As Tax Day rolled around this week, most Americans were focused on forms, figures, and frustration. But according to comedian and keynote speaker Jan McInnis, they may have missed the silver lining—or rather, the comedy gold.

"Tax Day may cause groans, but it also offers a universal moment we all experience—and that's where the humor lives," says McInnis, who has spent over two decades showing professionals how to use humor in their business communication.

McInnis outlines five simple ways to uncover humor in any event—Tax Day included:

1. Tap Into the Pain – "Shared pain is comedy gold," McInnis says. Everyone hates doing taxes, so it's a perfect setup for a relatable joke. No need for explanation—people instantly "get it."
2. Ask: What Would You Rather Be Doing? – Humor often comes from contrast. "In my joke, I compared doing taxes to going to the opera—another activity many people dread. That comparison alone gets a laugh."
3. Find the Characters – Is there a figure or stereotype tied to the event? "Who is associated with that event? Do some research and find out the people involved.
4. Use Acronyms Creatively – Take familiar terms and twist them. "IRS stands for Internal Revenue Service... or Intimidate, Runover, Scare," McInnis quips. "These 3 words are words that people may associate with the IRS."
5. Dig Into the Origin Story – Sometimes the history is funny. "Taxes were invented in ancient Egypt—before coins even existed. Sounds like something only the government could pull off."

McInnis encourages professionals to use humor not just for laughs, but for visibility. "Whatever your industry, finding the funny in national moments like Tax Day is a great way to connect with your audience and make your message memorable."

For more on how to bring humor into your business, visit www.TheWorkLady.com.