Using humour in your speeches

• So what makes something funny?
• Is it wise to try to tell jokes in your speech?
• What effect can laughter have on your audience?
• How do seasoned speakers deal with a laugh?

Speaking Well In Public offers courses that look at all these questions. Contact us and we will be pleased to discuss your needs.

• So what makes something funny?

Humour often works in a set of three: set up the situation, reinforce the pattern – and then unexpectedly undermine it.

• Is it wise to try to tell jokes in your speech?

If you’re not a ballerina you probably wouldn’t attempt a bit from Swan Lake. So if you’re not a stand-up comedian, why attempt to tell jokes?

• What effect can laughter have on your audience?

Using humour can be a powerful speaking skill. Laughter brings people together, reducing stress and tension levels, raising energy levels and making us feel more relaxed, alert, lively and creative. It encourages participation, interaction and cooperation, can break down barriers, defuse tense and difficult situations, get the audience on your side and lift an aggressive mood. The laughing audience could also be more receptive to your ideas – so be aware and use it responsibly.

• How do seasoned speakers deal with a laugh?

Pause while it’s happening, allow the laugh to begin to subside, and continue just before it has completely died out, to continue the momentum.

Speaking Well In Public offers courses that look at all these questions. Contact us and we will be pleased to discuss your needs.