Public Speaking Course:

Parody

The definition of a parody, which is taught in my public speaking course, is a funny imitation of a person, event, song or serious piece of writing. I have a lot of fun doing parodies in my presentations and getting the audience to do them with me.

I usually do a parody of a recognizable song and change the words to be funny. I get the audience members to sing along with me by putting the words in their handouts or giving out a song sheet. (The song sheet method is great to because it keeps the whole segment hidden so I can surprise them.) I get the words to customize the song from my pre-program research and assemble them in a funny way.

Just take a common song everyone knows, like Mary Had a Little Lamb, change the words, and then sing it either by yourself or get the audience to sing along. Getting the audience singing along is a great way to interact and get them involved.

*Parody is generally protected from copyright infringement, but get competent legal advice before using this technique.

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