Humor or wit can be a powerful tool to make your pitch stand out, connect with your audience, and show your personality. But how can you use it without sounding unprofessional, inappropriate, or irrelevant? Here are some tips to help you balance humor and professionalism in your pitch.
The first rule of using humor or wit in your pitch is to know who you are pitching to. Different audiences may have different preferences, expectations, and sensitivities when it comes to humor. Do some research on the industry, company, or individual you are pitching to, and tailor your humor accordingly. Avoid jokes that may offend, confuse, or alienate your audience, and focus on humor that is relevant, respectful, and relatable.
Humor can grab attention, build rapport, and make your pitch memorable. But be careful, friend! A misplaced joke can land you in awkward jail. What I recommend is to understand that different folks have different funny bones. Research your audience's industry, company culture, and even individual personalities. Tailor your humor accordingly. Most importantly, AVOID anything edgy, offensive, or inside jokes they won't get (unless someone in your audience makes the first move or an edgy audience is your vibe).
I agree with the above. Having performed as a comedian it’s essential to know your audience. For me it’s about storytelling and weaving humor into that story. Your humor needs to be authentically you.
The second rule of using humor or wit in your pitch is to be authentic. Don't force yourself to be funny if it's not your natural style, or copy someone else's humor if it doesn't fit your voice. Humor should come from your own experience, perspective, and personality, and reflect your passion, enthusiasm, and confidence. Don't use humor as a mask, a distraction, or a crutch, but as a way to enhance your message and showcase your value.
Don't force a persona (5), please! Humor that feels natural and reflects your personality resonates best. Are you a witty storyteller? A pun-loving poet? Lean into your strengths! Personally, I love wordplay and puns or making a joke at my own expense. Nobody gets offended if you're the butt of your (sometimes flat) joke, amiright?
Once, during a pitch, I joked about my caffeine dependency to highlight our product's time-saving features. It was a hit! The key to humor isn't just being funny - it's about being relatable. When your joke mirrors a shared experience or truth, it doesn't just make people laugh, it makes them nod in agreement. And that's when you know you've not just shared a laugh but also made a connection. So, find that universal truth your audience can relate to, and let your genuine self shine through.
The third rule of using humor or wit in your pitch is to be strategic. Humor should not be random, excessive, or irrelevant, but serve a specific purpose and support your main goal. Use humor to grab attention, create rapport, illustrate a point, or overcome an objection, but don't let it overshadow or undermine your pitch. Choose the right timing, tone, and delivery for your humor, and balance it with facts, evidence, and professionalism.
Use humor to highlight key points, break the ice, or lighten the mood, but back it up with solid content and expertise. Remember, humor is not your main dish, it's just a salad dressing or the garnish on the food. Focus on your content foremost.
In a pitch, humor is the spice, not the main dish. I once lightened a tense moment with a joke about Excel spreadsheets - yes, they can be funny! It turned the room from icy to warm, making my data-heavy point more digestible. The key? Use humor like a precision tool: a quick, well-timed jest to illuminate your message, not to distract. A touch of wit shows confidence and relatability, opening doors that facts alone might not.
The fourth rule of using humor or wit in your pitch is to be respectful. Humor should not be at the expense of anyone or anything, especially not yourself, your audience, your competitors, or your industry. Humor should not be sarcastic, cynical, or negative, but positive, optimistic, and constructive. Humor should not be arrogant, boastful, or rude, but humble, modest, and polite. Humor should not be divisive, controversial, or polarizing, but inclusive, universal, and appealing.
I always aim for witty wordplay, relatable observations, or self-deprecating humor that shows you're human. Nothing shows confidence and self-assuredness than being the butt of your own jokes.
Once, during a client presentation, I decided to lighten the mood with a joke about deadlines. Instead of the usual groans, I got laughs. Why? Because it was a shared experience, not a dig at anyone. That moment taught me the power of inclusive humor. It's about finding common ground, not standing out at others' expense.
The fifth rule of using humor or wit in your pitch is to be flexible. Humor is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and you may need to adjust it depending on the situation, the feedback, and the outcome. Be prepared to adapt your humor to different contexts, channels, and formats, and to different reactions, responses, and results. Be ready to drop your humor if it's not working, or to add more humor if it's working well. Be open to learning from your experience and improving your humor skills.
What one person finds funny, another might find cringeworthy. When in doubt, (dive head first... no...) err on the side of caution. It's better to be safe than sorry (oops).
The sixth and final rule of using humor or wit in your pitch is to be yourself. Humor is a personal and subjective expression, and you should not compromise your identity, values, or integrity for the sake of humor. Humor should not be a gimmick, a trick, or a trap, but a genuine, honest, and sincere communication. Humor should not be a barrier, a challenge, or a risk, but a bridge, an opportunity, and a reward.