Some consider humor to be the Holy Grail of public speaking. The old adage, ‘Always start with a joke’, endures like no other. Behind this is the idea that a well-timed gag will win over any audience and open them up to your message. But the role of comedy in public speaking is far more complex and subtle than this phrase would have you believe. 

1. Introduction to Humor in Public speaking
Public Speaking Skills

2. Prepared By
TM Manu Melwin Joy
Kerala Toastmasters
Area – G3,Division G
District 92, India.
Phone – 9744551114
Mail – manu_melwinjoy@yahoo.com
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3. Humor in public speaking
• Some consider humor to be the
Holy Grail of public speaking. The
old adage, ‘Always start with a joke’,
endures like no other. Behind this is
the idea that a well-timed gag will
win over any audience and open
them up to your message. But the
role of comedy in public speaking is
far more complex and subtle than
this phrase would have you believe.

5. Humor in public speaking
• For any person who must
speak in public or private,
to business or pleasure
groups, humor is an
invaluable indispensable
tool for getting your
message across.

6. 'Business executives and political leaders have
embraced humor because humor works. Humor
has gone from being an admirable part of a
leader's character to a mandatory one.‘
– Bob Orben, Special Assistant to President Gerald Ford
and Former Director of the White House Speech
writing Department.

7. Why Use Humor?
• People will enjoy what
you have to say if it is
presented with humor.
• You will be appreciated for
providing heartfelt
laughter; laughter that has
therapeutic effects on
listeners.

8. Why Use Humor?
• If you are in a situation
where important and
perhaps controversial
ideas must be presented
to less than open minds,
humor allows those ideas
to be presented in a non-
threatening manner.
• Abraham Lincoln was
famous for his ability to
relate humorous stories to
make a point.

9. Why Use Humor?
• You will be remembered,
talked about; your
reputation as a truly
great speaker will be
enhanced and spread
about.