The Unexpected Power of Humour in Public Speaking

🔍Imagine yourself at a business conference. Stuck in a sea of suits, listening to a speaker who's as dry as the Sahara desert.

They're knowledgeable, articulate, and just a bit too serious. You're starting to fall asleep, but then…

They drop a joke like a mic drop, and suddenly the vibe completely shifts.

People visibly seem to relax. You sit up straight. Your shoulders relax. The energy is electric and the connection is real.

That's the magic of being funny when speaking in public. No matter who you’re addressing, humour can be your superpower.

It's not just about telling jokes - it's about buillding rapport, easing tension, and making your message unforgettable.

Let's dive into how sparkling wit can be leveraged to leave a lasting impression that will get people talking long after you're done speaking.

😹Why Humour Works😹

 
First, let’s consider why humour works. Surprise 😮there are deep psychological and scientific roots here.

When we laugh, we release dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone, which makes us feel more connected, receptive, and open to new ideas.

When you add a bit of humour into your speech, this builds trust. People are more likely to listen to you, engage with your message, and remember your key points if they associate you with positive emotions.

Humour provides a universal connection. It humanises you and makes you more relatable.

It can help break down hierarchies, build rapport and make leaders seem more approachable. Everyone can feel engaged and comfortable speaking up.

🎤How to Use Humour Effectively🎤

To maximise funniness in your speeches, timing and delivery are key.

Luckily, it’s not all about being a stand-up comedian. You aren’t a clown 🤡 - simply there to perform for others.

It’s all about using wit strategically.

Here’s how…

⌛Start with Timing

• Why it works: The moment you choose to inject humour can make all the difference. Pausing before the punchline or after delivering an impactful point gives the audience time to absorb your message.

• How to do it: Practice pacing your delivery. Don’t rush to the punchline - let it build naturally.

 🤝Use Humour to Build Rapport

• Why it works: Humour can breakdown barriers and help you to connect with your audience. When you share a laugh, you create a sense of unity and mutual understanding, making the audience like you.

• How to do it: Start with a light, relatable observation. For example, a funny comment about the event or setting - or a self-deprecating anecdote can work - as long as it’s genuine.

💥Humour in the Face of Adversity

• Why it works: Public speaking can be intimidating and naturally sometimes things can go wrong. Maybe your technology fails or you misstep on a key point. Funniness helps diffuse tension in these scenarios.

• How to do it: If you feel tension building - or that people are switching off - throw in a quick, light joke that relates to what you're talking about. This can also help to relieve your own nerves.

✔️Highlight Key Points

• Why it works: Wit can help make your main message stick. People are more likely to remember a clever joke or funny anecdote than a statistic or fact.

• How to do it: After you deliver a key point, follow it up with a relevant, light-hearted remark that ties back to the message. This will make your speech stay in people’s minds.

📲Stay Authentic and On-Message

• Why it works: If you’re trying too hard or forcing a joke, it’s obvious, and it can undermine your credibility.

• How to do it: Keep your jokes in line with your personality and message. Don’t fake it!

😶When Not to be Funny😶

There are times when you should never ever EVER use humour. Here are a few scenarios where it's best to keep the jokes on the shelf:

1. Sensitive Topics: If you're discussing serious issues like loss, tragedy, or social injustices, humour can come across as insensitive. Don’t go there.

2. Formal Settings: In very formal or traditional settings, like a funeral or a formal ceremony, humour might not be appropriate. Assess wisely.

3. Cultural Differences: Be mindful of cultural differences. What's funny in one culture might not be in another. Always consider your audience's background and values.

4. When You're Not Sure: If you're unsure how your jokes will be received, it's better to err on the side of caution 🚫

🥜In a Nutshell🥜

Humour isn’t just about getting laughs. It’s a tool for building relationships and easing tension.

Whether you’re in a boardroom, a classroom, or on stage, a well-timed joke can be the difference between a forgettable speech and one that leaves a lasting impact.

Inject humour where it works and you’ll find that people not only remember your message - they’ll be more likely to connect with it, and with you.

Until next time,
Hannah🌟

🎆Did You Know?🎆

🧠 Humour activates different parts of the brain such as the temporo-occipito-parietal junction (TOPJ) which is involved with incongruity resolution. Another set of areas, called the mesolimbic regions, are linked to reward processing.

📚 Studies have shown that humour can enhance learning. Research indicates that using humour to teach material significantly increased students' overall performance on exams, particularly at the knowledge and comprehension levels.

🎓 Studies have found that participants were significantly more likely to remember humourous sentences than non-humourous ones in both free-recall and cued-recall tests.