Humor is a powerful tool for public speakers. It can help you connect with your audience, break the ice, reduce tension, and make your message more memorable. But how can you use humor effectively and appropriately to build rapport and trust with your listeners? Here are some tips to help you master the art of public speaking humor.
Before you crack a joke, you need to know who you are talking to. Different groups of people may have different preferences, expectations, and sensitivities when it comes to humor. You want to avoid jokes that are offensive, inappropriate, or irrelevant to your audience. Do some research on your audience's background, interests, values, and challenges. Try to find out what makes them laugh and what topics they care about. This will help you tailor your humor to suit their needs and preferences.
Don't assume that a consistently successful joke will automatically translate to your next audience, particularly if that audience belongs to a different culture. Unfortunately, I had to learn the hard way when I cracked one of my 'best' jokes — by western standards — only to receive pin-drop silence from my east Asian audience. Moving swiftly on...
Not all humor is created equal. What one person finds funny, another person may find offensive. If you want to use humor in your speeches, stick to joking about yourself. Everyone loves to laugh at themselves, so if you can make a joke about yourself, your audience will be more likely to laugh with you. Tell a funny story that relates to the topic you are presenting. It is important to know your audience and what they will find funny. If you aren’t sure, leave the joke out. It’s better to not tell a joke than to try and flop. Just say no to bad jokes.
Don't try to imitate someone else's style or copy someone else's jokes. Your humor should reflect your personality, your voice, and your message. Be authentic and genuine when you use humor. Don't force it or overdo it. Use humor that is natural, spontaneous, and relevant to your context. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself or share a personal story that shows your human side. This will help you establish credibility and likability with your audience.
I've noticed many people find it difficult to make fun of themselves. This is (one of the few) areas where British presenters shine, but the trick is being genuinely comfortable in what many would consider a state of vulnerability — and that comes from having confidence in your specialist area. After cracking a few self-deprecating comments while simultaneously adding value through your presentation, the audience will come to appreciate the humble and entertaining manner in which you're disseminating knowledge.
The rule of three is a simple and effective technique for creating humor. It involves presenting three items or ideas in a list, where the first two are similar and the third one is unexpected or incongruent. For example, "There are three things you need to succeed in public speaking: preparation, practice, and a parachute." The third item creates a surprise and a contrast that makes the audience laugh. You can use the rule of three to make a point, to exaggerate, or to illustrate a problem or a solution.
Share universal experiences and relatable anecdotes that transcend differences, allowing a broader audience to connect. Employ clear and concise language, avoiding complex jokes that might exclude individuals with cognitive or language challenges. Good timing is essential – allow pauses for laughter without rushing, accommodating those who need more processing time. Stay attuned to nonverbal cues and adjust your approach if you sense discomfort. By focusing on relatability, sensitivity, and pacing, you can maximize the power of humor to create an inclusive and engaging speaking experience for all.
Humor should not overshadow or undermine your main message. It should enhance and support it. You need to balance humor and seriousness in your speech. Don't use humor too often or too randomly. Use it strategically and purposefully. Use humor to grab attention, to make a transition, to emphasize a point, or to relieve tension. But also use seriousness to convey authority, to show respect, to provide evidence, or to inspire action. You want your audience to laugh with you, not at you.
Like any other skill, humor requires practice and refinement. You need to test your jokes, observe your audience's reactions, and adjust your delivery accordingly. You can practice your humor in front of a mirror, a friend, a colleague, or a small group. You can also record yourself and watch your performance. Pay attention to your timing, your tone, your facial expressions, and your body language. You can also seek feedback from others and learn from their suggestions. You want to polish your humor until it becomes smooth and effective.
Humor is received differently when your presentation is to 1 person vs 1,000. As uncomfortable as it may be, the best place to practice humor (or any other presentation technique) is in front of a live audience. If it fails, don't worry — it will be forgotten within the next few minutes and you'll have priceless knowledge to take with you to your next presentation.