Comments on: Public Speaking Success: Enhance a Speech With Humor

By: Public Speaking Success: What to do when they don’t laugh at your jokes | Overnight Sensation

Mon, 19 May 2008 21:18:30 +0000

[...] Humor is one of the toughest things to execute during the speech. In order for an audience to laugh, you have to do the following when you tell a joke: [...]

By: Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Blog Carnival - Edition 1 | Overnight Sensation

Fri, 16 May 2008 21:18:31 +0000

[...] carnival host presents How to prevent Hostile Audiences and Enhance your speech with humor posted at Overnight [...]

By: James

James — Thu, 15 May 2008 22:55:06 +0000

Terry,

Good points. I like your suggestion about when jokes fall flat.

Thanks for the comments,

James

By: Terry Gault

Terry Gault — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:21:05 +0000

Humor always makes the presenter seem more approachable and human.

Nonetheless, I should clearly differentiate between humor and jokes:

Humor usually occurs when telling stories, revealing one’s foibles or spontaneously from what’s happening in the moment. I ALWAYS encourage clients to include humor.

Jokes should not be attempted unless the speaker can consistently make people life in conversation AND the joke is clearly related and connected to
the topic. After all, there is only one criterion for success. And if it bombs, everyone in the room knows it.

Still, while jokes do sometimes fall flat, this is another opportunity to connect with your audience! Instead, of letting the awkward silence throw you off, turn it on its head by noting that your joke was a flop with a smile. Talk about the audiences reaction and note the atmosphere. Handling the situation like this if the joke bombs will often make the presenter seem cool, collected and approachable, and if the joke doesn’t bomb, this will lighten up the room and once again make the presenter seem approachable. It is a win-win as long as the situation is handled correctly.

Thanks for the post!