Humor in Speeches – compilation of two articles

Public Speaking: Why use Humor?

Taken August 2021 from http://www.public-speaking.org/public-speaking-humor-article.htm

Why should I bother using humor in my public speaking? Can't I just deliver my information and sit down? You
sure can and that's what most people do. The problem is that most people are not effective public speakers.
They are nighty nite, snooze inducing, say your prayers, hit the sack, unlicensed hypnotists. They are ZZZZZs
presenters. They might be experts in their field and be able to recite hours and hours of information on their
topic, but is that effective?

According to Bob Orben, Special Assistant to President Gerald Ford and Former Director of the White House
Speech writing Department, 'Business executives and political leaders have embraced humor because humor
works. Humor has gone from being an admirable part of a leader's character to a mandatory one.'

A survey of top executives who earned more than $250,000 per year was conducted by a large executive search
firm. The survey found that these executives believed their communication skills were the number one factor
that carried them to the top. Mastering the use of humor and other speaking techniques puts a fine polish on
your public speaking skills which can help propel you to the top of the speaking profession.

There are many benefits you can derive from using humor when speaking. Keep in mind that these benefits only
help you reach your ultimate purpose for making the presentation. They are not purposes themselves unless, of
course, you are only interested in entertaining.

Using Humor in Public Speaking helps you do the following:

 HELPS YOU CONNECT WITH THE AUDIENCE.

 MAKES YOU MORE LIKEABLE.
 AROUSES INTEREST.
 KEEPS ATTENTION.
 HELPS EMPHASIZE POINTS AND IDEAS.
 DISARMS HOSTILITY.
 OVERCOMES OVERLY FLATTERING INTRODUCTIONS.
 GETS YOUR POINT ACROSS WITHOUT CREATING HOSTILITY.
 HELPS RELATE FACTS AND FIGURES.
 MAKES A POSITIVE IMPRESSION.
 SHOWS THAT YOU DON'T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY.
 HELPS PAINT PICTURES IN THE AUDIENCE'S MIND.
 MAKES INFORMATION MORE MEMORABLE.
 LIGHTENS UP HEAVY MATERIAL.
 YOU WILL BE ASKED BACK.
 YOUR SPEAKING WILL GET YOU HIGHER EVALUATIONS OR MORE SALES.
 YOU WILL MAKE MORE MONEY.
 YOU WILL MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY.
This is my favorite benefit. I get great satisfaction from knowing that I have brightened someone else's life. I
had an executive come up to me after one of my humor seminars and say, 'You opened up a whole new world
for me.' I almost cried right on the spot. I'll never forget it.

Public Speaking: Laws of Humor by Scott Friedman

Taken August 2021 from http://www.public-speaking.org/public-speaking-lawsofhumor-article.htm

Incorporate the 3 Es:

1. Educate
2. Enlighten
3. Entertain

Law #1
Know Thy Audience
The more you know about the audience, the more opportunities you will have to play with them.

Ways to Learn About Your Audience:

 Pre-program questionnaire:
 The fastest way to know the inside humor of an organization is to ask. Ask about the characters in the group.
 Read their annual report, past newsletters, copy of the program, web site address, Hoovers
 Attend meetings and field trips before you speak. Find humor hot buttons.

Law #2
The Shortest Distance Between You And The Audience Is A Good Laugh

Eliminate all barriers between you and your audience. Create the illusion of control. Approach the audience as though everyone came
to have a good time. The purpose is not to control them, but to ask, 'What is it we have in common?'

Four Effective Humorous Openings Public Speaking:

 Self-effacing Humor Creates a bond with the audience.

 Physical surroundings If it is on the mind of the audience, you must mention it.
 Tap into "Inside Humor." Comment on what everyone is chuckling about. All of a sudden you are one of them. You
immediately gain respect because you did your homework. Always check with person you are going to poke fun at.
 Current events: What is happening in that particular city, around the nation, or worldwide? **The purpose of your opening is
to loosen up the audience and invite them to listen.

Law #3

Your Success As A Speaker Will Be In Direct Proportion To The Amount Of Original Material You Use

The harder you are to duplicate, the more in demand you will be. Personal stories are always best, because they give the audience a
chance to get to know you. Vulnerability is your greatest strength.

Law #4

If You Can't Find Funny Material, Change Your Glasses

Where to find humor:

  Observe life. Life is filled with funny examples if you look through the eyes of humor. Life is just one long anecdote waiting
to be told.
 Go to the library
 Humor cassettes
 Comedy clubs
 Become an avid reader of magazines and periodicals
 Radio and television
 Hear as many speakers as you possibly can
 Surround yourself with funny people and those capable of making others laugh and feel good about themselves
 Subscribe to speaker's services
 Humor writers
 Software: Idea Fisher and Internet resources
 Make up your own Start a humor diary.

Law #5

Great Humor Is Not Written; It Is Rewritten

'The most common mistake in using humor is people give up too soon.' - Gene Peret

5 steps to writing original material:

1. Recall experiences from your past that are embarrassing, unusual, or funny.
2. Tell the story to friends. Make a note where they laugh.
3. Re-write. Eliminate unnecessary words and shorten. Put the biggest laugh at the end. A really good story explodes into the
punchline, which is nothing more than the unexpected truth that twists reality slightly. In humor, less is more.
4. When you're comfortable, start telling it from the platform. The pause will dramatically improve your timing and rhythm.
5. Add laugh lines. Keep editing. Tape every speech, then go through it. Try to find and increase the laugh lines. Get a Humor
Buddy to brainstorm with.

Law #6

Spontaneity Is Always Better The Second Time Around

Accidents do happen. When accidents take place, the audience becomes ill-at-ease. Any comment will break the tension. Being
prepared is the key to rehearsed spontaneity. Before making a remark, pause and look up like you are searching for something to say.
The audience will think you are creating the humor on the spot.

 Beeper goes off: Time to take my pill!

 Ambulance or any siren: Gotta go, my ride is here!

Law #7
If They Dont Laugh, It Was not Meant To Be Funny

All humor must apply to your speech. Relevance reduces resistance. When taking advantage of humor of the moment, be ready with a
comeback line.

Comeback lines:

 Some jokes I do just for me.

 I would now like you to bow your heads and join with me in silent prayer for that last joke that just died.
 That is the last time I buy a joke from (key member of the organization)

Law #8

The Richest Laugh Is At No One's Expense

You lose respect and credibility when you offend someone in your audience. Listen through the ears of the audience. When in doubt,
leave it out. The reason you use humor is to enhance your message. If your humor offends, then it interferes with what you have to
say.

Law #9
You Are Your Own Best Style

You need to uncover the style you already have and use it, rather than use someone else's style. Select material carefully so that it
compliments your style. If your humor is too much different from your own personality, it appears awkward and incongruent. Be
yourself!