There are a fortunate few who carry with them a magic quality. They can walk into a room full of people and, in minutes, inject into the atmosphere that precious commodity called Good Humour. In their presence, conversation takes on a cheerful tone; smiles replace frowns; heavy discussions give way to light-hearted banter.

Such people are the jewels of society and not the rich, the powerful, the wise or the brave. If the world had a greater share of these dispensers of good humour, national calamities would be averted and global wars would never get past the doors of the conference room.

But if you pause a moment and consider, you will see that the art of spreading good humour can be consciously cultivated. What appears to be magic is, in fact, the successful application of a few basic principles which are within the comprehension of all. Listen then, take heed, and when these simple secrets become yours, go forth and sprinkle golden drops of joy on those around you.

Adjust facial expression before you enter a room. Make it a cheerful one. It is astonishing how men will straighten their neckties and women will pat their curls into place and then enter a room with expressions as threatening as thunder. Sartorial splendor is secondary in spreading good humour. The look you wear on your face is far more important. So watch that expression. Let it say, “Life is wonderful”. Don't let it say “Oh God! What a bore.”

Let your opening remarks ring bells, not toll dirges. Let us imagine a little scene. You have two separate visitors one morning. The first comes in looks at you and gasps, “Good heavens! What's the matter? You look positively ill.” The effect of a statement like this is demoralizing and insidious. Like a tyre being deflated by an invisible leak. Now let's take your second visitor. He walks in, smiles at you, shakes your hand and says “Hello there! It does me good just to see you again.” Your reaction to this approach, unless you are moulded from rock, is one of immediate elation. No more need be said.

Jest a little when you hear a funny story that tickles your sense of humour, store it away in your mind. And tell it to those of your friends who would appreciate it. Jokes that are sufficiently brief may even be included in letters and, in fact, make ideal closing paragraphs.

A friend of mine makes a practice of mailing to me, about once a fortnight, a sheet containing some of the jokes he has just heard. I look forward to them with the keenest delight and respond in the same manner. Leave the recipient smiling and you endear yourself to him. A little word of warning though. Choose your jest according to your audience and make sure you have the “punch line” correct before you relate it.

Let music play a big part in your life. Let your home resound with it a couple of hours each day. Get into the habit of humming snatches of song, or whistling your favourite melodies.

If you play any musical instrument well, play it for the entertainment of yourself and others. But be careful to stop when the people around you still want more. Only professionals can go hours without boring and they too sometimes fail.

Important point is avoid criticism. For instance, if you see a friend in an elegant suit and a shocking pair of shoes, compliment him on the suit but make no mention of the shoes. There is no accounting for the personal tastes of others and to disillusion people is no way to spread good humour. Look for qualities you can heartily praise. Even in the humblest of men such qualities can be found. They will love you for it.

If you can afford it, surprise your friends especially the needy ones with occasional gifts. Unexpected gifts bring joy into the lives of others and a part of that joy will rub off on you. The present you give need not be expensive but it should be related to the other person's preference in life.

Voracious readers love to receive books. Pretty girls like to receive cosmetics. People also like to receive gifts that are connected with the hobbies they pursue. Never choose a gift at random. Use your imagination. Another way of obtaining a similar effect is to invite a friend out to lunch or dinner for no other reason but to show your goodwill.

Write happy letters. This has been touched on already but let us now deal with it more fully. Letters, as we all know, can bring bad news, sad news or glad news. It is a compliment to you if the letters you write are eagerly awaited because they lift the spirits of the recipient.

To do this, a letter need not strive to make the reader go off into peals of laughter. All that is necessary is that it should contain a few cheerful references, a witticism or two perhaps, or a couple of lines of good natured banter.

The people you write to should welcome the sight of your handwriting on an envelope. They should be eager not reluctant, to open your letters. They should feel the bite of a pleasant anticipation rather than any apprehension, however slight.

Finally remember that just as sauce gives savour to a dish of food, so good humour adds to the relish, to the humdrum, business of everyday living. Of sadness and sorrow, the world has too much. Of gladness and joy, the world has too little. SO wherever you go, do whatever you can to brighten the lives of the people around you.

by George T. Fegradoe

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