What are some successful storytelling and humor techniques used in famous speeches?

1 The power of personal stories

Personal stories can make your speech more authentic, relatable, and emotional. They can illustrate your points, reveal your values, and inspire your listeners. For example, in his 2004 keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama shared his personal story of growing up as the son of a Kenyan father and a Kansas mother, and how that shaped his vision of America as a land of opportunity and diversity. He used his story to bridge the gap between different groups of people, and to show his commitment to unity and change. When you use personal stories in your speech, make sure they are relevant to your topic, vivid in detail, and honest in tone.

3 The skill of metaphors

Metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not alike, but have some common characteristics. They can help you explain complex or abstract ideas, create vivid images, and evoke emotions. For example, in his 1963 speech at the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. used metaphors to describe the situation of African Americans, and to express his hope for the future. He compared the Declaration of Independence to a promissory note that was defaulted for black people, he compared segregation to a dark and desolate valley, and he compared freedom to a bright and beautiful day. He used these metaphors to highlight the injustice, the suffering, and the aspiration of his people. When you use metaphors in your speech, make sure they are relevant to your topic, clear in meaning, and original in expression.

4 The trick of irony

Irony is a rhetorical device that involves saying or implying something that is opposite or different from what is expected or intended. It can create contrast, humor, and criticism. For example, in his 2018 speech at the Golden Globe Awards, Seth Meyers used irony to poke fun at the controversies and scandals in Hollywood, politics, and media. He joked about how he was the best person to host the show, how he was going to say yes to everything, and how he was going to address the elephant in the room. He used irony to mock himself, to acknowledge the challenges, and to diffuse the tension. When you use irony in your speech, make sure it is relevant to your topic, appropriate for your audience, and subtle in delivery.

6 The charm of jokes

Jokes are witty or humorous remarks that can make your speech more entertaining, engaging, and memorable. They can also break the ice, relieve the stress, and connect with the audience. For example, in her 2016 speech at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Michelle Obama used jokes to celebrate her husband's achievements, to poke fun at his critics, and to reflect on her own role. She joked about how he looked so young and rested, how he was so popular and loved, and how she was so ready to leave the White House. She used jokes to praise him, to tease him, and to share her feelings. When you use jokes in your speech, make sure they are relevant to your topic, appropriate for your audience, and funny in delivery.