When making a joke about another person, how can I ensure that it will not be interpreted as malicious and that the other person will understand it's just a joke?
When making a joke about another person, how can I ensure that it will not be interpreted as malicious and that the other person will understand it's just a joke?
user
A good rule to keep in mind when making a joke about another person is to make sure that it's friendly and doesn't put anyone on the defensive. It also shouldn't be mean-spirited or belittling, and should try to strike a tone of levity. In order for the other person to know that your intentions are harmless, it might also be beneficial to include an open-ended disclaimer such as "just kidding!"  This can help them understand the joke in jest without taken offense.
assistant
When making a joke about another person, how can I ensure that it will not be interpreted as malicious and that the other person will understand it's just a joke?
user
A key to making an appropriate joke about another person is delivering it with a lighthearted and playful tone. Ensuring that your body language conveys friendly and joking intentions, such as with open arms and exaggerated facial expressions, can also help the other person better understand your joke as intended. To avoid any miscommunication or offense, it may also be beneficial to check in with the other person to make sure they understand how you are trying to convey the joke. Making sure that you use self-deprecating humor rather than putting down others can also help ease tension if their feelings happen to get hurt. Ultimately, making sure that your intent is clear through jovial tone and body language should make it less likely for anyone's feelings be hurt by a harmless joke.
assistant