If you’ve ever told a joke that smashed at a Friday night BBQ but died on stage at a work event, you’ll know this truth: humour doesn’t always travel well. At global events, this becomes even trickier. A throwaway sarcastic line that gets laughs in Sydney might earn blank stares in Singapore or feel downright offensive in Dubai.
That’s why understanding cultural differences in humour at global events is essential. Whether you are booking entertainers for corporate events or organising an international conference, getting humour right helps keep your audience engaged, connected, and leaving with a positive experience.
Humour Is Not Universal
The first thing to understand is that humour is not a one-size-fits-all. It’s tempting to think a “good joke is a good joke anywhere,” but that simply isn’t true. Humour grows out of cultural experiences, shaped by the language people use, the social rules they follow, and the shared stories they grew up with.
For example, Australians often see cheeky banter as a way of showing friendliness. Making fun of your mates, or even yourself, is a sign of closeness. In countries where respect for hierarchy is important, that same joke could be seen as disrespectful.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid humour altogether. It simply means recognising that what works in your own backyard may not land the same way internationally. Once you accept this, you’ll be better prepared to choose humour that feels inclusive and safe.
Language Shapes the Joke
Language is one of the biggest barriers when using humour at global events. Wordplay, slang, or double meanings can be clever in one language but meaningless in another. Puns often lose their punch when translated, slang like “duck down the servo” leaves international guests confused, and heavy accents or fast delivery can make it hard for people to even catch the punchline. For many, the extra step of mentally processing or translating the words means the joke lands too late, if at all.
Because of this, humour that relies too much on language is risky. A safer choice is observational humour that points out things everyone can see or experience in the moment, like travel hassles, food, or tech glitches. It’s simple, relatable, and allows people from different backgrounds to share a laugh together.
Styles of Humour Differ Across Cultures
Even when language isn’t the problem, humour styles vary significantly across cultures. Understanding these differences can save you from missteps.
1. Sarcasm and irony
In places like Australia, the UK, and Ireland, sarcasm is part of everyday conversation. Saying the opposite of what you mean, with a deadpan tone, signals quick wit and social ease. But in countries where communication is more direct, such as Japan or Saudi Arabia, sarcasm can be taken literally. Instead of seeing it as a joke, people may find it blunt or even insulting.
2. Self-deprecation
Making fun of yourself is often a crowd-pleaser in Australia and the US. It shows humility and makes speakers appear approachable. However, in cultures that emphasise honour and “saving face,” like China or South Korea, this style can be confusing. Instead of reading it as humour, audiences may see it as a loss of credibility or status.
3. Physical comedy
Because it relies on body language and movement, physical comedy can cross language barriers more easily. Exaggerated expressions, timing, or light slapstick are often understood regardless of cultural background. Still, context is everything. While a small physical gag might lighten the mood at a casual dinner, it may feel out of place at a formal black-tie awards night where guests expect dignity and decorum.
4. Dark humour
In parts of Northern and Eastern Europe, humour that makes light of grim or tragic themes is often accepted as clever and sophisticated. It reflects resilience and perspective. In contrast, many cultures find it offensive or inappropriate, especially in professional or celebratory settings. What feels edgy to one group may be deeply unsettling to another.
5. Satire
This relies heavily on shared knowledge of politics, social structures, or current events. For example, mocking a local politician may get laughs in one country but mean nothing to an international audience unfamiliar with the reference. Without a shared cultural or political context, satire can leave guests feeling excluded or confused.
This is why choosing the right comedian for a corporate event matters even more when the audience is international. A professional entertainer knows how to adapt material so it connects across cultures instead of falling flat.
Cultural Boundaries and Humour Taboos to Avoid
Humour often brushes up against sensitive topics. At a local event, you might have a good sense of what is off-limits, but in global settings those boundaries can shift dramatically. What feels lighthearted to one audience may be inappropriate or offensive to another.
When planning humour across cultures, it is usually safest to avoid areas that are more likely to cause discomfort. There is still plenty of room for humour without stepping into risky territory, and focusing on shared experiences will always create a more welcoming atmosphere.
Key areas to avoid at global events:
- Religion and faith – Even light jokes about beliefs or traditions can cross a line.
- Politics and leadership – Mocking leaders may be acceptable in Australia, but is considered disrespectful or even unsafe in other countries.
- Gender and sexuality – Attitudes differ widely, so comments that seem harmless in one place may be offensive in another.
- Hierarchy and authority – Jokes about bosses or senior figures can clash with cultures where respect for authority is strongly upheld.
Audience Reactions Can Mean Different Things
One of the trickiest parts of using humour in global settings is reading the room. Laughter does not always mean the same thing everywhere. In some cultures, people laugh to be polite rather than because they are genuinely amused. In others, silence can signal respect instead of offence. Sometimes a delay in laughter simply means the audience is translating or processing the joke before reacting.
This makes it easy to misinterpret what is happening. You might think your joke has landed when the audience is only being polite, or assume you have bombed when they are actually engaged but showing it in a different way. Paying attention to body language such as smiles, eye contact, or relaxed posture can give a much clearer picture of how people are responding.
Safe Humour Themes That Work Anywhere
So what’s safe to lean on? Luckily, plenty of humour translates well across cultures because it taps into everyday experiences that most people can relate to. These shared moments are familiar no matter where you are in the world, which makes them an easy way to connect a diverse audience. They work because they are human, not cultural, and they bring people together by highlighting common ground rather than differences.
Examples of safe themes include:
- Travel challenges – Jet lag, lost luggage, or navigating airports. Almost everyone has a story.
- Food and coffee – Whether it’s struggling to find good coffee overseas or dealing with airline meals, these are easy wins.
- Technology frustrations –Wi-Fi dropping out mid-call, or the classic “you’re on mute” moment.
- Workplace quirks – Awkward networking conversations, endless PowerPoint slides, or name badge struggles.
Context Is Everything
Even if you have chosen safe, clean humour, the context of the event can completely change how it is received. At formal conferences, guests usually expect professionalism, so humour should be light, subtle, and carefully placed. In contrast, casual networking events allow more room for playful banter and even a few local references that help break the ice. Virtual or hybrid events bring another challenge, as timing delays and technical lags mean jokes need to be shorter and more direct to land well.
It is also worth remembering that humour shifts within a single culture. What younger guests find hilarious might leave older ones unmoved. Keeping both age and formality in mind helps you pitch humour at the right level for your audience.
The Importance of Awareness and Sensitivity
The role of humour in global events is to create connection, but that only works when the audience feels understood. Awareness means recognising that people in the room may have very different expectations of what is acceptable. Sensitivity means adjusting your approach so the humour supports the event rather than distracting from it.
This does not mean humour should be avoided. It simply means treating it with the same care you would give to any other part of the program. Inclusive humour works best when it is mindful of cultural differences and chosen with the audience in mind. By making that effort, you not only avoid missteps but also show respect, which can strengthen engagement and leave a lasting positive impression.
Recap: What To Keep in Mind
If you are hosting or planning a global event, it helps to keep a few essentials in mind. These reminders will guide you in choosing humour that connects with people from different backgrounds while avoiding the risks that can come with cultural differences.
- Humour isn’t universal. It’s shaped by culture and experience.
- Language can make or break a joke, so avoid wordplay and slang.
- Different cultures prefer different humour styles, from sarcasm to slapstick.
- Sensitive topics like religion, politics, and gender should be avoided.
- Reactions are not always straightforward. Laughter can sometimes be polite rather than genuine.
- Stick to universal themes like travel, food, and technology.
- Always consider the formality and context of your event.
Let’s Create Humour That Connects, Not Divides
Humour can be a powerful tool at global events, but it needs to be handled with care. The right approach helps people connect and keeps the atmosphere positive, while the wrong joke can quickly derail the mood. Wrapping your event in humour that feels inclusive is what leaves guests with lasting, positive memories.
Sam McCool specialises in this space. With extensive experience performing and hosting across different cultures, he understands how to strike the balance between professionalism and fun, making sure audiences from all backgrounds feel included and engaged.
Bring your event to life with humour that connects, not divides. Get in touch today to chat about how to make it happen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What role does an MC for global events play in managing cultural differences in humour?
An MC for global events does more than just introduce speakers. They set the tone, guide the flow, and adapt humour so it suits a culturally diverse audience. They ensure the event flows seamlessly while lifting the energy in a way that feels inclusive and respectful to people from different cultural backgrounds.
2. How do cultural values affect what audiences find funny?
Values like respect for authority, saving face, or openness about sensitive topics all shape humour. For example, self-deprecating humour shows humility in Australia but may signal weakness in places where confidence is highly valued. Understanding these differences helps you choose humour that aligns with your audience’s expectations.
3. How does age or generation influence humour at international events?
Different generations often have very different senses of humour. Younger guests might enjoy memes, pop culture references, or irony, while older audiences may prefer more traditional or light-hearted humour. At a global event, balancing generational preferences is just as important as balancing cultural ones.
4. What value does a comedian bring to international events?
A comedian for international events understands that jokes don’t always translate across cultures. They are skilled at using humour that resonates broadly, while avoiding material that might alienate or offend. Their ability to bring laughter to a diverse audience helps break down barriers and creates a shared experience that unites the room.
5. What’s the risk of ignoring cultural humour differences altogether?
If cultural differences are ignored, humour can alienate parts of the audience, damage the atmosphere, or even cause offence. It may also undermine the professionalism of the event. Taking time to plan inclusive humour shows respect, helps everyone feel comfortable, and ensures the event is remembered for the right reasons.
