1. Speaking to Entertain …to relax your audience by providing them with a
pleasant listening experience

2. Usually… A lighter tone Not technical or argumentative
Supporting materials chosen for entertainment value

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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…

6. Remember…
Humor can be difficult even for the most accomplished speakers.