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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Use light humor and friendly banter to build rapport with colleagues without crossing professional boundaries.
Exercise 1
Situation
Direction: Read the situation for today's lesson
Alex notices that his team is stressed before a big presentation. He decides to use light humor and casual remarks to ease tension. While chatting with Sarah, he makes a playful comment about the office coffee machine. Omar laughs at the joke, and Mr. Miller smiles briefly but quickly returns to the agenda. Alex balances humor with professionalism, making everyone feel more comfortable and connected while keeping the work environment respectful.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor
Break the tension
phrase
/breɪk ðə ˈtɛnʃən/
Meaning:
To make a stressful or serious situation feel more relaxed.
- Alex told a small joke to break the tension before the meeting started.
Lighthearted
adjective
/ˈlaɪtˌhɑrdɪd/
Meaning:
Cheerful, not serious or heavy.
- Sarah made a lighthearted comment about the weather to ease the mood.
Crack up
phrasal verb
/kræk ʌp/
Meaning:
To laugh a lot.
- Omar cracked up when Alex mimicked a funny office incident.
Banter
noun
/ˈbæntər/
Meaning:
Friendly joking or teasing conversation.
- Alex enjoyed the casual banter with his team before starting work.
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation:
Anna introduces herself to a new colleague at work.
Did anyone else’s coffee taste like a science experiment this morning?
Alex
(laughs) Definitely! Mine could probably fuel a rocket.
Sarah
(cracks up) I thought it was just me!
Omar
Glad I’m not the only one. We need to break the tension before this big meeting.
Alex
Good idea. A little banter always helps.
Sarah
Lighthearted jokes keep everyone awake too!
Alex
(smiles briefly) Alright, team. Let’s get started.
Mr. Miller
Perfect, now that we’re all laughing, let’s dive in.
Alex
Check Understanding
Direction: Answer the questions about the conversation.
1. What does 'break the tension' mean in this dialogue?
2. Which word describes Alex’s jokes before the meeting?
3. How did Omar respond to Alex’s humor?
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
Using humor at work can improve team chemistry, reduce stress, and make the environment more enjoyable. Start with lighthearted comments about neutral topics, like office routines, weather, or shared experiences. Friendly banter helps break the tension before meetings or stressful tasks, making colleagues more open and collaborative.
Be careful not to use sarcasm, sensitive topics, or jokes that could offend. Observe reactions: if people laugh or smile, it’s appropriate; if they look uncomfortable, change your approach. Phrasal verbs like “crack up” or phrases like “break the tension” can describe these interactions.
Balance humor with professionalism: start conversations casually, share a brief joke or anecdote, then smoothly transition to the work topic. When done right, humor strengthens rapport, builds trust, and contributes to a positive and productive workplace.
Exercise 5
Choose the Correct Answer
Direction: Direction: Select the correct answer from the options A, B, or C.
1. Alex told a joke to ___ the tension before the meeting.
A. break
B. create
C. build
2. Sarah’s comment about the weather was ___ in tone.
A. lighthearted
B. heavy
C. strict
3. Omar ___ when Alex mimicked the coffee machine.
A. cracked up
B. fell down
C. stood up
4. The team enjoyed friendly ___ before starting work.
A. banter
B. lecture
C. report
5. Humor should always stay ___ in a professional setting.
A. respectful
B. rude
C. harsh
6. Alex used humor to ___ stress before the project update.
A. reduce
B. increased
C. ignored
7. A ___ joke helps make colleagues comfortable.
A. lighthearted
B. offensive
C. aggressive
8. Friendly ___ can improve collaboration and team morale.
A. banter
B. fighting
C. arguing
Exercise 6
Discussion
Direction: Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
- 1. How do you use humor appropriately at work?
2. When is it okay to make a lighthearted joke in a meeting?
3. What topics are safe for casual banter?
4. How do you know if someone is comfortable with your humor?
5. Where can you use friendly banter in the office?
6. How can humor reduce stress in the workplace?
7. What is the difference between playful teasing and offensive comments?
8. How does casual humor help build stronger work relationships?
