Here's how you can infuse executive public speaking with humor for maximum benefits.

As a public speaking coach I believe humour is integral to public speaking, as it engages audiences and maintains attention. It establishes authenticity by showcasing not just the speaker's personality, but also shows that they are enjoying delivering their message.Laughter relieves tension and fosters a relaxed atmosphere, which enhances communication. Additionally, humour aids in making a point, leading to the message being more impactful and memorable. However it's key to understand your audience and tailor your jokes accordingly. One has to be sensitive of the audience and also know if a joke will connect or not. If you have a humourous side make full use of it but never force your jokes for the sake of it. It could backfire.

Infusing executive public speaking with humor can be highly effective for engagement and connection. Use self deprecating humor sparingly to humanize yourself and establish rapport. Ensure your humor aligns with the tone and context of your speech. Practice timing and delivery to ensure your humor enhances your message without overshadowing it.

Share personal stories that highlight your point while injecting humor naturally. Maintain a balance between humor and professionalism avoiding overly casual. Work on your delivery to ensure jokes land well without disrupting the flow of your speech.

Understand your audience—consider their industry and executive roles. This insight is vital to ensure your humor lands successfully and doesn't fall flat. Make sure your jokes are relevant to the topic at hand, integrating them to reinforce your key points rather than feeling like forced add-ons. Additionally, weaving personal anecdotes with a humorous twist into your presentation can captivate your audience effectively. Just ensure these stories highlight your core message to avoid the pitfall of being memorable solely for your entertainment value, rather than your impactful content.

Incorporate strategic pauses before a joke to allow the audience time to react and appreciate the humor. Adapt your timing based on audience response and energy levels allowing for spontaneity while staying within your overall time frame.

The strange thing about humor is that it directly flows from authenticity. I've seen serious speakers get a chuckle out of their audience simply by being personal and personable. Relax, be yourself, and let the laughter of your audience be the reward, not the goal.

Ensure that your humor aligns with the tone and purpose of your speech reinforce key points rather than detracting from them. By being true to yourself and your message you can effectively involve humor into your executive public speaking.

As Robert points out below, even a cute story will get a chuckle, and—to be honest—a personal story is far more powerful than humor as a presentation tool. Humor gives your audience a quick jolt of levity, but a relevant story humanizes you and reinforces your driving point. I'm not saying never use humor, but don't try to be funny if you're not naturally funny. It's inauthentic and serves no meaningful purpose. Meanwhile, everyone can tell a story, even if it's small, like something your kid said, something you heard on the radio, or something you experienced over the weekend. It all counts as human storytelling.

Use humor strategically and sparingly to prevent it from overshadowing your main message. Ensure that your humor aligns with the tone and expectations of the event keeping the focus on your expertise.