06 Mar 2008
Think Funny!
We were all once asked to give presentations, whether at schools, universities or later on at our workplaces. Giving presentations is an important and vital step for character-building and enhancement. Thus, people who have been trained to perform such an activity since their childhood, face no difficulty in delivering speeches or presentations. However, sometimes there are individuals who would say that "they do just fine when they are having one-on-one encounters; it's just speaking in front of the public that makes them nervous."
A very useful tip for those who find themselves in the second category: Try to be funny. It really helps.
Sandra Schrift, a speaker and business success coach, does not doubt that having humor in our lives increases rapport strengthens our relationships and overcomes communication barriers. She, moreover, adds that productivity and creativity at the workplace are highly affected by a positive and playful environment.
Here are some of the tips she suggested in her article "Using Humor in Presentations, Ten Fun Ways to Liven up Any Presentation"
1. Open with a humorous story. . "Remember the time the lights went out and I fell off the stage. I wasn’t hurt and quickly say; now I will take questions from the floor. I’m at my best when taking questions in the dark. " Before you can be funny, you must learn to see funny. Find the humor around you, in your life every day. The lady who takes an aisle seat rather than sit next to the window . . . doesn’t want to mess up her hair. Practice telling the story out loud, and cut out any parts that aren't crucial. As Shakespeare so wisely said, "Brevity is the soul of wit."
2. Use props (candy bars, hats, funny faces, etc.) Props can be used as a metaphor or an analogy for a point you are introducing. They get your creative juices working while providing an anchor for your audience to focus on.
3. Cartoons- use your own or others, a picture saves 1000 words. Put cartoons on an overhead or use as part of a PowerPoint presentation.
4. Humor - should be relevant to your topic. Tom Peters said, I deeply believe in humor; not in jokes. Humor is spectacular. Humor relieves anxiety and tension, serves as outlet for hostility and anger, and provides a healthy escape from reality. It lightens heaviness related to critical illness, trauma, disfigurement, and death. It comes as no surprise that many people are utilizing humor to deal with the trying times. But is the humor timely? Is it appropriate?
Do not use ethnic, racist, political or religious jokes. Include a joke that helps bring back the attention of the audience or as a way to lighten up your remarks. We all can use a good laugh from a well timed, funny joke.
5. Self effacing humor- it is better to admit you made a mistake than to admit that you are one.
6. Mime- Marcel Marceau, a well-known mime artist, makes us laugh and moves us. Charlie Chaplin was an all time great comedian without using the spoken word.
7. Move Your Body,try lifting your nose, look off to the side, jut out the bottom of your jaw, and notice how you become arrogant or aloof. The use of body movements will help to visually enhance your remarks.
8. Repetitive oral recitation- "Repeat after me, if you can see funny, you can be funny. "Repeat a particular sentence throughout your presentation to encourage audience retention.
9. Use taped music for a stretch break. Get the audience to sing a funny song. Pass out words to a song. Lighten up your attendees have some fun and your audience retention will increase. Don’t be afraid to be theatrical or silly. It’s why we pay actors the big bucks; and your audiences won’t forget you. Be outrageous. It’s the only place that isn’t crowded.
10. Group exercise - a fun way to conclude your presentation is to use a group exercise. Use the football huddle to get the group to repeat a cheer or an affirmation to take some action.
Therefore, next time you give a presentation, keep those points in mind. And remember when you feel good and funny, this will be reflected on your audience. No one is asking you to be a clown or a stand-up comedian. All you have to do is to cheer up and cheer others up, as well. You will see what a great result you will end up having. Even if your audience is very rigid, you will manage to break the ice.
Eman Zaitoon
AGCON Webmaster
AGCON
Reference: Sandra Schrift,"Using Humor in Presentations, Ten Fun Ways to Liven up Any Presentation"