February 15th, 2010
In this conclusion of a 2-part series, we provide five additional hints for using humor effectively in your presentation.
Tip #5 – Make it personal.
Whenever possible, customize your humor (And your presentation) to the specific group of participants. Spend some time getting to know the corporate culture as well as some of the key individuals in the group. People love to be included and it keeps your presentation from feeling “canned.”
Tip #6 – Pace yourself.
Spread humor throughout your presentation – don’t use it all at the beginning or end. Remember, the point is to keep the audience interested and engaged and humor is a great way to do this.
Tip #7 – Break it up.
If your presentation includes a particularly long, technical, or tedious section (out of necessity), and a group break is not possible, break up the pace with humor. Some speakers even allow the group members to spontaneously volunteer a (clean, appropriate) joke at designated parts of the presentation (or during any delays related to equipment, etc.)
Tip #8 -Practice the unexpected.
Spontaneously spring a joke on a friend or co-worker and gauge their reaction. There is a psychological reflex that occurs when you say, “hey that reminds me of a joke,” or “let me tell you this joke” — people sort of brace themselves, and become more judgmental than they would have if the joke were unexpected. This gives you the opportunity to practice the delivery and timing of your joke, as well as your ability to work a joke into a conversation. If you get a spontaneous, genuine laugh, it’s a keeper.
Tip #9 – Be yourself.
Above all else, be yourself. Authenticity shines through any situation and when you are authentic, your audience will warm to you, further enhancing any humor you add to your presentation.
Got additional tips? Post them here in the comments.
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