Need To Add Comedy And Humor To Speeches And Presentations?
While this blog is pretty much focused on all things concerning stand-up comedy, I don’t usually focus specifically on adding comedy and humor to speeches and presentations.
But there is a fantastic blog that covers that topic specifically called ProHumorist.com. And I will tell you right now, I trust the information provided on that blog because…
ProHumorist.com is owned and operated by Jason Peck in England, who also happens to be one of my Killer Stand-up Comedy System protégés. His blog has been around for a couple of years now and has tons of great tips, strategies and advice for those in the public speaking arena and want to add humor and comedy to their speeches and presentations.
If you check it out, you will find that the Killer Stand-up Comedy System is NOT just for comedians—it’s for any type of comedy involving the spoken word.
Fortunately, Jason has taken it upon himself to specialize in that area. And he will be the first to tell you that…
The mechanics of comedy are EXACTLY the same for public speaking as they are for stand-up comedy when it comes to generating laughter from an audience.
There are no “special” comedy techniques for public speakers. But there are some differences, especially when it comes to “content” that most public speaking pros need to provide, integration strategies, etc.
And every speaking professional knows that…
The funnier you are, the more money you make. Period. It’s really just that simple.
And just like for comedians…
Public speakers must come to the table with a sense of humor that translates to a “general” audience. You cannot teach someone how to “be funny” that doesn’t have the raw talent to begin with.
But you can structure, format and hone your sense of humor to squeeze every ounce of laughter from and audience.
I’m telling you about this now because for those involved in Toastmasters should be preparing for the annual humorous speech contest held every year. And I am proud to say that I have had a number of Killer Stand-up Comedy System customers over the years reach the finals in their respective areas.
So if you want the scoop on how to add comedy and humor to speeches and presentations…
Jet over to ProHumorist.com and check it out. And tell my good friend Jason the Prof sent you.
Cheers,
Steve Roye
The Professor of Funny for Money
About the Author/Founder of The Stand-up Comedy Professional
Steve Roye is the author of the Killer Stand-up Comedy System and author of the content made available in the Comedy Pro Membership Program available on this site. Over the past decade, Steve has established himself as a leading, globally recognized expert in the field of stand-up comedy material development, delivery and entertainment business strategies for comedy entertainers as well as speaking professionals.
For more information about Steve, please check out the About The Author section on this site.
Hey Steve,
Thanks a bunch for the shout out! While my blog is currently in hibernation mode due to my current U.S. visa status, I estimate that this will change by the end of April 2010. Then I’ll be back blogging in full force.
And you’re absolutely right, the mechnics are the same. Whether you’re doing stand-up, a humorous speech, sketch comedy and so on. Each art-form has it’s own aspects that need to be adhered to, but if you have a sense of humor that translates to the stage then it’s fundamentally all the same.
Tim you said: “Like during a eulogy or a speech in response to a natural disaster”. While that may be true for a natural disaster or a man-made human tragedy, I would say that depending on the person being paid tribute to, you can use humor in an eulogy.
My father passed away nine years ago and I delivered a eulogy which had a humorous story about something that we shared together. My friend, who is an actor, delivered eulogies both at his mother’s and father’s funeral each laced with humor.
When Graham Chapman of Monty Python passed away, John Cleese gave a particularly funny eulogy. I’m sure it’s on You Tube.
Sometimes humor in situations like these can be good coping mechanisms, not only for the speaker but also for the mourners.
But it really depends upon the the person speaking, the person being remembered and those in attendnace.
“Of course, there are exceptions to the rule.”
Like during a eulogy or a speech in response to a natural disaster.
.-= Tim Winter´s last blog ..bad goldfish names =-.
Hi Steve
Do you think that any speech can be improved with a dash of humour? Or is humour sometimes off limits.
I agree that for most speeches, humour can make or break the speech, especially if it is contrasted with sadness/high emotion.
Most of us are scared of humour, after all the audience may not laugh.
.-= Keith Davis´s last blog ..easy peasy! =-.
Virtually every speech can be improved with comedy and humor. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule.
The key is to trust your sense of humor, use humor that is appropriate and rehearse the comedy and humor you are going to do before you do it — just like a comedian would.
The Prof