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Public Speaking Course:

Humor Delivery Tips

(if you don't use what is taught in my public speaking course, just start passing out the pillows and blankets at the beginning of your presentation, cause your audience will need them)

  • Do not EVER repeat a punch line! Once the punch line is revealed, the joke is done. I'll say it  again, don't ever repeat any of your punch lines. Don't EVER repeat a punch line. Don't EVER repeat a punch line. NEVER EVER repeat a punch line. 
  • OK, with that said, here's an exception to this rule. At a later time in your speech, if you had a joke or punch line that died a horrible death, you can call it back to make fun of yourself. Being able to laugh at yourself is also part of knowing what you learned in your public speaking course.
  • Try not to signal your upcoming punch line. If the humor in your punch line depends upon the words "broken truck", don't say the following: "Did you hear the one about the broken truck? "
  • It is imperative that you memorize your punch line. You should be able to awaken out of a deep sleep and without hesitation, deliver your punch line accurately. Give all the facts necessary for the joke to make sense. The humor is lost if you leave out the necessary details. Knowing how to properly tell a joke is another part to my public speaking course.
  • Use the fewest words possible to get to your punch line. Brevity is truly the soul of wit (never use a worn out cliché either). The longer the joke, the funnier it needs to be.
  • NEVER, EVER explain your joke. If the audience doesn't understand, it's your fault for not telling the joke right or telling it to the wrong audience. 
  • Don't walk around too much when telling a joke or story. I walk, but I stop when important points are being made and when I'm delivering a punch line to add extra emphasis.
  • If you use notes, highlight or mark upcoming jokes or stories so they don't sneak up on you. They will need special emphasis.
  • Practice! Practice! Practice! I tell a joke or story 30 to 50 times in practice before I use it in a presentation. using the skills learned in my public speaking course in this area involves hours and hours of practice before you "Go Live" in front of an audience, always be prepared to give your best.

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