Storytelling, with its profound ability to engage, entertain, and resonate, finds a delightful ally in humour. The infusion of humour into narratives is a powerful tool that captivates audiences, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. 

The Human Connection Through Laughter: 

At the heart of humour in storytelling lies the universal language of laughter. As noted by linguist and semiotician Roland Barthes, laughter serves as a form of communication that transcends the need for words (Barthes, 1972). Humour creates a shared experience, fostering a sense of camaraderie between the storyteller and audience. In weaving humour into narratives, storytellers tap into a fundamental aspect of human connection. 

Engagement and Attention Retention: 

Humorous elements in storytelling act as powerful magnets, drawing audiences into the narrative and ensuring their sustained engagement. Cognitive psychologist Richard Wiseman highlights the role of humour in capturing attention and enhancing information retention (Wiseman, 2010). When stories are interwoven with humour, they become memorable, leaving a lasting imprint on the minds of listeners. 

Emotional Resonance and Empathy: 

Humour serves as an emotional bridge, fostering empathy and connection between storyteller and audience. As humourist Mark Twain famously said, “Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand”. In the realm of storytelling, laughter becomes a powerful force that breaks down barriers, creating an emotional resonance that lingers long after the tale is told. 

Cultural Universality of Humour: 

Humour possesses a remarkable ability to traverse cultural boundaries, making it an invaluable asset in the global tapestry of storytelling. As anthropologist Mary Douglas observes, humour is a shared human experience that transcends cultural differences  

Narrative Catharsis Through Laughter: 

Humour in storytelling acts as a cathartic release, providing audiences with moments of levity and relief amidst the twists and turns of a narrative. This concept, rooted in Aristotle’s theory of catharsis, suggests that humour allows listeners to momentarily escape the complexities of life and find solace in laughter (Aristotle, n.d.). In storytelling, this cathartic release contributes to the emotional journey of the audience. 

Conclusion. 

Humour is a powerful tool in storytelling, and it helps engage and entertain readers. However, it must be used appropriately and in moderation. By understanding the importance of humour in storytelling and how to use it effectively, it will help to create stories that are memorable, engaging, and entertaining.  

Source. 

Barthes, R. (1972). Mythologies. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 

Wiseman, R. (2010). 59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot. Pan Macmillan. 

Twain, M. (n.d.). Mark Twain Quotes. Retrieved from https://www.twainquotes.com/ 

Douglas, M. (1975). Implicit Meanings: Essays in Anthropology. Routledge & Kegan Paul. 

 Aristotle. (n.d.). Poetics. Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1974