How do you use humor to reinforce your key messages and call to action?

There is nothing better than knowing your audience and pointing out the humor in their world, incorporating it into your main points and getting both the laughs as well as the nod of the head in agreement. Things like in an HR audience suggesting you know how your COO looks at you: a cost center, a fixer and a shrink. These amusing comments make ideas more sticky and more memorable for your audience.

I disagree with that! Knowing your purpose is the important, of course. Although your presentation is not a "stand up comic" gig, people will always remember how you made them FEEL! Bringing emotions into any presentation is a good idea, specially humour. People will respond to you more if you've made them laugh. They then become more likely to actually listen to you and pay attention to what you are saying. Again, your presentation doesn't have to become a comedy show but, if you are funny and the audience are being responsive, then by all means, make it funny!

as an Infotainer at trade shows I have often used comedy and magic to deliver a sales message- the real trick is balance- at the end of the presentation the audience should not be saying "he's a funny guy or that was an amazing magic trick" they should be saying "the xyz service is amazing I need that product" you need to drop your ego and remain focused on the outcome of the presentation yes I could do amazing magic and wow the audience- but that serves my ego and not the product sales- so its a balance- its just enough comedy to keep them interested in learning about the services but not soo much as to distract from the core message

Timing is the most important part about humor. You need to determine exactly when it is appropriate to insert humor in your message. Well timed humor can connect your message with the audience, allowing for greater absorption. Remember, create a punchline and reconnect to the line again throughout your presentation to really drive home the message. Good luck !!

Real people are genuinely funny. Other people are not authentically humorous. Why? Some people go for cheap laughs without concern for the audience, the context, and the vibe in the moment. Cheap laughs are a form of forced humor. Forced humor is awful because it doesn't feel real. Remember: Real is ideal. Keep it real. Keep it funny. You'll be glad you did. (And so will your audience.)

Here are some ways to deliver comedic content: 1. Refer to something that people can relate to in life, especially from popular culture. Example: Forrest Gump. 2. Shift the messaging structure, using different wording, so you can tap into what you want to say (about humor, for example). Example: Humor is as humor does. 3. Provide a call to action. Invite people to respond. Example: What are you doing to create comedic content today? Here's a detailed example: Humor is as humor does. Sounds like something Forrest Gump would say, right? Well, the truth is: Creating comedic content is about creating meaning. Making meaning is an act of invention. We create. We do. We invent. How are you creating comedic content today?