Interview with Hans Walter Putze
Clown and coach – what humor moves and triggers.
A native of the Lower Rhine region, a coach, a gelotologist, a sound artist – Hans Walter Putze combines all these qualities in one person. Since 2007, this Lower Rhine native has been studying gelotology, the emerging science of laughter, and has made it his mission to create new solutions with humor, seriousness, and subtle depth, and to share them, whether as a clown or a coach.
Originally trained as a chef, waiter, and hotel manager, Mr. Putze has worked as a consultant since 1976. In 1983, he began training as a coach, specializing in moderation, leadership, communication, and humor. To bring even more joy into his own life and the lives of others, Mr. Putze trained as a clown and gave his first performances in 2007 at the age of 60. According to him, he had previously been "too old" for it. In various workshops, Mr. Putze teaches his participants "humor as an attitude" and explains in the Neuland interview why laughter is so important.
Sabine Prell: "When a person laughs, 17 muscles in the face and as many as 80 muscles throughout the body are activated" – according to Wikipedia. Our grandparents already taught us that "laughter is healthy." They are bringing humor into the business world. Tell us why laughter is so important for us humans.
Hans Walter Putze: Well, laughter releases neurotransmitters that make us happy, work is easier and even going to the toilet becomes more "regulated"!
Sabine Prell: Who do you find easier to make laugh, children or adults?
Hans Walter Putze: Children, I reach them directly on an emotional level; adults think too much and therefore lose access!
Sabine Prell: Statistics show that in 1965, people in Germany laughed for an average of 16 minutes a day. Now it's barely 7 minutes. What has changed so much, and how do you think we can rediscover our sense of humor?
Hans Walter Putze: I understand humor as a way of dealing with oneself when faced with adversity. In our country, we tend to see the glass as half empty rather than full. This has historical roots, most recently evident in the generation after World War II. We weren't allowed, and sometimes even able, to be humorous. Younger generations aren't affected by this anymore, which is why comedy is booming, but unfortunately, often at the expense of making fun of others. If we can take things more lightly and humorously, we see the same things in a completely different light. So, we can become more humorous about our own attitudes and laugh!
Sabine Prell: What do you think are the challenges of our time in which humor can be helpful?
Hans Walter Putze: Over the past 10 years, we have seen an above-average increase in mental health issues. Leading doctors and therapists from across Germany have identified the reasons and launched a nationwide initiative. I actively work with a concept that empowers individuals to take responsibility for their own well-being, independent of formal training, and to actively contribute to their own improvement at home within their personal environment.
Sabine Prell: What developments will help with this?
Hans Walter Putze: From my observations, two essential, complementary disciplines stand out: firstly, happiness research, and secondly, brain research. Both findings indicate that the state of our subconscious plays a far more extensive role in determining our actions. Furthermore, the generation after me and younger is able to deal with history more freely and therefore with more humor than my generation was able to.
Sabine Prell: Humor is contagious. How can we spread your idea of making people happier again with humor and a smile? What do you wish for from us?
Hans Walter Putze: Communicate, support me in spreading the concept of "Humor in Self-Care," perhaps you could arrange a day in Eichenzell for me to work practically with you via Neuland…
Sabine Prell: What is her greatest wish?
Hans Walter Putze: Appearing in front of 1000 curious people with my business coaching partner Peter Sessinghaus – with our "ambition" you've come to the right place!
Thank you very much, dear Mr. Putze, for our enjoyable conversation!
Hans Walter Putze's website:
Be curious about what moves and triggers humor…
Humor as an attitude in dealing with life's adversities.
www.putzeundpartner.de