FAQ's -- Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a daily laughter exercise session?

Starting the day with 15 minutes of laughter helps us to tackle the rest of our daily activities with greater energy and better focus; and the benefits of laughter will last all day long.

Who participates in the sessions?

Many companies insist on daily, mandatory stretching programs for assembly workers. The benefits are so profound—fewer injuries and sick days, increased productivity, etc. So companies insist that all employees participate. Every company enforces its own set of policies, such as showing up on time, giving an honest day’s work, dressing appropriately, etc.—policies that directly affect the company’s bottom-line profits. In the same way, lack of energy and diminished creativity erodes the bottom line. Laughter Links promotes energy, creativity, health, and morale. Therefore, it just makes sense that companies insist that everyone (without exception) participates in Laughter Links.

How will we be “taught” to laugh?

Unfortunately, adults do not laugh as freely or as often as we should to maintain a healthy body, mind and attitude. Think about the way young children laugh…with abandonment and without any provocation at all. Isn't that much better than the atmosphere you currently experience at work? Sadly, most laughter in the workplace is directed at someone's silly or even serious mistake. As with many stand-up comedians, most humor is targeted at someone else’s expense. In contrast, Laughter Links offers all the vital health benefits of deep, robust laughter without the down side of offensive humor. Especially today, organizations must be cognizant of what the media calls “politically correctness”. By using various breathing methods and physical cues, participants will find it easy to laugh without the risk of offending anyone.

How long is the initial Laughter Links training program?

Laugher Links’ exercises use rather sophisticated and complex training methods designed to elicit trust and build strong morale among participants. Research shows that it takes 21 days to change an old habit or to create a new one. Most training programs are two-days to a week long. In contrast, we provide continuous support with a variety of 21 training modules spread over 20 days. The first participants include the organization’s leadership (25 participants maximum). We also provide train-the-trainer education programs during the 4th week which lets the organization increase its number of daily classes offered, and, therefore, increase the number of individuals who can participate in the beneficial daily laughter exercise habit.

Laughter Links has proven to . . .

With all these life-changing benefits, why would anyone not want to participate in daily laughter exercises?

But perhaps you still have questions . . .

I don't want to embarrass myself in front of my peers or subordinates! We all feel a little foolish when learning any new skill. Part of our training strategy is to help classmates feel less self-conscious with one another. One of the major benefits of this training module is that you learn how to feel safe, even when you step outside of your comfort zone. Laughter Links is excellent for helping to create an organizational culture that responds well to change and adapts easily to new ways of thinking.

What is laughter simulation? Is it as effective as real laughter? Astronauts and fighter pilots are all trained using simulators until they have learned to master the real thing. Research reveals that simply “putting on a smile” will positively affect one’s mood and outlook. There’s nothing “fake” about the physiological benefits derived from a smile or from simulated laughter, for that matter. Our system of laughter training starts with regulated breathing (increased oxygen) and the use of vocal sounds to replicate laughter. With practice, simulated laughter quickly turns into "real", natural laughter in a very short period of time.

We laugh plenty in our office. We don't need any training! Consider your office humor for a moment. There may be plenty of laughter, but at whose expense? Unfortunately, most laughter in the workplace is directed at someone's silly or serious mistake. We offer all the health and financial benefits of deep, robust laughter in the absence of humor. The Laughter Links’ training method builds trust, strong morale, and open communication without the risk of offending others.

Are there books and tapes to buy? No! Our licensing agreement includes permission to replicate all handouts, flyers, and training manual at no additional charge.

For more information about our licensing agreement contact us at  info@laughterlinks.com