• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Erin Wright Writing

Writing-Related Software Tutorials

  • Microsoft Word
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • PowerPoint
  • Writing
  • Editing
  • YouTube Tutorials
  • Services
  • My Etsy Shop

That’s funny! Humor in Business Writing

By Erin Wright

As a technical communicator, I spend a lot of time studying proper document construction. There are rules and suggestions for just about everything from paragraph formation to punctuation choices. However, most writers and editors will admit that there is also an intangible art to crafting business-related content. And part of that art includes knowing when to use humor—and when humor is just not funny.

As with all creative endeavors, there is no concrete answer. For some organizations, humor may never be an option. However, other businesses can stitch lightheartedness into even the stodgiest documents.

The trick is to maintain a message with a consistent tone and never go over the top. I personally suggest always directing humor towards yourself (as a person or an organization), rather than toward customers, clients, or other outside entities. Self-deprecation is generally accepted as a positive sign of humbleness and openness, while making fun of others can easily be misinterpreted as malevolence.

Almost any writing can include a touch of fun, if handled deftly. The best example I can think of is a headstone I saw in Colorado. It read quite simply, “I told you I was sick.” Brilliant!

 

 

Erin Wright is a freelance writer and editor located in Chicago, Illinois. She specializes in general business content, including marketing and instructional material for print and the web.

 

Filed Under: Writing

Home » That’s funny! Humor in Business Writing

Primary Sidebar

Meet the Author

Technical Writer and Editor Erin Wright

Hello! My name is Erin. I am a technical writer and editor who shares writing-related software tutorials on this website and on YouTube.

Visit My Etsy Shop for Writing-Related Gifts and Digital Downloads

Illustrated Floral Microsoft Word Background Template

Recent Tutorials

How to Print Files with or without Comments and Track Changes in Microsoft Word

How to Set Gutter Margins in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

Explore More

  • Microsoft Word
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • PowerPoint
  • Writing
  • Editing
  • YouTube Tutorials
  • Services
  • My Etsy Shop

Let’s Connect on Social

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube

Footer

  • Microsoft Word Tutorials
  • Adobe Acrobat Tutorials
  • PowerPoint Tutorials
  • Writing Tips
  • Editing Tips
  • Writing-Related Resources
  • About Me
  • Services
  • Contact
Email: erinwrightwriting@gmail.com
Phone: 708-669-9503

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Visit My Etsy Shop

© Erin Wright, 2012–2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this website’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Erin Wright with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.