Funny Speeches: Humor Speaks for Itself

Series Summary

People have been making speeches in front of groups since mankind has been able to communicate. Public speaking refers to giving speeches with the intention of informing audiences about certain topics or persuading listeners to agree with various opinions. From U.S. presidents to members of the local Rotary Club, speakers utilize public speaking skills when addressing audiences. Though public speaking styles have changed over time, the basic elements are timeless. In learning to speak in public, we obtain relevant skills that enrich our ability to communicate clearly in other social situations as well.

In this free video series, professional speaker and communications instructor Tracy Goodwin offers tips on public speaking, explaining the skills and training necessary to give a funny speech. Tracy will help you recognize your personal style, what is appropriate for your audience and the uniqueness of each situation. She will also advise you about brevity, spontaneity, relevance and eye contact. Tracy will get you ready to prepare and deliver a humorous speech, while also giving you valuable lessons that are universally applicable to all public speaking situations.

Video Transcript

"Now, the next thing you want to do is let the humor speak for itself. And what I mean by that is: you're telling a joke, you're telling a story, you're telling an anecdote- whatever it is that you're doing that's funny let that be it. Let that be funny on its own. You don't need to then elaborate on, 'Well wasn't that funny because, (you know) like my aunt really was my cousin's sister. You know, I mean isn't that funny?' Don't continue to elaborate or even talk about the elements of the humor. Let them stand alone. Tell the funny story, that's done move on. Tell the anecdote, that's done move on; or the joke, or whatever it is. Don't elaborate on the front end or the back end of the humorous element."