How can you use humor and props to overcome stage fright and connect with your audience?

1 Why humor and props work

Humor and props work because they create contrast, surprise, and emotion. Contrast is when you juxtapose something unexpected or incongruent with your topic or tone, such as a funny anecdote, a sarcastic remark, or a silly gesture. Surprise is when you catch your audience off guard with a twist, a reveal, or a punchline. Emotion is when you make your audience feel something, such as laughter, joy, curiosity, or empathy. These three elements help you capture attention, break the ice, and build rapport.

3 How to use props creatively

Props are any objects, images, or visuals that you use to support or illustrate your points. Props can be anything from a flip chart to a stuffed animal, from a slide show to a costume, from a book to a balloon. To use props creatively, you need to choose them wisely, use them sparingly, and use them interactively. Choose them wisely means selecting props that are relevant, clear, and memorable. Use them sparingly means avoiding clutter, distraction, and overkill. Use them interactively means involving your audience, inviting participation, and creating dialogue.

4 How to combine humor and props

Combining humor and props can amplify the impact of both. You can use props to set up or deliver humor, or use humor to introduce or comment on props. For example, you can use a prop to create contrast or surprise, such as pulling out a giant fork when talking about eating habits, or showing a slide of a cat wearing glasses when talking about vision. Or you can use humor to create emotion or connection, such as making a joke about a prop that relates to your audience, or using a prop as a metaphor or a symbol for your message.

5 How to practice and prepare

Practicing and preparing are essential for using humor and props effectively. You need to test your humor and props before you use them on stage, to make sure they work, they fit, and they are appropriate. You can test them by rehearsing in front of a mirror, a camera, or a friend, by getting feedback, and by making adjustments. You also need to prepare your humor and props by having a backup plan, by checking the venue and the equipment, and by arriving early and setting up.

6 How to overcome stage fright

Overcoming stage fright is not about eliminating your nerves, but about managing them and using them to your advantage. You can manage your nerves by breathing deeply, relaxing your body, visualizing your success, and focusing on your message. You can use your nerves to your advantage by channeling them into energy, enthusiasm, and passion. Using humor and props can also help you overcome stage fright, by giving you confidence, by making you enjoy yourself, and by creating a positive atmosphere.