You’re a motivational speaker who wants to connect with your audience. How can you use humor to do it?

1 Know your audience

The first step to using humor is to know who you are talking to and what they find funny. Different groups of people may have different preferences, expectations, and sensitivities when it comes to humor. For example, a joke that works well with a young and casual crowd may not be suitable for a formal and conservative one. Do some research on your audience before you plan your speech and tailor your humor accordingly.

2 Be relevant and authentic

The second step to using humor is to make sure it is relevant to your topic and your personality. Don't just throw in random jokes that have nothing to do with your message or your style. Instead, use humor to illustrate your points, reinforce your arguments, or share your stories. Humor should flow naturally from your content and your voice, not distract from it or contradict it.

3 Use different types of humor

The third step to using humor is to vary the types of humor you use and the ways you deliver it. You can use humor in different forms, such as anecdotes, analogies, metaphors, quotes, statistics, or questions. You can also use different techniques, such as exaggeration, irony, sarcasm, puns, or wordplay. The key is to balance your humor and avoid overusing or repeating the same type or technique.

4 Practice and test your humor

The fourth step to using humor is to practice and test your humor before you deliver your speech. You can practice your humor by rehearsing your speech in front of a mirror, a friend, or a small group of people. You can also test your humor by asking for feedback, observing the reactions, or recording yourself. This will help you refine your timing, tone, and delivery, as well as identify and avoid any potential pitfalls or problems.

5 Adapt and improvise

The fifth step to using humor is to adapt and improvise according to the situation and the feedback. You may need to adjust your humor depending on the mood, the context, or the response of your audience. For example, you may need to tone down or spice up your humor if your audience is bored or engaged. You may also need to acknowledge or respond to any unexpected events or comments that may occur during your speech. The key is to be flexible and responsive, not rigid and scripted.

6 Have fun and enjoy

The final step to using humor is to have fun and enjoy yourself. Humor is not only a tool for connecting with your audience, but also a way of expressing yourself and having a good time. If you are relaxed, confident, and enthusiastic, your humor will be more effective and contagious. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself, share your emotions, and show your passion. Remember, humor is not a goal, but a means to achieve your goal.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?