Public Speaking tip #18 – Humour – Use it Wisely
Humour can be a very powerful weapon in public speaking but you must use it wisely.
TRANSCRIPT:
Ya havin’ a laugh?
Don’t under estimate the power of humour in public speaking.
When used effectively it’s a very powerful weapon in your speaking arsenal. But be careful not to overdo it.
Remember you’re trying to convey your message not be a comedian.
But why is humour so important? It work on a number of levels – firstly it can break the tension if you’re anxious when you get up to speak – a funny little story can help break the ice.
2nd It will humanise you – many speakers can come across as pompous and aloof. but if you tell a story at your expensive it will help win the audience over.
3rd a shared laugh – it will form a bond between you and the audience.
Humour helps keep the audience engaged – listening to a 30 45 or 60 minute speech can be hard work – a laugh will energise them and heighten their awareness.
If your subject is heavy and emotional an appropriate funny story can give your listener some light relief.
A little known point is people remember things better in a humorous environment . Laughter has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.
But don’t set yourself up for a fall – never start with “Now here’s a funny story..” or you’re going to laugh at this…” never launch into humour that way. Just tell your story – if they think it’s amusing they’ll laugh if it falls flat you just press on. and remember not to try that story next time.
It might surprise you that it doesn’t really matter how much effort you put into carefully worded speeches no matter how fantastic content your audience will forget most of what you said by the time they walk out of the door.
― Maya Angelou
American poet and civil rights activist once said “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” So your aim is to make them feel motivated, inspired, entertained, amused, wanting to take action.
If you achieve that your job is done.