from saving yourself embarrassment — which is to put yourself in a negative state.

A group of international researchers investigated multiple types of small blunders and how people responded. This was conducted with more than 3’000 participants online.

The type of thing is something like walking into a glass door at a party, spilling coffee on yourself at work, or waving to the wrong person at the theatre.

Oh the type of thing I would do then!

The type of thing most of us have done. The results were interesting though and interesting to see how third parties experience this — and something we can all relate to I am sure.

First, though, it is important to note that this is for small blunders that cause no harm to others. The rules change when harm is caused or the consequences are more serious.

The first thing to note is that those who laughed at themselves were seen as being warmer but, interestingly, their professional competence was also rated as higher. So of importance in the workplace. It also improves ratings of authenticity.

One of the reasons is that this seems to show confidence and awareness that you know the event was inconsequential. It can hence boost reputation. What’s more it can also lower tension for yourself but also for others who are watching — and boost mood for all involved.

It is also important to note that when people showed embarrassment in these situations most people rated this as an overreaction.

Ok so that sounds pretty good. It makes you come across as warmer, more confident, more authentic, and also more competent, while avoiding negative emotions for all involved. That’s not bad.

Yes, not bad.

And just last night as I arrived in Poland for my Masters European Athletics Championships, I went to a restaurant and had a pizza. I got involved in a conversation with another athlete. I then excused myself and went to walk out of the restaurant. I cheerily said goodbye to the servers, who gave me a funny look and I realised I was about to leave without paying!

And as advised above, but spontaneously, I laughed and smiled and said, “oh, you want me to pay, don’t you”. The ladies also laughed and we had a pleasant chat as I settled up.

Happy to know that they now see me as warmer, more competent, and authentic!

And laughter is simply good anyhow!

Absolutely!

Reference

Selin Goksel, Ovul Sezer, Jonathan Z. Berman Transcending Embarrassment: On the Reputational Benefits of Laughing at Yourself Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: Attitudes and Social Cognition https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/psp-pspa0000477.pdf https://doi.org/10.1037/pspa0000477