Research
The Use of Humour in Coaching
Humour is fundamental to human interactions across cultures; however, little research exists on how it is experienced within coach-client dyads, despite humour’s potential to foster connection, reflection and insight.
My research explores how spontaneous humour affects dyadic coaching experiences by comparing my experiences with those of six coaches and six clients using heuristic inquiry.
Findings highlight that humour positively impacts relationships by building connection, trust, bonding and affinity. Additionally, humour enables clients to tackle painful or uncomfortable topics by reducing emotional intensity, offering reassurance and alleviating distress. Interestingly, clients also use humour to support the coach. It is recognised as critical for fostering enquiry; however, it is not utilised when addressing the client’s progress.
This study found that spontaneous humour, when used authentically and responsively, can enrich the coaching relationship, support emotional processing and serve as a gentle yet effective tool for enquiry and challenge. Far from being a distraction, humour emerged as a dynamic and multifaceted element of relational practice – capable of building connection, levelling power dynamics, easing discomfort and reinforcing belonging.
However, its use also carries risks, particularly when misaligned with the moment, misunderstood or left unacknowledged.
Three findings stood out as particularly significant: the role of humour in expressing authenticity, the subtle ways in which clients use humour to reassure coaches and the need for coaches and clients to gain implicit or explicit permission before fully incorporating humour into their conversations.
These insights, brought to life through evocative accounts and integrated into the Relational Jam Model, invite a rethinking of humour not as an optional extra but as a deeply relational, performative and co-constructed feature of coaching. When used with attunement, courage and care, humour has the potential to support profound human connection and transform the coaching encounter.
A summary of my research
David's first ever stand-up gig
Although my research has nothing to do with stand-up, I thought I’d give it a go. This is what happened.
My inspirations
I can’t tell you “the best” comedian, sketch or joke … but I can tell you the acts and performances that I respect, draw from and am inspired by.
So here are some of the performances and resources that I think are awesome and you should experience if you haven’t come across them before.
Humour theories
There are a number of theories that have been promoted over the years, some dating back as far as Plato!
Find out more about theories such as incongruity theory, superiority theory, benign violation theory, release theory, mechanical theory and play theory.
Writings on humour
I can’t tell you “the best” comedian, sketch or joke … but I can tell you the acts and performances that I respect, draw from and am inspired by.
So here are some of the performances and resources that I think are awesome and you should experience if you haven’t come across them before.
Giveaways
I can’t tell you “the best” comedian, sketch or joke … but I can tell you the acts and performances that I respect, draw from and am inspired by.
So here are some of the performances and resources that I think are awesome and you should experience if you haven’t come across them before.
I believe that humour is humankind’s greatest blessing and the boffins seem to support this (with studies showing that humour and fun makes people happier, more employable, wealthier and even extends life – although, technically, it can also kill you if you fail to breathe while you’re laughing!).
I like to provide ways to make your life (at home and work) more enjoyable, meaningful, pleasant, frictionless, effective, efficient and better in every way. I do this by providing ideas, tips, tools and resources on this site.