Most CEOs don’t think of LinkedIn as the place to show their sense of humor. They think of it as a platform to show leadership and build credibility.
They’re right, of course. LinkedIn is absolutely where you demonstrate those things.
But it’s also where people go to understand you. Beyond your experience, they want to appreciate your mindset, your values, and your personality.
A little humor can go a long way.
Humor makes you approachable. It gives people a way to connect with you.
The good news is that you don’t have to be great at telling jokes. (I’m sure not!) You just need to show a lightheartedness and incorporate a few gentle surprises.
Why CEOs Should Consider Adding a Little Humor
When someone’s prepping for a meeting with you, they often check your LinkedIn profile first.
They are looking for points of connection – what they have in common with you.
They want a sense of what kind of leader you are, whether you are formal or relaxed, how you think about your life and your business.
A profile that’s perfectly polished doesn’t give them much to work with.
But when you include a few small, intentional details that make them smile? You are giving them conversation-starters and making it easier to build rapport.
Where to Add Humor
Here are ten simple ways to show a lighter side:
- Add a surprising language to your Languages section: Klingon, Morse Code, Python, emoji.
- Mention a fun extracurricular from your college days in your Education section: ultimate frisbee, student newspaper, improv.
- Include a volunteer role in the Volunteer section: robotics judge, National Parks trail crew, community theater.
- Slip a line into your About section: “Easily bribed with black coffee and good stories.”
- List an unexpected course or certification: stand-up comedy workshop, storytelling class, wilderness survival.
- Add one human detail to a job description: “Led a global team across four continents and one very determined Slack channel.”
- Include an unusual skill in your Skills section: juggling, trivia, barista.
- Add a favorite quote to your About section that’s offbeat or unexpected.
- Choose a background photo that shows humor: your team laughing at one of your jokes, or you on a conference panel telling a story.
- Take fun photos: When you are at a conference, grab a photo of you with a mascot, laughing with a customer, or doing something a little silly. Include that with more serious shots in your post.
Are these laugh-out-loud funny? No, but they show that you have a sense of humor.
They make you relatable, and they make people feel like they will enjoy spending time with you.
Get Help from a Ghostwriter
As CEO, your presence sets the tone for your company, your culture, and your partners.
When you show up with clarity, intention, and just a little warmth, you make it easier for others to engage with you. Humor is a bridge.
If you’d like help, let’s talk. We can help you craft your LinkedIn presence so it shows just the right sense of humor.