Some speakers say, “I could never use humor in my speech; I just don’t feel comfortable with it.”

I believe that anyone can use humor and that it is a valuable tool in speaking.

Appropriate humor relaxes an audience and makes it feel more comfortable with you as the speaker; humor can bring attention to the point you are making; and humor will help the audience better remember your point.

It can break down barriers so that the audience is more receptive to your ideas.

First, let me make it easy for you to use humor. The best and most comfortable place to find humor for a speech is from your own personal experience.

Think back on an embarrassing moment that you might have thought not funny at the time. Now that you can laugh at the experience, you understand the old adage “Humor is simply tragedy separated by time and space.”

Or think of a conversation that was funny. Remember the punch line and use it in your speech.

Probably the least risky use of humor is a cartoon. The cartoon is separate from you and if people don’t laugh, you
don’t feel responsible. (Be sure to secure permission to use it.)

You’re not trying to be a comedian; you just want to make it easy for people to pay attention and to help them remember
your point.

Here are some suggestions on using humor to make your next speech have more impact.

1. Make sure the humor is funny to you.

If you don’t laugh or smile at the cartoon, joke, pun, one-liner, story, or other forms of humor, then you certainly cannot expect an audience to do so.

A key to using humor is only using humor that makes you laugh or smile.

2. Before using humor in your speech, try it out with small groups of people.

Do they seem to enjoy it? Even if your experimental group does not laugh or smile initially, don’t give up on the humor, because the problem might be in the way you are delivering the joke or quip.

I often use this line in talking about the importance of listening. “We are geared to a talk society. Someone said, ‘The only reason we listen is so we can talk next!’”

When I first tried that line, people did not smile; but I worked on the timing so that I paused and smiled after “listen” and that seemed to work.

I was rushing through the punch line and did not give people time to be prepared for the humorous part. It took practice to get comfortable with the piece of humor.

Only use humor in a speech after you are comfortable telling it from memory and have tested it.

3. Make sure the humor relates to the point you are making.

Do not use humor that is simply there to make the audience laugh. The humor should tie in with some aspect of your speech.

For example, I tell about my experience of getting braces at age 46 and how difficult it was for me to get used to
the wires and rubber bands in my mouth.

After I tell the story I make the point that you may have not had the braces problem I had, but we all have
challenges in communicating well, and what we want to look at today are ways of making it easier for us to be more
effective in speaking.

The audience enjoys the story but also remembers the point that I’m making. If you don’t tie your humor to your presentation, the audience may like the humor, but will wonder what point you are attempting to make.

4. Begin with something short. A starting point might be to summarize a cartoon and give the caption as your humor.

A thought-provoking yet clever line about a point you are making is another way to get started.

For example, when I talk about creativity and getting out of your comfort zone, a line I found that worked well was, “Orville Wright did not have a pilot’s license.”

In your reading, look for lines that make you smile; consider how they might be used in your next speech.

Be careful about launching into a long humorous story–audiences are quick to forgive a single line that may not be funny, but they do not have much patience with a long anecdote that isn’t worth the time.

So start out with brief bits of humor.

5. When possible, choose humor that comes from people you interact with. You do not have to worry about people having heard it before, and you will feel more comfortable with what has happened to you.

Find such experiences by looking for a humorous line or situation. For example, I was making a bank deposit recently at a drive-in window.

When I asked to make a second deposit, the teller said solemnly, “I’m sorry, sir, but you’ll have to go around the bank a second time to make a second deposit.”

We both laughed and I may have a line to work into a speech. If you have small children, listen for something they say that might be funny to an audience as well.

Art Linkletter made a great living on the notion that “Kids say the darndest things.”

6. Don’t preview by saying, “Let me tell you a funny story.” Let the audience decide for themselves.

Look pleasant and smile as you launch into your funny line, but if no one smiles or laughs then just move on as though
you meant for it to be serious.

This approach takes the pressure off as you relate the humor.

Remember you are not a comedian entertaining the audience; you are a serious speaker seeking to help the audience remember and pay attention by using humor as a tool.

Humor is simply another way of making a point with your audience, and it can help you be a more effective speaker.

Look at humor as a tool in improving your speech in the manner of attention devices, smooth transitions, and solid
structure.

Remember, “A smile is a curve that straightens out a lot of things.”

Stephen D. Boyd is a professor of speech communication at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky. He works with organizations that want to speak and listen more effectively to increase personal and professional performance. He can be reached at 800-727-6520 or visit http://www.sboyd.com for free articles and resources to
improve your communication skills.

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Right from childhood the best learning we have had has taken place through grandma tales, or reading stories through books or stories narrated to us in schools and by friends. We remember them better than the thousands of lectures and classes we have attended.

So what are the elements of a powerful story and how does it work?

A story is woven around a situation. You need an interesting situation where the protagonist is up against seemingly insurmountable odds. The story should leave out mundane details of what our heroes dress or the chronology and focus solely on the situation he is confronted with, which throws his life out of balance. The focus should be on the emotional elements, the struggle and stratagem to overcome the adversity and how he wins in the end. Don’t we all like the prince to fight the dragon and carry away the princess and live happily ever after?

The situation need not always be good against evil or win vs. lose. They could be funny, humorous, tragic, situational, or just a corporate incident. It only needs to be infused with the right emotion.

Establish the situation quickly

If it takes ages for you to come to the point, you have lost the audience. The situation must be established in the first minute. Remember you are not writing for a magazine or a blockbuster novel. You are narrating to a live audience already on the borderlines of boredom. If you do not kindle their interest immediately you would have pushed them over the edge with negative consequences.

Bring emotion into your own presentation.

The story must be narrated with all emotion and drama. If you drone on in a flat monotone howsoever powerful the story might be the impact is lost. Bring variation with voice pitch, right pauses and modulation. The right pauses should make your audience hang on to every word with anticipation and excitement.

Be creative

Telling the right story to the right audience at the right moment is the key. Don’t tell a story just for variation or a little diversion. Plan your presentation and design the story creatively to drive home the message.

This perhaps is the difference between an excellent trainer and an average one. The top trainers plan their stories and weave it perfectly into the presentation. The average trainers know a lot of stories and tell one whenever he feels the audience is bored without creating the desired impact. The story becomes more of a filler than a powerful tool.

The Closing

The closing is the key to create impact. If you go into lengthy explanations about the morale the impact may be lost. Leave it with a dramatic end leaving the audience to come to their own inferences. Right from a child of a few years humankind is bestowed with a brilliant and interpretative mind and they come to the right conclusions. The best way to close is with a bit of mystery or a one line explanation leaving the lessons to sink in.

Here’s an illustrative story with most of the elements described.

The Story of the Fierce Giant

Once upon a time in a land far away, there lived an enormous giant. He was at least ten feet tall, with a mop of red hair and a beard, and in his hand he carried a mighty axe. Every year on the same day, at the same time, the giant would walk down from the mountains which were his home , to stand outside the castle walls, terrorizing the inhabitants.

‘Come send me your bravest man, and Iwill fight him,’ the giant would shout, towering over the wall and waving his axe menacingly. ‘Send me someone to fight , or I will knock down your castle walls and kill everyone with my axe.’

And every year, the gate in the castle wall would open slowly and fearfully, and one poor, valiant soul would walk out to Face the foe and certain death.

‘Is this the best you can do?’ the giant would laugh mockingly. The poor wretch would stand, mesmerized by the enormity of the giant and the task in hand. Not one person had even managed to draw his sword, before the giant would crush him with his mighty fist, and chop them into tiny pieces with his axe.

But then one day, a young prince arrived in the town. ‘Why does everyone here look so frightened and sad?’ he asked a fellow traveler.

‘You haven’t seen the giant yet,’ replied the traveler.

‘What giant?’ asked the young prince, intrigued.

The traveler told him the tale.

‘Every year, on this very day, the giant arrives and challenges our bravest to a duel. And every year, he slays them exactly where they stand. They don’t even move or draw their swords. It’s as though the giant hypnotizes them.’

‘We’ll see about that.’ Said the young prince.

When the giant arrived later that day, he was waiting for him.

‘Come send me your bravest man, and I will fight him,’ the giant shouted.

‘I am here,’ said the young prince, throwing open the gate and striding out towards him. For a moment they stood and faced each other. Although he was still a long way from him, the young prince was instantly struck by the sheer size and shocking appearance of his opponent.

But summoning up all his courage, he started to walk towards the giant, brandishing his sword, and never taking his eyes off that dreadful face with the red hair and the red beard.

Suddenly he realized that as he was walking, the giant-rather than appearing larger ­ actually began to shrink before his very eyes. He stopped and stared. The giant was only five feet tall.

He walked closer to him still then stopped and stared. Now the giant was only two feet tall. He continued walking until he was face to face with the giant, and each step he took , he saw the giant shrink. By now the giant was so small, that he looked up at the young prince . He was only 12 inches tall.

The young prince took his sword, and plunged it into the giant ‘s heart. As the giant lay dying on the ground , the young prince bent down and whispered to him, ‘who are you ?’

With his dyeing breath , the giant replied, ‘My name is Fear.’

The aim of all presentation and training is to bring about change.

There is no better method of creating at least the acceptance of the idea of change than a dramatic powerful story told well.

To Win Forum an organization dedicated to success training. He has an experience spanning two decades in sales & marketing and general management functions in India. Please check out his profile and programs at http://borntowinforum.com

He is now a professional trainer focused on personal effectiveness and motivational training. You can contact him for internet marketing strategies and training at b2wforum@yahoo.co.in

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Technorati Tags: fear of speaking in public, speak without fear, speaking for business

“I can’t believe I agreed to do this speech.

Look at all those people out there!

My knees are shaking so much my pants are vibrating.

My stomach feels like I just went over the top on a roller coaster.

My heart is beating so fast and hard my tie is jumping.

I just want to scream and run away!”

Speaking in public is often cited as the number one fear of adults.

The Book of Lists places death in fifth place while public speaking ranks first.

Jerry Seinfeld said, “That would mean at a funeral, people are five times more likely to want to be in the casket than
giving the eulogy.”

Let’s look at some techniques to deal with the anxiety and give an excellent presentation. The methods are divided
into the acronym P.R.E.P.A.R.E.

Preparation ­ The foundation of a good speech is built on the 6 “W’s” of effective journalism. You must determine:

• Who is your audience?
• What are your key points?
• When are you speaking; how long?
• Where is the speech; physical surroundings?
• Why should the audience listen to you?
• How are you going to present?

In an effective speech you can only deliver 3 to 4 main ideas.

Think about your audience, the amount of time you have, what media you are using to support your presentation and the physical surroundings.

Decide on the essential ideas vital for understanding your topic. These are your key points. Make a comprehensive outline with supporting detail, quotes and graphics.

Rehearse ­ Practice is essential. Begin by reading through the detailed outline of your speech.

Check your timing during this rehearsal. When you are comfortable with the material, move on to a Key-word outline. Don’t attempt to memorize the entire speech word for word.

Keep practicing with your Key-word outline until you are familiar with the material and its sequence. Mark Twain said, “It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.”

That is the effect you are working toward ­ a conversational, impromptu style, but with thorough knowledge of the material.

Watch yourself in a mirror. Observe your facial expressions and gestures. Recheck the timing of your talk.

If possible video tape yourself or have someone you trust listen to you practice.

Ask them to tell you what you’re doing right as well as give suggestions for improvement.

Accept their criticism gracefully, even if you don’t agree with them.

Entry ­ Launching your presentation is as important as the takeoff of an airplane. If the liftoff fails, the rest of the trip becomes irrelevant.

Determine how you are going to start your speech and commit the first several lines to memory.

An excellent beginning includes telling the audience why they want to listen. What is the benefit to them?

If you are particularly nervous, look for a sympathetic face and talk to that person for several moments.

Do not begin with an apology… “I didn’t have much time to prepare this talk.” Or “I’m not really very good at giving
speeches.” Starting with a negative makes the audience uncomfortable.

Remember you feel more anxious than you look. Convert your nervous energy into enthusiasm and launch your speech positively.

Posturing ­ Your body is a tool. Learn to use it effectively. Find your center of balance. Your feet should be firmly planted about shoulder width apart.

Hold your shoulders back and chin up. Stand calmly, being careful not to fidget or sway. Let your hands rest by your sides.

Make your movements purposeful. If you make a gesture with your hands, let them return to the resting position by your side.

Don’t wander around the room. If you want to go to a different location ­ go there and then stop. Speak to one person at a time and maintain eye contact.

Your voice has volume, tone and pace. Realize you will speak faster and at a higher pitch than you did when you were
rehearsing. Be aware of this tendency.

Talk lower and slower. Speak loudly enough so everyone in the room can hear you, but not so loudly the people in the
front rows are covering their ears.

Audience ­ Know to whom you are talking. Don’t be like William Safire who said, “Is sloppiness in speech caused by
ignorance or apathy? I don’t know and I don’t care.”

What does your audience know about the topic? Try and anticipate their questions. During the presentation, seek reactions, questions and concerns. This makes you appear accessible and allows you to move through the topic with your audience following along closely.

If possible greet audience members as they arrive. Ask why they came or about their interests in the topic. Adjust
your presentation plans to better meet their needs.

Finally keep in mind the audience is not your enemy – they want you to succeed. Nobody came to watch you flail or fail. Engage people and make them partners in your successful talk.

Relax ­ Remember the physical reactions you experience in front of a group are normal.

When confronted with a stimulating situation the body resorts to the “fight” or “flight” response. Your pulse increases. Adrenaline releases into your bloodstream. Your body prepares for a physical response but you have to stay put!

Sometimes your mind generates negative thoughts. Michael Pritchard said, “Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed.” Deal with the fear by building a solid foundation (know your topic!) and feeling confident in your message.

Take a few deep breaths. Mild exercise or stretching can disperse some of the anxious energy. Smile.

Ending ­ Like the touchdown of an airplane, your presentation must be landed correctly.

Begin the end by summarizing your key points. Next ask for audience questions and clarify any remaining issues. Then make your closing statement, which should encourage some action.

What do you want the audience to do? Memorizing the last few lines ensures a strong close. Finally smile and nod your head.

If the thought of speaking in public makes you anxious, you probably will be. However if you P.R.E.P.A.R.E., the
level of your anxiety will be lower and you will deliver a better, more effective speech.

Who knows, you may find you like giving the eulogy better than being in the casket!

Richard Highsmith is a senior instructor for The Leader’s Institute. He has twenty-five years experience
training and coaching. To learn more about becoming a Fearless Presenter visit our website at

http://www.fearlessandpersuasivespeaking.com

Recommended Reading

• The Key Elements of Effective Leadership Strategies
• Successful Leaders Enable Their Employees By Providing Leadership Strategies For Free!
• Employee Centered Leadership Mastermind Groups Promote Growth
• The Most Effective Combo For Company Profits; Business Management Together With Leadership Strategies
• Genuine Leaders Gratefully Accept The Burden of Total Accountability
• Do You Know These Five Virtually Unknown Traits Of Effective Leadership Strategies?
• Increase Your Influence As A Leader

Technorati Tags: fear of speaking in public, leaders give speeches, speak without fear, speaker training, speaking for business, toastmasters

The Presentation After the Presentation

Allowing the audience to ask questions after your presentation is an excellent way to reinforce your message and to continue to sell your ideas.

In addition, because listeners can ask for clarification, audience members are less likely to leave your presentation with misconceptions about the concepts you delivered.

Because of these benefits, the question and answer period is actually another presentation and vital to most speaking situations.

Here are some suggestions to more effectively handle the question and answer period. Create the right mental set among your listeners by telling them early in the presentation that you will have a question and answer period at the end of your speech.

If you have an introducer, tell that person to mention your willingness to answer questions at the end of the presentation. People are more likely to ask questions if you tell them at the beginning that they will have this opportunity.

Show that you want queries. Say, “Who has the first question?” Look expectant after you ask the question. If no question is asked, prime the pump by asking a question. Say, “A question I’m often asked is…” Ask the question and then answer it. If there are then no questions, you can finish with “Are there any other questions?”

Some of the enthusiasm for your presentation is lost if you have no questions from the audience. Usually, priming the pump will motivate audience members to ask questions.

Look at the person asking the question, and repeat it, especially if there is a large audience or if you need a moment to think. By repeating the question you also insure you understood what the person asked. However, do not continue looking at the person once you start to answer the question.

Remember that you are still in a public speaking situation and that the whole audience should hear your answer– not just the person who asked the question. In addition, continue to stand where you are equally distant from all members of your audience.

Avoid the temptation to move directly to the person who asked the question. Visually this will make the rest of the audience feel left out. As you end your answer, look back at the person and his/her facial expression will tell if you answered the question satisfactorily.

Keep your answer concise and to the point. Don’t give another speech. The audience will be bored if you take too long to answer a question. In addition, possibly the only person interested in the answer is the one who asked the question! If you can answer with a yes or no, then do so. This keeps the tempo moving and will help keep the audience”s attention.

One of the toughest challenges is the loaded question. Don’t answer a loaded question; defuse it before you answer. Before answering a question such as, “What are you doing with all the money you are making from increased prices?” defuse it by saying, “I understand your frustration with the recent rate increase. I believe what you are asking is, “Why such a sudden increase in rates?”

Then answer that question. You only get into arguments when you allow yourself to answer the loaded question. If the person is not satisfied with the changing of the question’s wording, tell him or her that you will be glad to talk about it
following the question and answer period and move quickly to the next question.

Sometimes you will have a listener raise his or her hand and instead of asking a question will make an extended comment– or a speech. This person has no question. A way to handle this is to watch the person”s speaking rate, and when he or she takes a moment for a breath interrupt with “Thanks for your comment. Next question?”

Look to the other side of the room and the long-winded speaker is not sure whether you interrupted him or whether you really thought he or she was finished. Do not allow the person to continue with the “speech” because it will deprive other members of the audience of the opportunity to ask questions.

Don”t evaluate questions. Avoid saying “That was a great question,” or “Good question.” If the next person asks a question and you give no positive adjective, then the person may think you did not approve of the question and that could stifle others from asking questions.

If you want to affirm a specific question, simply say, “Thanks for asking that question.” Make everyone feel equally good about asking questions.

Consider having your conclusion after the question and answer period. This technique allows you to control the end of your time in front of the audience.

Instead of the last question, the audience receives your prepared and planned conclusion. Say, “Before I make some concluding remarks, who has a question to ask?” Then when you take the amount of time you want for the question and answer period, go back to your conclusion.

Thus you can end in a positive and upbeat way rather than trailing off with “So if there are no further questions, I guess that’s it…”

Always maintain control of the speaking situation. When you open your presentation for audience participation, there are risks of losing control. Anticipate the unexpected. Plan ahead as much as possible. Look at your content and think about likely questions the audience will ask.

Prepare your own questions to ask. Don”t be afraid to say, “I don’t know,” and move on to the next question (You might add that you will be glad to get back to them with an answer at a later time). Be up front with a questioner if you think the question is not relevant and in a kind way say so.

Your response might be, “Actually, that question doesn’t the fit the context of our discussion.” Work hard not to lose your temper with someone who is trying to make you look bad by the question asked.

Remember that many speaking situations really involve two presentations: the formal presentation and the question and answer period. Insure success with both presentations by using these techniques for the question and answer period.