how to stop laughing during presentation

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How to Stop Laughing at Inappropriate Times

Last Updated: July 21, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Wisconsin. She specializes in addictions, mental health problems, and trauma recovery. She has worked as a counselor in both community health settings and private practice. She also works as a writer and researcher, with education, experience, and compassion for people informing her research and writing subjects. She received Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. She also earned an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,160,278 times.

Although laughing at inappropriate times can be embarrassing, it’s actually a natural reaction for some people when they’re facing a highly stressful situation. This could be because laughter makes you feel better about what’s happening, even if it’s a bad situation. [1] X Research source It could also be a reaction to help you relieve stress and release your own tension. When inappropriate laughter negatively affects your life, start by curbing your urge to laugh. If this doesn’t work, you may need to treat the underlying causes of your laughter. When you can’t stop laughing, you can cope with it instead.

Tips to Stop Laughing in Serious Situations

Pinch yourself in the arm, count backwards from 100, or make a to-do list in your head to distract yourself. Identify what triggers your laughter, then replace it with other behaviors like licking your lips or clicking a pen. If you can't contain your laughter, excuse yourself and move to a private area.

Curbing Your Urge to Laugh

Quick Distractions Pinch yourself. The slight pain will distract you from your urge to laugh. Count backwards from 100. Turning your attention to something banal, like numbers, will calm your emotions. Make a list in your head. Groceries, things to do, vacation destinations, favorite movies—choose a simple topic and go with it. The rote listing will help you feel more in control. Look for a certain color in the room. Choose any color and see how many places you can spot it in the area. This small goal will shift your focus from laughter and your emotions. Sing a song to yourself. It can be as simple as the ABC’s! Thinking of a tune and reciting lyrics is a great way to get your mind off of your emotions and urge to laugh.

Step 2 Identify what makes you laugh inappropriately.

Consider the time, location, occasion, and people who could be causing your laughter. These are called your triggers. Once you know what they are, you can begin to address your habit of laughing. [3] X Research source

Step 3 Choose replacement behaviors for the laughter.

For example, you may laugh nervously during work meetings. If this is the case, click your pen instead of laughing.
If you tend to laugh at serious moments, take a deep breath and then exhale at moments when you’d typically laugh.

Step 4 Create a plan for replacing your laughter.

Tell yourself, “The next time I feel awkward in a work meeting, I will click my pen,” or “When I go to the funeral, I will nod when people share their condolences.”

Dealing with Social Anxiety Make a list of situations that scare you. Think about what makes you nervous about them and what you can do to combat that. Then, be brave and try them out. Take small steps and bring a friend or someone your trust. Write down successful social outings. Focus on what went well, how you overcame your fears, and how great you felt afterwards. Identify the negative thoughts that are holding you back. You might try to predict the future, fear the worst, or worry that other people are judging you. Realize when you don’t have control over something, like the thoughts of others, and make peace with it. Try encouraging thoughts instead. Anytime you start thinking negatively, stop yourself. Take a deep breath and push yourself to think of something encouraging instead, like “I can’t succeed if I don’t try.” See a therapist. If you need help dealing with your social anxiety, make an appointment with a therapist to talk through your difficulties and learn more coping strategies.

Basic Mindfulness Exercises Close your eyes and repeat a mantra. Think about a word or saying that focuses you, such as “calm” or “breathe.” Maintain this for 5 minutes a day, allowing thoughts to come and go without focusing on them or passing judgment. Simply breathe and return to your mantra . Do a body scan. Notice subtle sensations in your body, like itching or tingling. Let them pass without judging or acting on them. Slowly scan each body part from your toes to the top of your head. Acknowledge your emotions. Allow yourself to feel things without judgment. When you notice an emotion, name it, like “sadness” or “discomfort.” Stay relaxed, accept its presence, and let it go.

Coping with Inappropriate Laughter

Step 1 Move to a private location when you start to laugh, if you can.

Go to the restroom if you’re at a funeral or in the office.
Walk away or get back in your car if you’re at an accident scene.
Leave the room if someone’s said something inappropriate.

Step 2 Cover up your laughter with a cough, if you don't have time to leave.

This works well for times you start to involuntarily laugh before you have a chance to stop yourself.
You can also pretend to blow your nose.

Say, “I’m so sorry for laughing at your father’s funeral. I want you to know that I didn’t find anything funny, I just laugh when I feel sad. I hope that I haven’t hurt you.”

Treating Conditions that Cause Inappropriate Laughing

You can find a therapist by searching online.

Step 2 Ask if SSRIs may be a good option for you.

Your doctor will determine if the medication is right for you. SSRIs do not help all patients, and they could interfere with other medications.

Step 3 Participate in cognitive-behavioral...

Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you learn to recognize when you may laugh and learn to control it. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

Stare at something in the room and focus on your breathing. Don't look at anyone else who is laughing or what made you laugh in the first place because then you will start to laugh again. Thanks Helpful 88 Not Helpful 10
Take long and deep breaths only through your nose. Concentrate on not opening your mouth. Thanks Helpful 58 Not Helpful 12
Try physically pulling the corners of your mouth down into a frown. This can signal to your brain that you are sad. Thanks Helpful 51 Not Helpful 20

Tips from our Readers

When I can't control my laughter, I try to think of something sad or something that makes me angry.
If someone catches you laughing at a random time, make up a funny story to explain yourself.

how to stop laughing during presentation

If you are unable to stop laughing (or crying) uncontrollably at inappropriate times, a neurological disorder, caused by injury or illness in the brain, may be the cause. If this may be the case, you should visit your healthcare provider. Thanks Helpful 59 Not Helpful 13
Do not bite down on your lip, tongue, or cheek, as this can cause injury. Thanks Helpful 70 Not Helpful 19

↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/201101/why-we-laugh
↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-antidepressant-diet/201709/distracting-yourself-better-mood
↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/emotional-awareness.html
↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tics.html
↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder.htm
↑ https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/benefits-of-mindfulness.htm
↑ https://adaa.org/tips
↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/finding-a-therapist-who-can-help-you-heal.htm
↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/involuntary-emotional-expression-disorder/
↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21208-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt

About This Article

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.