Nonfiction doesn’t have to be all facts and no fun. A dash of humor can turn a boring piece into something your readers can’t put down. But how can you add humor that complements your message?
Why Humor Belongs in Nonfiction
Readers love a writer who feels human—relatable and familiar. Humor turns you from a faceless narrator into someone they’d love to grab coffee with. Or, at least, continue reading.
When you’re relatable, your words are easier to trust. That goes a long way into sustaining their interest in your works.
Humor can also be a bridge. Ever struggled to explain something tricky? A funny analogy or witty observation can make complicated topics more manageable.
And in serious moments, a well-placed joke can keep your readers turning pages. It’s like offering a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down.
Humor in Fiction vs. Nonfiction
In fiction, humor often comes from characters, dialogue, or ironic situations. Think of the bumbling sidekick or your typical rom-com banter. Writers craft these elements to be funny, and in a way that fits the story.
Nonfiction is more about finding the funny in real life. You’re not inventing situations or characters to create humor. Instead, you pick out the quirks, absurdities, or relatable moments in this world. Your experiences and observations make it authentic and relatable.
For example, a travel writer might poke fun at a misunderstanding due to language barriers. It turns a frustrating experience into a hilarious anecdote.
Types of Humor That Work in Nonfiction
Humor is always situational. However, some types of humor generally work well in nonfiction.
Self-Deprecation
Poking fun at yourself is almost always effective. Readers don’t expect perfection. They’ll appreciate it when you don’t take yourself too seriously. Besides, jokes about personal mistakes are often the most relatable.
Observational
Watch stand-up comedians. They often take ordinary situations and present them through a different lens. They make their audience nod along and think, “That’s so true! Why haven’t I thought of that?”
This works just as well in writing. You’ll be able to write powerful moments that will stick to your readers’ minds.
Satire and Irony
Satire and irony make your readers think, laugh, and question all at once. Use them to address serious topics in a lighter yet impactful way.
But they need a careful touch. Your tone must be clear, and your humor must be obvious to stop your readers from misinterpreting your message.
Wordplay
Wordplay is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to add humor to nonfiction writing. Whether it’s a pun, double entendre, or playful alliteration, you can make your readers pause and smile. Use it to lighten the tone, emphasize a point, or surprise your readers.
How to Add Humor to Nonfiction
Humor in nonfiction isn’t about trying to be a comedian. Don’t keep on firing jokes and trying to make people laugh. Here are some ways you can do it right:
Use Anecdotes
Share a funny story or a moment of personal embarrassment that ties into your main topic. For instance, a writer on time management might recount the time they set six alarms but still overslept. Relatable moments make readers laugh and feel connected to you. If it can happen to you, it can happen to them.
Exaggerate for Effect
Instead of saying, “It was a long day,” you might write, “That day felt longer than a DMV line on a Monday morning.” The over-the-top comparison adds humor without straying from the truth.
Find the Absurd in the Ordinary
Great humor often stems from looking at everyday situations with fresh eyes. Whether it’s the quirks of modern technology or the oddities of social etiquette, point out those little things everyone notices but doesn’t talk about.
Take a step back and observe the situation or topic you’re writing about. Find the irony, the contradictions, or the oddities. Approaching these moments with wit can turn something dry into something entertaining.
Play with Language
Wordplay, as mentioned earlier, is a powerful tool. Add a pun, use unexpected metaphors, or throw in a bit of alliteration to make your writing pop. Just remember to use wordplay sparingly—it should feel clever, not overdone.
Embrace Self-Deprecation
Share your flaws, mistakes, or awkward moments, and do so with a smile. Readers appreciate vulnerability and will find you more relatable when you’re willing to laugh at yourself.
Surprise your Reader
Build up a scenario that seems serious, then hit readers with an unexpected twist. The surprise keeps readers engaged and entertained.
Use Comparisons and Contrasts
Analogies and contrasts can turn a dull description into a funny observation. Instead of saying, “The coffee was bad,” try, “The coffee tasted like someone had brewed it with regret and dishwater.” It paints a vivid picture and makes readers laugh at the absurdity.
Add Visual Humor
If your nonfiction includes illustrations, charts, or photos, use them to add humor. A quirky caption, a funny infographic, or an intentionally absurd graph can break up the text and add visual interest while making your point.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Humor can be tricky because what people find funny varies widely. What seems funny to you might not resonate with others. You won’t always hit the mark, but there are ways to minimize the risk of alienating your audience.
For one, don’t overuse it. Too many jokes overwhelm your audience and dilute your message. Your writing will feel like a comedy routine instead of an informative or reflective piece.
There’s also the risk of offending your audience. Humor is subjective, but some topics can easily cross a line. Jokes rooted in stereotypes, cultural insensitivity, and divisive issues will damage your credibility.
And don’t try too hard to be funny. Forced jokes feel awkward, making your readers cringe instead of laugh. Match your humor to the tone and topic. If a joke doesn’t feel right, leave it out.
Balancing Humor with Your Message
While humor can enhance nonfiction, make sure it doesn’t overshadow your message. The goal is to complement your content, not compete with it.
Humor doesn’t have to be laugh-out-loud funny to be effective. Even subtle, understated humor can leave a lasting impression. Keep it relevant to your topic and audience, and avoid forcing jokes where they don’t fit.
How do you use humor in your nonfiction writing? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Humor Writing: How to Tickle Your Reader’s Funny Bone
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
