"They laughed when I started to speak... and that was a great relief." Those were the words Ann relayed to me after her presentation. Ann was asked to deliver a rather serious presentation, and of course, she wanted to be taken seriously.
During our coaching sessions, it was apparent that her topic and delivery style were so serious that it was actually self-defeating. People can only take so much "intensity" without requiring a release or a chance to catch their breath. As a presenter, if you don't provide this release, listeners will often stop istening. They may look like they're listening, but we've become great actors and actresses.
Incorporating effective humor is a skill well worth honing. In fact, often one of the best times to deliver a serious point is right after people laugh. Consider virtually any movie you've seen where something serious or sad happens – someone is diagnosed with a disease, someone dies, someone loses his or her job, etc. It almost always occurs right after a scene that caused you to laugh. Movie producers know that this method intensifies the seriousness of the situation. It works for them, and here are five simple ways to incorporate humor into your presentations:
Tip #1. Skip the joke books—look at your life.
Your listeners want to know about you. Consider humorous incidents from your own life. Perhaps they were not funny when they occurred, but you can laugh at them now. If you can laugh at it, chances are your audience will, too. To generate some ideas, finish this sentence: "One of the most embarrassing things that has happened to me is..."
Tip #2. Maintain a Humor/Story File.
It can be difficult to think of funny stories under the pressure of a presentation deadline, so start a "Humor/Story File" now and start noting your daily life experiences. Don’t worry about what point an experience might make or if you’ll ever share it. You never know when an item will fit perfectly into a future
presentation. If something causes you to laugh, even in retrospect, write it down and add it to your file. Set a goal to add three stories every week. Carry a pen with you so you're always ready.
Tip #3. Have a point.
I have witnessed too many executives start their presentations with a joke or funny story, receive a good laugh, and then leave the audience wondering the purpose of telling the story. Remember that your goal is not to be the next Jay Leno, but to increase the impact of your message.
For example, there is an old story about a lady named Mary, who desperately wanted to win the lottery. Every week Mary would pray, "Lord, please let me win the lottery." Then she would listen to the radio for the winning name, but no luck. Her prayers continued for weeks, but still no luck. In desperation, Mary asked, "Lord, why won't you let me win just once?" The heavens roared and a mighty voice replied, "Mary, meet me halfway -- buy a ticket!" This story will typically get a good laugh, and when it does, it's time to convey the more serious point of telling it. You might say something like, "If you want to increase your odds of winning the lottery, you must take action and buy a ticket. And if you want to increase your chances of achieving your goals and dreams, you must take action and increase the number of steps you take in their direction."
Tip #4. If in doubt, leave it out.
Your humor should never be at the expense of others. Period.
Tip #5. Practice your delivery.
Tell your story several times until you tell it the best way possible. Sneak stories into conversations and note how people react. Transition into your story with a phrase such as, "That reminds me of the time . . ." or "Let me share a story . . ." Don't start with, "Tell me if you think this is funny..." or "Here's a joke..."
