Public Speaking Humour

When it comes to public speaking, humour is your ally. Everyone enjoys a good laugh, right? A speaker who can amuse a crowd is often a speaker who can hold their attention. Most every subject matter can benefit from a little humour. The key is to keep the humour appropriate and related to the subject at hand. One of the best tips you'll ever learn in public speaking is to know your audience. Know what makes them laugh and what doesn't. Know what they find appropriate and what is taboo. If you can relate to an audience with laughter, they are more likely to listen to and remember what you are saying.

There are a variety of ways to learn more about your audience. Maybe you can use a survey or questionnaire. If there is a spokesperson or spokespeople for your audience, talk to them. Try out your jokes and anecdotes on friends and family who will honestly tell you whether you are funny, flat or inappropriate. Practice into a tape recorder and listen to yourself. The more preparation you get before your speaking engagement, the better. It's important to control any nervousness you have and be confident with your speech before giving it.

People will laugh when the material is funny and when they are relaxed enough to do so. Your confidence is reassuring to the audience and puts them at ease. If you are nervous you will exude a nervous aura that may detract from the effectiveness or humour of your speech. Presenting your material with confidence is important for any public speaker. Timing is another aspect that is crucial for public speakers, especially those who use humour. Sometimes, the timing can make or break an anecdote or joke. Practice your speech to find the perfect timing for different parts.

Using public speaking humour isn't as hard as it seems. You can find humour in any situation. Aim for inside jokes, which make you one of your audience. When you relate to them and they relate to you, the message you are trying to convey reaches them more effectively. If you can't seem to come up with anything funny, hire someone who can to help you. Or, study the work of various comedians to see how they make people laugh. Everyone has their own individual style, and this is certainly the case when it comes to comedy. You can develop a speaking style that is natural for you yet amusing for your audience. All it takes is creativity, confidence and lots of practice!



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