humor

is for HUMOR

"Humor is the shortest distance between two people."

- H. Youngman

This is not about telling jokes. It is about telling lighthearted stories that make the audience grin, chuckle or outright laugh. If you’ve a joke that fits perfect with your message, use it. If not, don’t.

It is always fun, and safe, to poke fun at yourself. Successful Presentations for Dummies suggests these topics:

Your status as a speaker

Your mistakes.

Your profession or occupation.

Your public image.

Your less than lofty experiences.

Your membership and associations.

Many years ago a dearly loved and respected minister shared his secret to being an effective teacher and preacher. Whenever there was an important message that he wanted his congregation to remember, he would bring their defenses down and open their minds by getting them to laugh. Then he would become solemn and deliver his potent message right into their open minds!

This technique explained to me why a boyfriend I once had was such a hard habit to break. While I was crumpled in laughter he’d grow quiet, look deep into my eyes and sigh,“Geez, I love you.”

Tom Antion suggests adding humor with questions

Open up the floor to question/answer periods and ad lib or give pre-written comical answers to expected or planted questions.

Ask for questions on 3X5 cards – slip in a few fake ones of your own.

Plant questions: ask audience members before the presentation to ask you a question you’ve formulated. Questions themselves could be funny (especially if consideration is given to who is asking it) and/or your answers can be funny.

Throw your opponents off guard with a chuckle!
Readers Digest

President William Howard Taft had someone throw a cabbage at him. Taft evaded the projectile and said, ”One of my opponents has apparently lost his head.”