"You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Personally, I prefer to swat the little buggers. However, the same thing can be said of using humor.

Humor allows you to make a point, especially if it is unpleasant or downright nasty, without the intention of giving offense and getting punched verbally or physically. Of course, there are always exceptions to every wise statement, even this one.

Think of the times you said something in jest, with a smile on your face, but meant every word. Even though your comment may have been critical or even insulting, the method of delivery made all the difference.

If you tend to use subtle humor to get your point across, but the recipient proves to be either obtuse or of the pachyderm tribe (thick headed, therefore difficult to insult), then a swift kick in the shin or other tender body part may be the way to go.

Also, the use of humor is a terrific way to test someone's intelligence. If you state the problem couched in a humorous form and the problem is corrected, that person's brain has more wrinkles (synapses) than a large percentage of the population. Keep that sharpie around.

Of course, if you tend to be a basic meat and potato type of human, humor is a great way to entertain people and make them laugh.