It is tempting to believe that facilitating group laughter interventions is simple. This is a true statement, but it omits to clarify that what is simple is not always easy.

Here are my proposed answers to 10 common challenges that laughter teachers from all traditions will face sooner or later, and what to do about them.

  1. Is it OK for two or more people to lead a laughter session? This is a personal preference. Try and see if you like it. If you do this I would advise you to meet ahead of time and be clear on who is going to do what.
  2. Only one person shows up. So what? Start on time. Engage with imaginary participants.
  3. People are late. Respect those who are there and always start on time. Do not train people that it’s OK to be late. Maybe it’s not their fault, but it’s not yours either.
  4. People arrive halfway through your session. Always remind latecomers “Welcome. Do what we do. There is only one thing you have to know: Please wait for the end to talk or comment and that’s really important. Here we want to engage the entire brain, not just the cognitive functions. Don’t fake anything. Choose to laugh along with us, because you can.”
  5. Should I ask participants to propose and lead exercises? This is a personal call. If you feel comfortable and/or know how to quickly regain control of the group if things go astray then yes, otherwise no.
  6. There are mixed physical abilities in the group. Make it safe for all, but do your best to adapt to the needs of the 80% majority.
  7. Someone asks you for your medical opinion (e.g., s/he shares their medical condition with you and asks if they can safely participate in your laughter session.) Never take ownership of people’s problems. Your answer should always be “I don’t know. Ask your doctor.”
  8. Someone keeps talking. Broken record technique: Keep reminding the group not to talk or comment (typically every couple of minutes) and why that’s important. Never address individuals. Always address the group as a whole.
  9. Someone refuses to participate in an exercise. That’s OK. Either make it safe by telling to the whole group that it’s OK not to participate, OR change the exercise.
  10. They are all chair-bound. So what? If possible make a big circle of chairs and carry our your session that way, invite all to engage with the people on their left and right.