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Have you ever wondered what those adjectives on job performance evaluations mean? What follows are some enlightening definitions.

Quick thinking: offers plausible excuses for mistakes Takes pride in his work: conceited Tactful in dealing with superiors: knows when to keep his mouth shut A keen analyst: thoroughly confused Meticulous in attention to detail: a nit picker Strong adherence to principles: stubborn Demonstrates qualities of leadership: has a loud voice Approaches difficult problems with logic: finds someone else to do the job

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Keep personal anecdotes that are funny or embarrassing that happened to you and use them to illustrate a point. This makes you real and builds rapport. Make sure they are relevant to your message. Use humor to make or enhance a point.

Create a humor file of cartoons, quotes, photographs, postcards, jokes - anything you think is funny. Save them for meetings or presentations. You can even open up the file when you need to cheer up yourself!

Think of the most bizarre or weird things that might happen if you followed a certain course. Some brainstorming sessions have reaped a real treat when they ended up coming up with the best solution when they were being "silly" because they stepped out of "reality" and let their creativity and imagination take over.

If you have a hard time being witty on your own - use a prop. Visual aids help people remember the message and the speaker.

Humor can focus the group, remove tension from the room and be very healing to the soul. A whimsical anecdote can set up or amplify a subject matter. A good story is also an opportunity to build rapport and set up a "sameness" between you and your audience.

Steve Allen said "Nothing is funnier than the everyday humor of reality". During a boring or frustrating meeting, while on hold on the phone, or while standing at the copy machine - think about situations that had you shaking your head in disbelief or amusement and let those memories bring a smile to your face.

If these ideas haven't provided you with some delightful diversions for your work space or work place, then I don't know what we can do but track you down and find your tickle spots! Bring some silly into the serious and see how much more quickly and easily the day goes by. Remember the old saying: All work and no play make Jack (or Jill or anybody else) a dull person. Let your outer and inner dimples show - it's healthy for your body, mind, and soul!

Copyright 2002 by Virginia Reeves. This article may be reprinted; inform the author via mailto:rainbowop@onemain.com. For more on creativity, success, communication, and enhancing your skills and talents for more growth,
please click on http://www.rainbowopportunities.ws or mailto:millionairemindset@GetResponse.com (for free bi-monthly e-zine)