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HOW TO USE HUMOR IN PRESENTATIONS

TEN Dos & Don'ts of Using Humor in Speeches

1. Do use humorous stories and jokes which relate directly to the topic of your speech.
2. Don't laugh at your own story or joke.
3. Don't offend. For example: a person without a limb, may not think a one-armed paper hanger joke is funny.
4. Do make the story or joke clear and to the point.
5. Do relate the story or joke to the audience.
6. Do speak audibly.
7. Don't repeat a story or joke that flops.
8. Don't repeat a story or joke that works. Once is enough.
9. Do tell a story or joke about yourself.
10. Do use the name of living persons in a story or joke to which the audience can relate.
"Requirements of a Good Toastmaster":The Complete Toastmaster by Herbert V. Prochnow

HUMOROUS SPEECH OPENER

When I told a friend that I was going to give a speech on "Humor in Presentations", he told me the only way I might get a full house is if I started a poker game.

HUMOR VS. JOKES

A joke is a bare gag, sometimes a one-liner. It becomes humor when it is inflated like a balloon with details, then punctured with a punch line.
Humor is a funny story with a point. When you add details it becomes a humorous anecdote.
When using a joke or humor in your speech, be sure to personalize it and match your personality, speech topic and audience. Don't let the story clash with the speech. And don't laugh at your own joke or story. Let the audience decide what's funny (or not). Remember, original material works best.



3 REASONS TO USE ORIGINAL MATERIAL

1. If you use a joke you found in a book, adapt it to you speech and style so it will be fresh.
2. You will be able to deliver your speech more effectively and naturally - if it is yours.
3. When you share yourself through personal stories you will establish rapport with your audience.



WHEN USING HUMOR ASK YOURSELF...

1. Will my joke or story tie in with the topic and flavor of the speech?
2. Will my audience feel OK with this joke or story?
3. Is the joke or story short and to the point?
4. Is this joke or story fresh and up-to-date?
5. Can I delivery this joke or story with confidence, ease using good timing?
6. Do I know the joke or story's rhythm, each word and each pause?
If you can't answer YES to all of the above, DON'T USE IT.



WHAT WORKS

1. Personal jokes, stories, and ancedotes.
2. One-liners that go well with the speech.
3. Statistics presented in a clever way.
4. Good choice of vivid words.
5. Appropriate body gestures.
6. Good vocal variety.
7. Raising an eyebrow.
8. Smiling.
9. Personal and natural humor.
10. Appropriate body gestures.
11. Good vocal variety.



3 THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT A STORY IN YOUR SPEECH

1. Weave your personal story into your speech.
2. Build up to the punch line.
3. Use humor throughout your speech to illustrate and expand on your points.



POKING FUN AT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

1. You can kid about your fame, problems, image etc. however, DO NOT belittle yourself or you sacrifice your reputation for a laugh.
2. Whether you decide to joke about your height, golf score, shoe size - stick to the topic and don't jump around from one to the other.
3. Joking about the government, taxes and politicians is always fair game.



WHEN TO GET A LAUGH IN A MEETING

1. Breakfast: This is a tough audience because everyone is just getting into the work day and still have a lot of work ahead. What works best is short one-liners and simple jokes.
2. Lunch: Mid-day is a better time for jokes and stories.
3. Dinner: This is the best time for humor in meetings. Indulge your audience with jokes and humor.
"Podium Humor" by James C. Humes and "How To Write and Give A Speech" by Joan Detz