How I Use Humor in My Presentations

Humor is a powerful tool for connection and communication, and understanding how to harness it can elevate any presentation. Here’s how I incorporate humor into my stage presence, turning every moment into an opportunity for laughter and engagement.

1. Assessing My Humor Strengths

I start by identifying what is inherently funny about me. This self-awareness comes from asking others what they find amusing—whether it's my facial expressions, a goofy dance, or my sharp sarcasm. I ensure these elements shine through when I'm on stage.

2. Embracing Playfulness

Playing on stage was a skill I developed over time. It’s a mindset shift fostered through improv classes, which taught me to embrace mistakes and be spontaneous. The world doesn’t end if a joke falls flat; it’s all part of the presentation, not a stand-up routine.

3. Using Facial Expressions and Silence

I naturally make funny faces in conversations, and on stage, I amplify these expressions. Silence becomes my ally, letting a facial reaction linger for comedic effect, enhancing the humor.

4. Engaging Body Language

Humor isn't about perfection. I relax, adopt casual postures, and interact freely with the stage. This creates an atmosphere of a casual conversation, making the humor feel more genuine and relatable.

5. Self-Deprecation

I make fun of myself, highlighting my flaws in an empowering way. Whether it’s about my eating habits, workout routines, appearance, financial mishaps, or forgetfulness, I show that I’m comfortable with who I am, inviting the audience to laugh along with me.

6. Structuring Humor with Topics

Organizing my humor into categories makes it easier to remember and deliver jokes. Topics like marriage, parenting, teenage years, and more provide a framework, ensuring a steady flow of relatable humor.

7. Writing and Adapting Jokes

Although I struggle with traditional joke-writing, I learn the basics like the rule of threes. Even if I’m not a stand-up comedian, understanding these principles helps me insert humor effectively into my narratives.

8. Drawing from Real Life

Real-life observations are a goldmine for humor. I often transform funny things my dad or husband says into jokes. Being attentive to the quirks and sayings around me enriches my comedic material.

9. Leveraging Internet Humor

The internet is full of funny phrases, bumper stickers, and t-shirt slogans that can inspire one-liners for my presentations. These bits add light-hearted moments, even if they’re a bit cheesy.

10. Detailing Stories

Details can make a story unexpectedly funny. People laugh at the truth in detailed descriptions, which resonate with their own experiences.

11. Creating Characters

I infuse my stories with quirky characters and vivid descriptions. These characters, drawn from real life, add a layer of humor through their unique traits and perspectives.

12. Focusing on Fun

Ultimately, I aim to be fun rather than just funny. It’s less about delivering perfect jokes and more about creating an enjoyable experience. If the audience smiles and laughs, I’ve achieved my goal.