Public Speaking Course:

Why use Humor?

You might ask why you should add funny material to your speech? You might be wondering "Can't I just say my information and then sit down"? Of course you can do it that way if you want to and most presenters do. The problem is most people are not effective speakers, and they do not use the skills taught in my public speaking course.
They are "nighty nite", sleep inducing, say your prayers, hit the sack, unlicensed hypnotists. They are ZZZZZs presenters. They might be the biggest experts in their field and can recite hours and hours of useful information, but is that really effective in getting your audience to listen to you and not be bored to tears?

Bob Orben a Special Assistant to President Gerald Ford and Former Director of the White House speech writing department said, "Business executives and political leaders have embraced humor because humor works. Humor has gone from being a great and admirable part of a leader's character to a mandatory one." Just look at the effectiveness of President Reagan, well known for his humorous presentation skills.

A survey of top executives who were earning more than $250,000 a year was done by a large search firm. The results found that these executives believed their communication skills were the number one factor that carried them to the top. Mastering the skills taught in my public speaking course, using humor and other high-explosion techniques puts a fine polish on your skills which can help shoot you to the top of the speaking profession, or indeed an avenue to the top in any profession.

There are many kinds of benefits you can receive from using funny material. Keep in mind that these benefits only help you reach your ultimate purpose for making the presentation. They are not purposes themselves unless, of course, you are only interested in entertaining.

Using funny material helps you do the following:

HELPS YOU CONNECT WITH THE AUDIENCE.
MAKES YOU MORE LIKEABLE.
SHOWS THAT YOU DON'T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY.
HELPS PAINT PICTURES IN THE AUDIENCE'S MIND.
MAKES INFORMATION MORE MEMORABLE.
AROUSES INTEREST.
KEEPS ATTENTION.
HELPS EMPHASIZE POINTS AND IDEAS.
LIGHTENS UP HEAVY MATERIAL.
YOU WILL BE ASKED BACK.
DISARMS HOSTILITY.
OVERCOMES OVERLY FLATTERING INTRODUCTIONS.
GETS YOUR POINT ACROSS WITHOUT CREATING HOSTILITY.
HELPS RELATE FACTS AND FIGURES.
MAKES A POSITIVE IMPRESSION.
YOUR SPEAKING WILL GET YOU HIGHER EVALUATIONS OR MORE SALES.
YOU WILL MAKE MORE MONEY.
YOU WILL MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY.

Making people happy is my favorite benefit. I get great satisfaction knowing that I have brightened someone's day. I had an executive come up to me after one of my humor presentations and say, "You opened up a whole new world for me." I almost cried right on the spot. I'll never forget it, I love to hear how my speaking effects my audience.

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