Dear Derek

Dear Derek,

I have heard great comedy comes from personal pain. As a comedian, will I make more money if I'm hit by a bus or harassed in my workplace?

Signed, Planning my Next Act

Dear Planning,

Pain is #1 in comedy. Some of the best acts in the history of comedy have come from a personal painful experience (remember Richard Pryor and setting himself on fire?). I don't want you to throw yourself in front of a bus, but if you did, and lived, telling us why you did and what it felt like would be hilarious. If you didn't live it could still be an amusing bit for the eulogy.

Dear Derek,

Are there any statistics on humor in the work place?

Signed Nuts about Numbers

Dear Nuts,

Yes according to Statistics Canada we have no humor in the workplace.

Dear Derek,

I have always thought being funny is "natural." Is this something that can be taught?

Signed, Slow Learner

Dear Slow,

If you ask a comic they will say it is a gift from the Gods, ordained by birth and blessed by the heavens. That's because they want you to be amazed by them. Comedy and humor is a skill like riding a bicycle or acupuncture or skydiving…naked.

Anyone can be funny, and once you are you get in on the fun.

Dear Derek,

We are planning a retreat and want to inject some humor in the event. What tips would you give our conference planner?

Signed, Fearful of Fun

Dear Fearful,

We have all gone to the conference where the comic performed and gave everyone a heart attack. It's funny, but in an "I can't believe they said that" sort of way. Just being funny isn't enough. You might want to choose a speaker or facilitator who leaves people with a positive feeling to help the rest of the conference. For a checklist on what to look for in a speaker go to www.cheersproject.com/checklist.html

Dear Derek,

My wife and I are thinking of opening a business together. Do you have any suggestions to keep our lives full of fun?

Signed, Till Death Us Do Part

Dear Death,

Keeping a fun and healthy relationship when you are working with your spouse is difficult. Try to separate your business and personal lives as much as possible. Make time for each other that does not include work. Live in separate houses if you can and, most important, keep secret bank accounts and lawyers. If you follow this simple advice you can enjoy the fun.

Dear Derek,

My co-workers are always making jokes about how dumb and stupid I am. I have taken the issue up with management and that only made it worse. How can I defend myself from this harassment?

Signed At Wits End

Dear At,

You are not alone. Many people have the same problem as you…in fact your concerns are hardly relevant.. sorry… what was the question?

When you are under attack with jokes you can feel small and insignificant. A sense of humour gives you a protection against the "barbs" and "wit" of others. AND it allows you to engage in the mayhem. If you take control of the situation and fire back, the bullying stops, because you are no fun for them anymore. There are people who can show you how to use jokes and wit to put an end to the harassment. It is a skill anyone can master and it will give you a sense of confidence and self esteem in yourself. You don't have to take it anymore…trust me…OK that might be tough…believe me…nope even harder…believe in yourself. Now there's where the fun is.!

By Derek Wilken