Speaking to Entertain …to relax your audience by providing them with a pleasant listening experience
Usually… A lighter tone Not technical or argumentative Supporting materials chosen for entertainment value
Why use humor? Provides special insight into topic Shows that you have a “complete mastery of your subject” Makes a dull message more interesting and effective
Requirements for Humor Levity (quality of being light) Originality (put your own stamp on the common…and test it out first) Appropriateness (to audience, speaker and occasion)
Three Rules for humor… Be light, original and appropriate (don’t try to be funny) Wait for laughter to subside before resuming If no laughter, keep going…
Remember… Humor can be difficult even for the most accomplished speakers.