Humor Functions in Communication

Sample

Among the first qualities we look for when meeting another person is a sense of humor. Understanding a person’s response to humor helps in learning the person’s perspectives on the world. Thus, on first meeting, one is tempted to test the relationship by using humor. Shared humor builds one’s confidence in and understanding of the other, prompting further comfortable communication. This key function of seeking similarities or commonalities becomes humor’s most common purpose in its enactment through communication. Mutual norms for communication and shared perspectives on issues discussed emerge. Such sharing through communication with humor fulfills a basic need for uncertainty reduction (Berger & Bradac, 1982).