We can’t all be James Mickens when it comes to prose in professional discussions unfortunately. If people get it, that’s still a side comment that can carry mor

We can’t all be James Mickens when it comes to prose in professional discussions unfortunately. If people get it, that’s still a side comment that can carry more depth but the words should still be of substance to the point being made because trying to stop your content for comedic / dramatic effect can backfire as you’ve observed, especially with a diverse audience. Being inclusive and respectful to your audience doesn’t mean stopping with referential humor / puns entirely though IMO. Heck, quoting some random famous person in your slides is kind of the time honored name drop of smart people humblebragging but few seem to say that’s a practice that’s alienating compared to ping pong or beer in the workplace.