Learn how to use humor, emotion, and storytelling in your online content creation. Find out why they matter and how to use them effectively and appropriately.

Emotion can't be scripted, unless you're a great actor. Since most people aren't actors or good ones, I always recommend trying to make some content that is less filtered and smoothed over as part of your content mix. Examples of this include straight to camera videos where you talk and don't edit any mistakes or using the first take of a video before you start picking at moments that feel like they need editing. This way, you capture the real emotion which will cut through the noise of sameness.

How can you add humor, emotion, and storytelling to your content?

As an online content creator, you want to engage your audience with content that is not only informative, but also entertaining, relatable, and memorable. One way to do that is to add humor, emotion, and storytelling to your content. In this article, you will learn how to use these elements effectively and appropriately in different types of content, such as blog posts, social media posts, emails, and videos.

1 Why humor, emotion, and storytelling matter

Humor, emotion, and storytelling are powerful tools to capture your audience's attention, connect with their feelings, and persuade them to take action. They can also help you stand out from the crowd, show your personality, and build trust and loyalty. However, using them incorrectly or excessively can backfire and damage your reputation, credibility, and relationship with your audience. Therefore, it's important to understand the purpose, tone, and context of your content, and match them with the right type of humor, emotion, and storytelling.

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2 How to use humor in your content

Humor can make your content more enjoyable, lively, and memorable. It can also help break the ice, reduce tension, and create rapport with your audience. However, humor can be tricky, risky, and subjective. Thus, when using humor in your content, it is important to know your audience and their preferences, expectations, and sensitivities. Utilize humor sparingly and strategically to support your main message. Avoid jokes that are inappropriate, rude, or controversial. Opt for humor that is relevant, original, self-deprecating, simple, clear, and concise. Refrain from using humor that is irrelevant, clichéd, or insulting to others. Use short sentences or puns to make it easier for your audience to understand and relate to your message.

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Atiba de Souza

International Keynote Speaker | Superconnector | Messaging Coach | Video Content Superman | Medical Marketing Expert
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The extra spice and charm that humor brings keeps your audience interested and returning for more. The key is to know your audience. Learn about their tastes, demands, and sensitivities. Knowing this will enable you to adjust your comedy to their needs and prevent any potential pitfalls. Like salt in a meal, humor functions best when applied sparingly and purposefully. Instead of overusing humor, concentrate on using it to support and enhance your material. Maintaining originality will help you stand out from the crowd and make an impact that will last.

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3 How to use emotion in your content

Emotion can be a powerful tool to make your content more compelling, persuasive, and impactful. It can also help you appeal to your audience's needs, desires, and values, and motivate them to take action. However, emotion can also be manipulative, overwhelming, and counterproductive. To use emotion effectively in your content, it's important to know your audience and their emotions. Understand what they are feeling, what they want to feel, and what they don't want to feel. Additionally, use words, images, colors, and sounds that resonate with their emotions and align with your goals.

Make sure to use emotion moderately and authentically, and don't overuse it or fake it. Additionally, use emotion that is positive, specific, and actionable. Don’t use emotion that is negative, general, or passive. Make sure the emotion you use inspires, educates, or entertains your audience, rather than scaring them or making them bored. Aim for emotion that encourages your audience to do something instead of paralyzing or discouraging them.

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Kudzi Chikumbu

Creator Marketing Leader (Ex-TikTok). Speaker, VC Advisor, Creator & Angel Investor.
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Emotion can't be scripted, unless you're a great actor. Since most people aren't actors or good ones, I always recommend trying to make some content that is less filtered and smoothed over as part of your content mix. Examples of this include straight to camera videos where you talk and don't edit any mistakes or using the first take of a video before you start picking at moments that feel like they need editing. This way, you capture the real emotion which will cut through the noise of sameness.

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4 How to use storytelling in your content

Storytelling can make your content more engaging, relatable, and memorable. It can also help you illustrate your points, showcase your expertise, and build trust and loyalty with your audience. However, storytelling can also be boring, irrelevant, and distracting, so it's important to know your audience and their stories. Find out what they are interested in, what they are struggling with, and what they are aspiring to. Use stories that relate to their problems, solutions, and outcomes, but use them sparingly and strategically (and only to support your main message). Make sure the stories you use are relevant, credible, and emotional, are connected to the topic, are backed by facts or evidence, and are infused with humor or emotion.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you add humor, emotion, and storytelling to your content?

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1 Why humor, emotion, and storytelling matter

2 How to use humor in your content

3 How to use emotion in your content

4 How to use storytelling in your content

5 Here’s what else to consider

Online Content Creation

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