Laughter As A Lens

Joanne Lockwood is joined by multi-Emmy award-winning comedy writer and speaker Beth Sherman to explore how humour can create faster human connection in professional communication. Beth shares how she built her career in TV comedy and stand-up, and how that experience shaped her work coaching leaders and speakers to add levity without forcing jokes or sounding rehearsed.

Together they unpack why preparation and authenticity matter when using humour in public speaking, including how acknowledging nerves can bring an audience onto your side. Beth explains how to think about humour as “seasoning” that fits the context, and offers guidance on timing, cultural references, and using small truthful moments rather than big set-piece gags.

The conversation also touches on navigating sensitive or controversial topics, the difference between the subject and the target of a joke, and how shared laughter can build community and make messages more memorable. Joanne reflects on using humour in talks and Q&A, and discusses how identity and impostor feelings can shape confidence on stage, including explicit references to being trans and to gender transition.

Listeners will leave with practical ideas for using humour to relax audiences, re-engage attention, and end with stronger recall, while staying aligned to personal style and inclusive intent.