Let's talk about humor in business communication.
It's a universal category, but definitely culturally specific. Both in the East and the West people love to make jokes and laugh at them. A good sense of humour is an admired quality in many cultures, even if the type of humor may vary. Just see how different it can be:
In the US: humor is seen as a way to melt the ice in communication in both formal and informal situations. It is thought that a good joke helps to make people feel at ease, and then it is easier to move on to discuss business.
In Ireland: the most important feature of communication in Irish society is humor. The Irish love to banter with friends and acquaintances, believing that humor brings a positive side to human relationships. A good pun will be appreciated anyway.
In Switzerland: The Swiss have a different attitude to humor. As a rule, humor has almost no place in business. No one expects jokes or funny stories during a presentation or business meeting, not even to defuse the situation.