20 Tips For Humor In Speeches And Presentations

Humour in speeches and presentations is good, jokes less often
Humor in speeches and presentations

Humor in speeches and presentations

 

Do you want the attention of your audience? Humorously move your audience before the seat hurts. Humor relaxes. It resolves tense, stressful situations. Humor has some positive effects. Appropriate humor can be used effectively in many situations. Find out what is worth paying attention to.

You have something to say? Let's make sure it gets the chance it deserves.

Humor in speeches and presentations

 

In speeches and presentations, it is often a matter of passing on information to the participants in an understandable way, convincing them, and asking them to act. The objectives of speeches can be quite different, but the goal of boring the audience is unlikely to be deliberately pursued. However, this often happens. With appropriate humor, it is possible to keep the audience happy, emotionalize them, and increase their attention. This way, you and your presentation will remain in good memory.

 

 

 

20 Tips for humor in speeches and presentations

 

 

1. Respect

 

Make sure you don’t insult anybody. Humor is mostly based on ambiguities, and these can annoy the audience if they are interpreted unfavorably. It’s not so much what you mean as to how the recipients interpret your words.

I don’t need to mention that jokes are not made at the expense of individuals or disadvantaged groups, do I?

 

 

 

2. At the beginning of your speech

 

Not every audience is ready for your message. Sometimes it still has to digest the impression of the previous speakers. Maybe the participants would rather be somewhere else now. Here is your chance to surprise the audience positively. Season your contribution with a pinch of humor. It is not to be underestimated – humor reduces stress. Humor awakens the desire for more.

Sometimes humor simply helps. Speeches and presentations can start well with humor. It relaxes the audience and speakers, reduces fear, and attracts attention. After an intense laugh, the brain’s reward center releases dopamine. Dopamine relaxes and gives us intense moments of happiness. It provides anticipation, i.e. the desire for more. After the laughter, the audience listens more intensively.

 

 

 

3. Orient on the audience

 

Not only does the taste changes with the audience, but also their perception, thinking, and communication style. Adapt your language to the audience. Some jokes require special education or specific vocabulary. And some audiences reject laughter as immoral in this world.

 

A few helpful questions:

  • What are the characteristics of the audience?
  • What language does it speak?
  • What can the target group smile or even laugh about?
  • Which humor is appropriate for the target group and which is not?
  • How can one’s appearance and appearance be supported by humor in this case?
  • How can these people react humorously to objections or resistance?
  • Which examples, metaphors, and analogies are suitable for the audience to present the message humorously?
  • What do they have in common?
  • What is talked about before and after, are there humorous points of reference?

 

Humor is influenced by many factors, such as educational level, social status, country, origin, region, and occupational group. Use humor only if you are sure that your audience reacts positively and that it fits the message thematically.

 

 

 

4. Good joke tellers are rare

 

A very common recommendation is to start a speech with a joke. It is claimed that then you and your audience are well relaxed and ready. Seriously and no kidding: don’t start your presentation with a joke.

With the overlap of self-perception and external perception, this is such a thing. The fact is that very few people are so good at telling jokes. What looks so relaxed with the professionals of Stand-up Comedy is the result of a strict selection process, some bruises, and a lot of – very much – practice.

So once again, very clearly stated: Humor is a good way to enter into a relationship with the audience. However, not everyone is a good joke-teller. Stand-up is more challenging than it seems. If your joke fails or you make the wrong one, you’ve made a fool of yourself with part of your audience from now on. Especially since the wisdom formulated by Paul Watzlawick also applies here; the recipient decides on the message. And since jokes by definition are ambiguous (context or meaning reframing), the choice of meaning need not be in your interest.

If a horse comes into a bar.

Ask the bartender: “Why such a long face?”

 

 

 

5. Stand behind your messages

 

For an authentic performance, you must stand behind what you say. So choose only humorous elements that suit you and feel right.

 

 

 

6. Analogies

 

Analogies can help to clarify complex relationships. This can also be done very humorously if it is accompanied by a surprise.

Analogies must be recognizable by your audience so that the listener understands the parallel between the story and the actual topic. By doing this, you make your competence clear and the content accessible to your audience without taking yourself unnecessarily seriously.

 

 

 

7. Word games

 

Use the magic of language. Play skillfully with the language. Surprising definitions or double meanings of terms and acronyms are ideal for this.

Rhyme you or I eat you. What rhymes are more likely to settle in our brain convolutions and have the potential to sound like humor.

 

 

 

8. Irony

 

Irony can sometimes be used with a wink of the eye. However, this is not entirely harmless.

 

 

 

9. Telling a great story

 

Stories connect you with your audience. By bringing a scene to life through a story, listeners experience what they otherwise only intellectually understand. If you weave inappropriate humor, you can encourage even the most difficult challenges.

 

 

 

10. Rhymes

 

What rhymes is easier for us to get into our brains and has the potential to sound like humor.

 

 

11. Don’t announce humor

 

Surprising elements have a better effect on the audience. “It’s getting funny now”, not only seems strange, but the laughter is also more likely to get stuck in the throat. Instead, weave humor into unusual moments.

 

 

 

12. Short irritations awaken the audience

 

When the audience has been sitting passively on their chairs for hours, which they feel are flickering 1,000 PowerPoint presentations over the beamer with the neon light, then the human brain switches to draught. These are not good prerequisites for you to convince with your message. Change that!

Have courage. If you cleverly irritate your audience for a moment, they will be all the more receptive afterward. To be on the safe side, I mention that the irritation is, of course, resolved again.

 

 

 

13. Witty humor is more effective than admonitions

 

Use subtlety instead of raised index fingers. Humor is more welcome than admonitions. And with a smile, you can say a lot. Laughter is contagious. Laughter creates positive feelings.

 

 

 

14. Do a test run before the world premiere

 

Test humorous elements several times and thoroughly. And above all, ask people who have a similar sense of humor like your target audience.

 

 

 

15. Humor is a holistic work of art

 

You compete as a speaker with the offerings of the entire Internet. Those who do not carry a smartphone with them in the audience will check their fingernails at some point. Today, people get bored quickly. Not every speech can easily make such exciting offers as Netflix & Co. And yet some speeches can be fascinating and moving. Humor contributes. Also, your performance is live and therefore something special, isn’t it?

For this to succeed, I remind you about an important aspect: Humor is usually a total work of art, in which content, language, timing, and also body language, as well as voice have essential parts. Present yourself!

 

 

 

16. Situational comedy

 

Spontaneous humor has a very special effect because it requires intelligence and sovereignty on the part of the performer. Opportunities to practice such forms of humor are offered by workshops, such as Professional Quick-Wittedness: Training for the quick professional response.

 

 

 

17. Quality

 

Does a horse come into a bar and ask the bartender: “Why such a long face?

Humor is a difficult subject in itself. Finding a joke that is not only funny but also has an intellectual quality is quite a challenge.

 

 

 

18. Analysis: Learn from the experiences

 

Learn from your practical experience. Systematically evaluate your experience with humor. For several years I had provided a series of workshops with very special humor and was able to observe the effects of small changes over several dozen performances. That was very interesting and educational. The evaluation also provided me with valuable ideas for other speeches. Even if you only have one performance, evaluate it afterward. Ask for constructive feedback. And decide what you want to pay attention to in the future.

 

 

 

19. Undesirable side effects

 

Jokes or intense humor can very easily distract and then bind attention. The audience stays with the entertainment element while you are about to say something relevant. Important parts of your message are then lost. A good humorous element supports the bot.

 

 

 

20. Develop your style

 

Humor has many forms. And yes, there are good reasons to use humor as support. For example, you can start with an anecdote or a short story. An in many cases an excellent idea! By the way, you learn this in the Presentation Skills Training II and Presentation Skills Training III as group training or in individual training with me.

Preparing Important Speeches and Presentations

 

 

The Art of Effective Communication

 

Those who do not speak are not heard, and even those who do speak are not always successful. True success in communication requires mastering a few additional, critical steps to ensure your message resonates.

 

 

Make Your Message Shine

 

Do you want your message to be convincing and your personality to shine? I can help you prepare your speeches and presentations to achieve exactly that. Whether you need comprehensive guidance or just a few tweaks, you decide the level of support that fits your needs. At a minimum, I recommend a test run with professional feedback to fine-tune both your delivery and your content. This helps you understand how you and your message are perceived, identify what works well, and determine areas for improvement.

 

 

Why Wait for Feedback?

 

Why wait until after your real performance to receive valuable feedback, when it's too late to adjust? Early preparation is key. As the saying goes: 'Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.' With thorough preparation, you will not only feel more confident but will also be well-equipped to make a lasting impact.

 

 

Tailored Support to Fit Your Goals

 

You can decide where the effort is most worthwhile, based on the expected benefits. I offer support covering all areas of effective communication, including psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical techniques, and the use of media like PowerPoint. My goal is to help you deliver a well-rounded, impactful presentation.

 

 

Flexible Meeting Options

 

Not in Berlin? No problem. We can meet via telephone or video call. Of course, visiting Berlin can also be an enriching experience, and I am happy to welcome you here.

 

 

Overcome Stage Fright

 

Many people struggle with intense stage fright, which can cause their performance to fall short of its true potential. With my guidance, you can overcome these challenges and deliver your best possible performance. Together, we'll turn anxiety into confidence, ensuring that your message and personality shine through.

Contact Me for More Information

 

If you have specific questions or want to know more about how I can help, just ask me directly. For questions that might interest others, please feel free to post them in the comments section below.

 

 

Looking for Professional Support?

 

If you're interested in coaching, training, or consulting, have organizational questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, the best way to reach me is through this contact form (where you can choose whether to provide your personal data) or by email at mail@karstennoack.com. You can find the privacy policy here.

 

 

Transparency and Frequently Asked Questions

 

Transparency is important to me. To help you get started, I've provided answers to frequently asked questions about myself (profile), the services I offer, fees, and the process of getting to know me. If you like what you see, I'd be delighted to work with you.

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

Remarks:

In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.

Professional Feedback: The Key to Impactful Presentations​

 

How Impactful Are Your Presentations?

 

How effective are you in your speeches and presentations? Are your skills strong in the 111+ essential areas of impactful presenting?

Since 1998, I have analyzed countless speeches and presentations. This extensive experience—including learning from my own mistakes—has given me a deep understanding of what works for different audiences.

Get the feedback you need to excel. With my help, you will receive actionable recommendations and insights that will allow you to connect with your audience and deliver your message effectively, regardless of the context.

 

Ready to Improve?

 

Interested? Here’s how you can receive valuable feedback to enhance your speeches and presentations.

 

P.S.

 

What do you think of humor in speeches and presentations?

1 Comment

  1. I often quote myself. It adds spice to my conversation.
    — George Bernard Shaw

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

When you submit this form, it will save the used name, email address, and content. Find out more in the privacy policy.


If I had no sense of humor, I would long ago have committed suicide. Mahatma Gandhi

Articles

Captivate Your Audience: Mastering Props in Presentations

So, I’ll see how much I want to hold back, because props are one of my favorites in speeches and presentations. When used thoughtfully, they work wonders on the audience.

The Opening of Your Pitch

The Opening of Your Pitch

The first few minutes of your pitch are critical. Carefully plan your opening, as these initial moments can make or break your presentation.

read more
Speech Anxiety: An Obstacle to Your Career

Speech Anxiety: An Obstacle to Your Career

Missing out on a promotion or leadership role—not due to a lack of skills, but because fear holds you back from speaking up. Speech anxiety, if left unchecked, can sabotage your career. But what if you could turn that fear into strength? This article will show you how to understand, manage, and overcome speech anxiety—so you can confidently seize every opportunity.

read more
The Art of Delivering a Speech: Why Reading Alone Won’t Cut It

The Art of Delivering a Speech: Why Reading Alone Won’t Cut It

Delivering a speech is more than just reading words off a page. It’s about making an authentic connection with your audience, leaving a lasting impression, and bringing the words to life with energy and enthusiasm. In this guide, we’ll explore why preparation and effective delivery are crucial to making your speech resonate.

read more
Create an excellent speech or presentation as a masterpiece

Create an excellent speech or presentation as a masterpiece

Create an excellent speech or presentation. It will bring you forward as a presenter. Every speaker should make a brilliant speech at least once in his life. The effect goes far beyond the event because the experience becomes a mental reference. Such an experience will change you as a speaker. Create your rhetorical masterpiece. Here is how to do it.

read more

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 27, 2019
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: November 19th, 2024
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#124

error: Copyright