Levity

Pattern
Examples

What is it?

Levity is the treatment of a serious matter with humor. In contracts, this means unexpected, fun additions.

What problems does it solve?

Most readers find contracts boring and alienating. Adding levity entices readers to…well, read contracts. It also helps to build trust and makes the process of reading a contract more enjoyable.

When to use it?

Sprinkle levity like confetti. It works well when the reader does not expect it, for example hiding an easter egg in terms and conditions or adding a tongue-in-cheek icon.

Why use it?

Using humor in contracts can have many positive effects. Studies show that humor boosts retention of information, builds trust and better relationships between people, and takes the edge off uncomfortable or negative topics.

Where to use it?

Contract documents
Contract guides and playbooks
Policies
Appendices, exhibits, forms
Policies

Pattern families

Tone of voice

Example 1

Novation Consulting’s service level agreement

Novation Consulting uses humor and icons in their service level agreement to make disputes, acts of God, and termination seem less scary.

Example 2

BuzzSumo's terms of service

The BuzzSumo terms use a conversational tone and humor in the summaries accompanying each clause.

Source: www.buzzsumo.com/terms-conditions

Example 3

Terms of service of a microblogging platform

These terms use tongue-in-cheek language in the summary explanation of the age limits to using their services.

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Guidance notes

User guide format