how to make a speech humorous

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How to Write a Funny Speech

Last Updated: April 18, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 173,409 times.

Writing a speech is already a challenge, so why bother adding humor? Successful humor will relax the audience, making them more attentive and receptive. It can break down perceived barriers between you and the audience, fostering a sense of camaraderie with the audience. Read on to learn how to use humor to your advantage when giving a speech. [1] X Research source

Choosing Your Topic

• Think about -- and then make -- a list of things you know a lot about or enjoy talking about. Single out the topics you’re knowledgeable about but also know you can be funny about. This might rule out topics that are hard to joke about, like poverty, domestic violence, etc.
• Use this list (in combination with the next step) to select a potential topic.

• What’s the general age of your audience?
• What do your audience members have in common?
• What kind of speech are they expecting to hear?
• What kind of humor are they likely to appreciate?

• If you’re writing a speech whose primary goal is to convey information or ideas, you’ll want to integrate humor while focussing on the ideas you want to convey. So draft the informative parts of your speech first, then integrate jokes and humor.
• If you’re writing a speech whose primary goal is humor -- perhaps a satire or parody -- then you’ll want the humor center stage from the beginning. Choose a topic that lends itself to your sense of humor as well as to what the audience is likely to find amusing.

Writing Your Speech

• Remember to choose a specific topic -- if your main idea/topic is too broad, you won’t do it justice in a relatively short speech. Choose something that you can describe in reasonable depth in the time allotted.
• For example, if you’re writing a humorously informative speech about early American cinema, your main idea might be, “the advent of sound in film hurt rather than helped the medium by detracting from its visual potential”. This is specific enough not to be overwhelming while still leaving you room to develop substantial supporting points.
• If, on the other hand, you’re writing a satirical speech, say, about reality television, your main idea might be, “nothing has contributed more to the cultural and intellectual richness of American society than reality television”.

Mine your own unique experiences for inspiration. "It's always good to take something that's happened in your life and make something of it comedically."

• Write down your main idea.
• Below it, write out everything that comes to mind when you think about that idea. Use whatever visual or textual brainstorming method you prefer (eg, clustering, listing, freewriting, etc.).
• Eliminate anything that’s too far away from the topic, that you don’t feel comfortable discussing, or that would require too much time and depth to cover.

• I. Introduction (where you state your main topic and the points you’ll make)
• II. Main point one
• III. Main point two
• IV. Main point three
• V. Conclusion (in which you sum up the main points, re-state your main idea, and issue a call to action from the audience, if appropriate)

• Effective hooks include humorous personal anecdotes, surprising or entertaining examples, or direct questions to the audience that invite their participation and give them a chance to laugh at themselves. [10] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
• For example, if you’re writing a speech about studying abroad, you might start by asking if anyone has ever wished they had an accent or intentionally faked one. You can then suggest they do it right and live somewhere they’ll actually have a legitimate accent.

• Err on the side of clarity over style, subtlety or artistry. Unlike a written piece, a speech is as much about delivery as it is about content, and the audience will be less attuned to the intricacies of sentence construction and more attuned to your overall message and the expressions as you give it.
• Avoid overly long and complicated sentences. Long and difficult sentences will be hard to follow. Simplify your point and/or break complicated sentences into smaller, more easily digested ideas.

• For example, a word like “incendiary” is both more vivid, specific, and aurally interesting than a word such as “controversial”. “Incendiary” communicates the idea of something explosively provocative, while “controversial” is a more general term for something that generates disagreement.

Incorporating Humor

• Consider generational differences with humor -- use references and jokes that address topical issues for that age group. For example, if you’re writing a speech about volunteering to an audience of high school students, relate the information in your speech to specific things and events relevant to teenagers. You might make a joke about volunteering versus staying home and trying to be Jimi Hendrix on Guitar Hero. Or you might pick a guitarist more recent than Jimi!
• Know what the audience members have in common. Use it when writing jokes oriented around those shared elements, which are more likely to hold the audience’s attention. Doing so is invariably a crowd-pleaser. For example, if you’re addressing teachers, you might make a humorous reference to students’ most bizarre homework excuses.
• Situational and observational humor that’s tailored to its audience is often particularly effective.

• Watch your favorite funny movie, television show, or comedian.
• Read works by your favorite humorous writers.
• Don’t hesitate to take cues from their delivery -- learn from what they do to make a joke successful. (But don’t plagiarize!)
• Pay attention when you make people around you laugh. Note the things you do or say that make people laugh and how you do it.
• If, for example, your friends can’t stop laughing when you humorously re-enact stressful situations or conversations, try to incorporate similar elements into your speech.

• Targeting particular people or groups is not only inconsiderate, it can alienate members of your audience.
• Avoid jokes that are made at the expense of one side or another in a contentious issue, like jokes about one side of a political or religious debate.
• Don’t make jokes about experiences you don’t understand. A good general rule is to write what you know. So if you, for example, have a learning disability, you might make a joke about the difficulties of dealing with standardized tests. But if you don’t have a learning disability, don’t make jokes about those who do -- you don’t share their specific experience, so you may unintentionally be making jokes about sensitive, potentially even hurtful, issues. [13] X Research source
• Also take the taste level of your audience into consideration when deciding if a joke is going to be offensive. If you’re giving a speech to a room of educated adults, you’ll probably want to avoid overly bawdy or sexual humor.

• The more relevant your jokes are to the specific matter at hand, the more likely they are to be successful with and entertaining.

• But don’t go to extremes of self-loathing, as that will have the opposite effect. The audience won’t know whether to laugh or what you’re trying to accomplish.

• Remember just what information it is you need to convey and ensure that it’s clear.
• Don't let the humor become distracting. Humor can be a great tool for enhancing the information you’re conveying, as long as it doesn’t become a larger focus than the informative content itself. [15] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

• Give yourself enough writing time so that you can go through and revise multiple times.
• The more attentive you are to the details, the more successful your speech is likely to be.

Delivering Your Speech

• Read the entire speech aloud until you’re comfortable enough with the material that you don’t need to read directly from your script but can simply use it as a prompt when needed.

• If you watch comedians and humorists closely, you’ll find that they tend to lead in to their jokes in a particular, deliberate way. Specifically, they’ll use a combination of slower speech, significant pauses, and punctuated emphasis. So when you’re leading up to a joke, cue your audience by slowing down your delivery, pausing slightly before delivering the punchline, and emphasizing key words within the punchline. [18] X Research source
• Emphasize important words, but not to the point that it becomes distracting. Practice how you would naturally speak the lines, paying attention to specific places where your tone rises, falls, or becomes more expressive. Keep those inflections in your speech and play them up enough to be animated, but stop short of being continually exaggerated, which will likely distract the audience from the content of the speech itself.
• Watch and listen to speeches you admire. Pay attention to how the speaker manipulates their tone and pacing to enhance the speech and try to apply those same techniques to your own speech.

• It can be somewhat uncomfortable to watch or listen to yourself, but doing so will help improve your presentation enough to be worth the momentary discomfort.

• Think of being somewhat theatrical, you want your gestures to be visible and distinct from a distance. Favor several broad gestures over a series of small ones. [20] X Research source

• Allow yourself to feel nervous. Accept that you’re going to feel that way and decide not to worry about it.
• The more confidently you act, the more confident you’ll eventually feel.
• You have a chance to share your humor and ideas with an interested audience -- enjoy it!

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-publicspeaking/chapter/humor-in-public-speaking/
• ↑ http://www.drmichellemazur.com/2013/04/speech-topic.html
• ↑ http://www.write-out-loud.com/how-to-use-humor-effectively.html
• ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-preparation-3-outline-examples/
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/speeches/
• ↑ http://writetodone.com/how-to-write-funny/
• ↑ http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/How_to_add_humor_to_your_speechwithout_being_a_com_47538.aspx

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40 Funny Speech Opening Lines: Make ‘Em Laugh Before You Even Begin!

Think of your speech opening line like the first bite of a delicious meal – it sets the tone and leaves you wanting more. A well-crafted, funny speech opening lines can instantly break the ice, make your audience feel at ease, and build anticipation for what’s to come.

But crafting that perfect line? It can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! If you read our article about “ How to Write a Powerful Speech Opening ?” you will get a full understanding of how to craft your speech opening.

Below, you’ll find 40 funny speech opening lines that cater to a wide range of topics and situations. Whether you’re addressing a formal business conference or a casual wedding reception, these lines will help you the ice and kick things off with a bang.

General Icebreakers

Everyone loves a good laugh, right? These funny speech opening lines are designed to do just that – break the ice and get your audience smiling. They’re perfect for any occasion where you want to start things off on a light and friendly note.

• “Before we start, can everyone please look under their chairs? I lost my contact lens, and it might be a little blurry up here…”
• “Good evening, everyone! Or as I like to call it, the part of the day where I try to sound smarter than I actually am.”
• “It’s a pleasure to be here tonight. Or as my therapist would say, ‘It’s a start.'”
• “Thank you for that warm welcome. I was worried you’d all be asleep by now.”
• “Hello, everyone! I’m here to talk to you about [topic]. Or as my kids call it, ‘The thing that makes dad boring.'”
• “Before I begin, I want to thank the person who invented coffee. You are the real MVP.”

Self-Deprecating Humor

Want to show your audience you don’t take yourself too seriously? Try poking a little fun at yourself ! These self-deprecating funny speech opening lines can help you appear more relatable and down-to-earth.

• “I wasn’t sure what to wear tonight, so I asked my cat. He said, ‘Meow’ (which I think means ‘go for the tuxedo’).”
• “I’d like to thank [person] for that glowing introduction. I must say, I’ve never heard myself described as so… fictional.”
• “I’ve been practicing this speech in front of my dog. He hasn’t understood a word, but he sure does wag his tail a lot.”
• “I’m a little nervous tonight, so bear with me. I’m not used to talking to people who aren’t my plants.”
• “I promise to keep this speech short. My attention span is about as long as a goldfish’s.”
• “I know what you’re thinking: ‘This guy doesn’t look like a public speaker.’ Well, you’re right. I’m actually a ninja in disguise.”

Situational Humor (Weddings, Business, etc.)

Every event has its unique flavor, and your opening line can reflect that! Use these tailored jokes to match the mood of your specific occasion.

• (Wedding) “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s an honor to be here tonight. And for the single folks out there, don’t worry, your time will come. Or it won’t. Either way, there’s cake.”
• (Business) “I’m here to talk to you about increasing productivity. But first, let’s be honest, who here is secretly checking their email?”
• (Graduation) “Congratulations, graduates! You made it. Now go out there and prove your parents wrong about that whole ‘art history degree’ thing.”
• (Birthday) “Happy birthday, [person]! You don’t look a day over… well, let’s just say you look amazing.”
• (Retirement) “Congratulations on your retirement! Finally, you can stop pretending to know what the young people are talking about.”
• (Awards) “I’m truly honored to receive this award. Although, I must admit, I was hoping for a cash prize.”

Read our funny maid of honor speeches guide if you plan to do a speech on your friend’s big day.

Pop Culture References

Do you love movies, TV shows, or music? Sprinkle in a pop culture reference! It’s a fun way to connect with your audience, especially if you share a common interest.

• “I’m so nervous, I feel like I’m about to go on stage for the first time since my middle school production of ‘Grease.'”
• “I’m not sure if I’m qualified to give this speech. I mean, I’ve never even won an Oscar.”
• “If this speech were a Netflix series, it would be called ‘Awkward Silences and Dad Jokes.'”
• “I hope my speech isn’t as forgettable as the last season of ‘Game of Thrones.'”

Audience Participation

Want to make your speech even more fun? Get your audience involved ! These funny speech opening lines are designed to spark interaction and create a lively atmosphere. They’ll help you build a connection with your listeners right from the start.

• “Can I get a show of hands? Who here actually read my bio in the program?”
• “Who’s excited to be here tonight? [Pause for response] Liars.”
• “I have a joke, but it only works if you laugh. So, on the count of three, everyone laugh… One, two, three… [Pause] Well, that was awkward.”
• “Let’s play a game. I’ll say a word, and you shout out the first thing that comes to mind. Ready? [Topic of your speech].”

Bonus Lines (Just for Fun)

Looking for something a little extra? These lines are just for fun. They might be a bit silly, but they’re sure to get a chuckle out of your audience.

• “I’m not saying I’m lazy, but I once hired someone from fiverr to watch a YouTube video for me.”
• “I’m so bad at math, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve said ‘I’m bad at math.'”
• “I’m not a morning person. I’m barely even a person before noon.”
• “I’m not sure why I was asked to give this speech. I think they confused me with someone who’s actually interesting.”
• “My therapist told me to take up public speaking to overcome my fear of judgment. So, feel free to judge away!”
• “I’ve been told I have a face for radio. But hey, I’m here, aren’t I?”
• “I’m like a fine wine… I get better with age. Or at least, that’s what I tell myself.”
• “I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I’ve never been wrong… yet.”
• “I’m not sure what’s more nerve-wracking, giving this speech or trying to parallel park in front of all of you.”
• “I’m so glad you all came to hear me speak. I was starting to worry I was only talking to myself.”
• “I’m not sure what’s more confusing, the economy or my love life.”
• “I’m like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get. But hopefully, it’s not salmonella.”
• “I’m not saying I’m old, but I remember when Netflix was just a DVD rental service.”
• “I’m like a good book… worth sticking with until the end. Or at least, the first few chapters.”

Watch this compilation video of comedians delivering hilarious opening lines during their stand-up routines.

Remember, your opening line is your first chance to make a lasting impression. It’s your secret weapon to grab your audience’s attention and set the tone for an unforgettable speech.

We’ve covered a wide range of options to get you started:

• General Icebreakers: Perfect for warming up any crowd with lighthearted humor.
• Self-Deprecating Humor: Show your audience you don’t take yourself too seriously.
• Situational Humor: Tailor your jokes to your specific event and audience.
• Pop Culture References: Connect with your audience on a shared cultural level.
• Audience Participation: Get everyone involved for a truly interactive experience.
• Bonus Lines: Just for fun, because who doesn’t love a good laugh?

So, take a deep breath, step up to that microphone, and let your humor shine! Experiment with different types of speech opening lines until you find the perfect fit for your personality and your audience.

And if you’re ready to dive deeper into crafting a speech that truly resonates, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide on speech structure . It’ll give you all the tools you need to build a presentation that’s not only funny but also informative and engaging from start to finish.

• Get In Touch

How to be funny in a speech (when you’re not that funny in real life).

by Kolarele Sonaike

According to a Hertfordshire University study , this is the funniest joke in the world.

“Two hunters are out in the woods when  one of them collapses. He doesn’t seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator says, “Calm down. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence; then a gun shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says, “OK, now what?”

Hmm. OK, once you’ve finished laughing, picked yourself up from the floor and wiped away those tears of laughter, lets examine the subject of humour.

There is no lonelier place on the planet, than on stage after a bad joke.

It is possibly the single most painful experience for any public speaker.

Comedians know this, which is why they work so hard at their craft. Comedians aren’t funny in real life. Like any other profession, funny is what they do, not what they are. Comedians work and struggle just like the rest of us to be good at their jobs. Ellen, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock – all the greatest comics write, rewrite and rehearse their routines with incredible care, diligence and attention to detail. They try out material for months, sometimes years in advance, on audiences – sifting out the stuff that doesn’t work, and doubling down on the lines that do.

(Getty Images)

So why, oh why, do so many of us as public speakers always assume that we can just shoehorn a couple of lame one liners (found on the internet) into a barely rehearsed speech, and get big laughs from our audience? This is guaranteed to fail every time, reminding us of the words of writer, Quentin Crisp:

if at first you don’t succeed, failure may be your style – Quentin Crisp

( If you’re pushed for time, you can download the Free Checklist of this article:  Dos & Donts of giving funny speeches )

Being funny in a speech is hard to pull off. But like most hard things, with a little study, much practice, and a healthy dose of chutzpah, anyone can do it. So lets examine the anatomy of a joke in the next section helpfully called “Anatomy of a Joke”

Anatomy of a Joke

All comedy, whether a one liner, long anecdote, or even an entire movie, is basically comprised of two parts: The Set Up and the Pay Off (also known as The Punchline).

With the Set Up, you are setting the scene by giving the audience all the information they need to know so that they will be amused by the Pay Off.

1) Set Up: Knock Knock. Who’s there? Dozen. Dozen who?

2) Set Up: In the movie “Some like it hot” eccentric millionaire, Osgood Fielding III, spends the whole movie chasing Tony Curtis’ character, Jerry (dressed in drag pretending to be a woman).

3) Set Up: Dr Evil (Austin Powers) has been cryogenically frozen for 30 years, so when he meets his evil colleagues, he lays out his plan to extort the world for a huge sum of money.

4) Set Up (in the world’s funniest joke) The hunter dies in the woods and his panicking friend calls the emergency services.

The mistake that most public speakers make that leads to them giving unfunny speeches, is to concentrate all their effort almost entirely on finding that Pay Off, asking themselves ‘what’s the funny line that I can say here?’ Whereas the key to humour is to focus on creating a compelling Set Up so that the right Pay Off just reveals itself.

To create a great  Set Up:

1) Take a subject (ideally one with which you are very familiar)

2) Examine it from all angles looking for the surprising contradictions and unexpected anomalies within the subject.

3) Work out how you can exaggerate those contradictions and anomalies almost to the point of a humorous absurdity. Can you connect one seemingly unconnected topic with another? Can you take a particular approach that will highlight these funny contradictions?

The humour lies in those unexpected findings and exaggeration that are nevertheless real. It’s why you find yourself muttering ‘that’s so true’ through your tears of laughter when listening to a hilarious comedian nail her routine. It’s why a Best Man’s speech works best when it skates on the edge of decency by revealing just enough of the groom’s true nature to the audience (and the Bride).

When you work hard on your Set Up, the Pay Off comes pretty easily because the punchline that ties it altogether seems to reveal itself.

1) Pay Off: Doz-anybody want to let me in?

2) Pay Off: (Some like it hot) Tony Curtis finally comes clean and declares to millionaire Osgood,”I’m a man!” To which Osgood simply replies “Well, nobody’s perfect”

3) Pay Off: (Austin Powers) Dr Evil demands…. 1 Million Dollars

4) Pay Off: (The funniest joke in the world) The friend shoots his collapsed hunter friend.

A very effective method of creating a compelling Set Up is to use a hook or theme that drives the narrative forward.

A great example is the ‘Shit’ sketch by Finnish comedian, Ismo Leikola .  In this hilarious skit, he talks about how he always though there was just one definition or meaning of the word ‘shit’.  But when he went to the US, he realised there were many more meanings like ‘you ain’t shit’, ‘I don’t give a shit’, ‘leave my shit alone’. Because he had found a great hook for the narrative, finding the humour was quite easy.

So, when you’re giving a speech about a serious subject like ‘How the Financial Markets work’, but you want to introduce a little humour to ease the way, consider what are the eccentricities of the financial markets? What parts make little sense if you stand back and look at it? What would your 8 year old son or your 80 year old grandmother make of the way traders?

Or giving a presentation at a small business forum, what eccentricities do entrepreneurs have? What challenges do they all face that you can highlight in a funny way? What mistake does nearly every small business make, which no one admits do, but every one knows?

This is where you’ll find your humour – in the careful analysis of the contradictions within your subject . Once you tap into that zone, a whole new world will open up and the Pay Offs will almost trip off your tongue.

Finally, a few dos and donts to send you on your way

maria bamford (Getty Images)

1) Don’t tell them you are going to be funny.

Anytime I receive an an email with the subject line: “This is funny”, I delete it. It never is. If you’re going to be funny, then be funny.  Don’t announce it.

2) Do have a purpose

As one of the greatest and funniest public speakers, the late Sir Peter Ustinov reminds us

 Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious – Sir Peter Ustinov

Don’t make jokes just for the sake of making joke. Stay focused on the reason you are giving your speech, and use humour to help achieve that objective.

3) Don’t copy. Adapt.

The best jokes are original. Your own material, born of your own experience will always be superior to something copied off jokes.com.

But originality can be hard. So, if you do have to use someone else’s material, approach it like Amy Winehouse covering the song ‘Valerie’ originally by the Zutons (bet you hadnt even heard of the Zuton’s version), and not like a teenage X Factor contestant doing yet another cover of Whitney Houston’s ‘I will always love you’ (which itself was a cover of Dolly Parton’s original song).

Put your own spin on it. Make it your own and it will feel fresh.

4) Do tailor your jokes to your audience

What works for a university fraternity will probably not work for an accountant’s convention. Lawyers love a good naughty joke (it makes us feel dangerous), but you should probably avoid sexist jokes if you’re presenting to the Women’s Institute.

5) Don’t take yourself too seriously

If you can make jokes at your own expense, you’ve got a far better chance of making your audience laugh, than if you are joking about someone else.

Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century – And Barry Humphries

And when it comes to your delivery, you want to use your voice to help paint a picture of your ideas in the minds of your audience. Treat it as a song or melody you are singing to your audience. The things you want to think about are:

• timing – uses pauses and speed variation to build interest
• use your body to amplify and reflect your words
• give your voice dynamism i.e. intonation, pitch, volume
• commit (don’t do things half hearted)

Go forth, and be funny!

(Grab the full Checklist of 12 Dos & Donts for giving a funny speech )

Kolarele Sonaike

p.s. Grab your slot for a 1 hour communication skills coaching call with me. It’s free and pretty transformative. Click here to book your slot.

“ The session with Kola had a huge impact. He helped me tap into the passion that is central to my work and message. At an emotional level this showed me how I could start working with a different sense of authenticity, which would be founded upon a new level of confidence and commitment. The session really ‘gave the green light’ for me to tell my story in my approach so I could in turn create genuine impact the people I work with.” – Richard, Performance Coach

“The strategy session with Kolarele was great. In only one hour he was able to provide me with tools to work with to overcome some of my fears and improve my communication skills. I feel I have already made progress. I can only imagine what transformation will look like once we continue working together.” – Belinda, Co Founder

“Understanding how my presentation skills could be improved required me to understand my own long held inhibitions. Identifying this was both scary and enlightening, but seriously made me feel that I could give, not only a great presentation, but achieve my bigger goals. Thank you” – Yves, Marketing & PR (Embassy Liaison) Manager

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6 Ways to Guarantee Laughs During Your Next Speech

We’ve all been there. The spotlight is on you, you’ve set up the perfect joke, you nail the punchline, and… crickets .

It’s never fun to feel like your humor isn’t reading as funny to the audience. That’s why I’m here to teach you my six greatest tips and tricks on how to make a speech funny, or your (metaphorical) money back.

See Related:  Best MC Jokes For A Conference

#1: Tell Relatable Stories

If there’s one thing we learned from Seinfeld , it’s that the everyday is funny . Use this to your advantage in your speech!

Audiences laugh when they see their own experience reflected onstage. Add relatable humor to your speech with these ideas:

Turn Frustration Into Comedy

What got on your nerves this morning? It was something. I know it was. You know it was. We all know it was.

And you know what? I bet it was funny and would be great for your master of ceremonies speech .

Let me guess…

Did your family member turn on a bright light while you were still asleep? Speech material.

Did one of your friends cut you off on the way to work, causing your chai latte to spill on your brand-new pants? Speech material.

Were you (yet again) not Caller #5 and didn’t win your radio station’s giveaway for tickets to John Mayer’s Sob Rock Tour? (I’m terribly sorry – but speech material.)

These sorts of situations may get on your nerves in the moment, but I promise that, when transformed into a joke told with the right spirit, they will be funny and make the audience laugh.

The main idea when writing your funny speech is to shift your own perspective from frustrated to amused.

#2: Use Your Physicality to Communicate

Humor isn’t just about the words you say. A major part of making a good joke and creating a funny speech is using your body language to tell the story.

What do I mean? Well , think about your favorite comedians .

From Ali Wong to John Mulaney, comedians each have their own way of using their bodies to add humor to the funny stories they tell. It’s like a secret, other skill that is so ingrained in their performances, you may not notice it at first.

Every great comic uses gestures and physicality to deliver their material and engage audiences.

Act as characters

In your speech, maybe you’re telling a funny anecdote about a parent-teacher conference you had with your son’s kindergarten teacher. Instead of just speaking about the event, make people laugh by playing it out for the audience!

Go ahead, embody the teacher and her proper, stiff posture. Show guests how utterly ridiculous it looked when you sat down in a tiny chair made to fit a five year-old because the teacher didn’t have an adult-sized chair for you to use.

I can hear the laughter already!

No need to overdo it

Remember, your shifts in body language don’t need to be hyperbolic. During speeches, even the slightest, most intentional changes will go a long way in helping the audience understand your story audibly and visually.

#3: Deliver Originality

Humorous speeches are based in truth . The best way to ground your speeches in truth is to use your own material!

This may seem simple, but it cannot be overstated: if you’ve heard the joke before, I promise your audience has too.

Personalize Your Funny Speech to the Event

It can be tough to create a humorous message that will pull lots of laughter out of your audience! But with practice, I promise you’ll become a pro – just like a regular ol’ event emcee . 

The best way to stay funny, original, and on-task is to remember the primary goal of the event :

What is the goal of the event?

Is it to help new students feel comfortable at a large university? To raise money for a local grassroots nonprofit?

Once you understand what the client hopes to achieve through these events (and, therefore, your speeches), you can begin adding humor that focuses on those particular subjects.

Here’s an example :

If I’m making a humorous speech with the goal of exciting the crowd before a 5K Fun Run begins, I might make a self-deprecating joke about the utter irony of putting the words “fun” and “run” next to each other – lighthearted, relatable for many, and sure to ease some runners’ nerves when they hear it.

Got Writer’s Block?

It happens to the best of us!

Here are some writing prompts to get your creativity, word play, and humor flowing:

• Write about something that made you laugh out loud recently.
• Write about the silliest message you’ve ever received over phone, text, or email.
• Write about the most memorable slip-up you’ve ever made in public.
• Write about a few people who make you laugh – what about them is so funny to you?
• If you are the punch line, write the joke.

Bonus:  What Does An Event Host Do?

#4: Structure Your Jokes

Look, not everything can be funny to everyone (and if you discover the magical meme that is the exception to that rule, please send it to me ASAP).

However, you can do yourself a favor by structuring your comedy with intentionality.

Not Sure How to Structure Your Jokes?

Here are the main categories into which most jokes fall:

We touched on the main points of anecdotal jokes at the beginning – they just involve telling a funny story from your own life!

An incident while baking holiday cookies ? A mix-up that surprised you while picking your child up from school? The sound of a squeaking chair at a very inopportune moment?

As the speaker, your humorous stories are all fair game!

You guessed it – one-liners are jokes told in just one sentence. Deliver one-liners smartly and you will have the room in stitches.

Observational

I mentioned Seinfeld earlier – that show is a classic example of observational humor! Observational jokes comment on the absurdity of everyday experiences and are great to add to your speeches.

A recent example of observational humor in television would be Abbott Elementary . Each episode tells a story about the everyday joys and frustrations that can come with working at a public elementary school in Philadelphia – and finds a way to create humor and heart in every moment.

Topical humor pokes fun at current events, be it the news, celebrity culture, or the latest Tik Tok trend. A dash of topical humor, when used appropriately, can grab your audience’s attention and be an asset to your funny speech.

However, you must stay aware of the client’s needs. If they prefer that politics and pop culture stay out of your presentation for fear of rubbing an audience member the wrong way, you must respect this. In fact, it can be safer to stay away from topical humor unless you know you have the right audience for it.

Self-Deprecating

Self-deprecating jokes are all about finding humor in your own flaws. It’s great to be able to laugh at yourself, but be careful not to use so much self-deprecating humor that it makes your audience feel uncomfortable.

#5: Tone Is Your Friend

In the same vein as physicality, your voice is an incredibly effective tool for making folks laugh.

What Do I Mean?

Say you’re telling an anecdotal joke about your niece’s sixth birthday party. Sure, you could use your everyday intonation to “play” the various roles at the party. But…

Wouldn’t it be funnier to give each character a distinct intonation?

Your six year-old niece’s high-pitched, bell-like voice. Your brother’s gruff, Midwestern tone. The angelic, sing-song-y sound of the actor playing a Disney princess to entertain the kids.

Each character in the story is another opportunity for creativity, and for laughs.

Let’s Take a Tip from Actors

Even when you’re not playing a character other than yourself, your voice is still an incredibly useful instrument. Why?

Your voice is the audience’s guide.

Softness versus loudness. Lightning-quick speech versus indulgent slowness. Serious versus playful.

Whenever you speak, you make a million little choices . Be intentional about those, because your audience is (quite literally) taking your cue!

Convey Confidence

Delivery is everything. If a speaker or corporate emcee can deliver your presentation with a strong sense of confidence, the audience will feel safe to let loose and laugh. But this takes practice!

I feel disappointed when a speaker exudes insecurity. Try your best to put yourself in the audience’s shoes – wouldn’t you prefer to watch someone with great command of the room and confidence in their presentation?

I know I would!

#6: Bring People Together

Your audience is full of different people – many of whom you don’t know, and who will find different things humorous. Here are some tips for making everyone feel comfortable and ready to laugh:

Speak to Universal Experiences

It is important to do your absolute best not to ostracize anyone in the audience. Your client has hired you to help everyone feel comfortable. So, what is the best way to go about doing this in a diverse society?

When writing your speech, focus on humor that is a testament to the human experience , so that most people will relate to it. Adults, kids, everyone!

I don’t mean to be vague – the opposite, in fact. Specificity is funny.

Here are some examples:

There are certain human experiences with which every single person can identify:

• Talk about a time when you felt embarrassed as a teenager .
• Make a joke about an insecurity you had growing up, and still have to this day.
• Surprise the audience with a weird dream you had recently.
• Keep guests laughing with anecdotes about lessons you’ve learned the hard way.

Balance Listening and Speaking

Okay, okay, I know you’re giving a speech – that sort of implies that you’re talking. But listening is an equally important factor in your delivery of a hilarious speech.

It can be scary, but practice including pauses in your speech. Depending on the joke, the audience may need a few seconds to digest it before they begin laughing. Sometimes, your silence is the most entertaining part – if allowed, the audience will often fill that silence with laughter.

And, Scene!

As I’ve said before, humor is subjective – that will always be the case.

If you haven’t been getting the laughs you’ve hoped for, please talk kindly to yourself. Creating a humorous speech that appeals to many people takes lots of practice – you will get there!

Keep Reading:  How To Host A Networking Event

Adam Christing  has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000  company meetings ,  special events ,  gala celebrations , and more. He is the  author of several books  and founder of  CleanComedians.com .   For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on  Instagram ,  Facebook ,  Pinterest ,  LinkedIn , and  YouTube .

Recent Blog Posts:

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How to Write a Funny Speech That Will Have Your Audience Rolling in Laughter

Delivering a funny speech is a daunting task, and doing it well can seem like a near-impossible feat. But with the right tools and techniques, anyone can successfully craft and deliver a humorous speech that will leave your audience in stitches. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a funny speech that will captivate your listeners and have them rolling in laughter.

Understanding the Basics of Humor

Humor can be a powerful tool for engaging audiences and connecting with listeners. However, successfully integrating humor into your speech requires a thorough understanding of the basics of humor. Here are a few tips to help you master the art of making people laugh:

The Importance of Timing

Timing is everything in humor. The moment you choose to deliver a joke or humorous anecdote can make or break its impact. A joke delivered too soon can fall flat, while one that comes too late may miss the mark. As a general rule, it is best to deliver your punchline just after the set-up, to allow time for the audience to process the joke and react accordingly. Remember, timing is key.

It's important to also consider the timing of the event or occasion. For example, a joke that may be appropriate for a casual gathering with friends may not be appropriate for a professional setting. Understanding the context of the situation is just as important as the timing of the joke itself.

Different Types of Humor

There are many types of humor, ranging from puns and wordplay to satire and irony. The type of humor you choose to use in your speech should reflect your personal style and resonate with your audience. Take the time to experiment with different forms of humor to find the style that works best for you.

One popular form of humor is self-deprecation, where you make fun of yourself in a lighthearted way. This can help to make you more relatable to your audience and show that you don't take yourself too seriously.

Another type of humor is observational humor, where you make humorous observations about everyday situations. This type of humor can be particularly effective as it allows your audience to see the humor in their own lives.

Knowing Your Audience

Humor is subjective, and what one audience finds funny may fall flat with another group. It is important to know your audience and tailor your humor to their tastes and preferences. Consider factors such as age, gender, profession, and cultural background, and adjust your humor accordingly to ensure maximum impact.

For example, if you are speaking to a group of doctors, you may want to use medical humor that they can relate to. Similarly, if you are speaking to a group of college students, you may want to use pop culture references that they are familiar with.

Remember, the goal of humor is to connect with your audience and make them feel comfortable. By understanding the basics of humor, experimenting with different types of humor, and knowing your audience, you can use humor to enhance your speeches and presentations.

Crafting Your Speech Content

The key to writing a funny speech is to strike a balance between humor and substance. Here are a few tips to help you create content that is both entertaining and informative:

Finding Inspiration for Jokes

Inspiration for humor can come from many sources, including personal experiences, pop culture, current events, and even cliches and stereotypes. Take the time to brainstorm ideas and experiment with different forms of humor to find what works best for you.

Incorporating Personal Anecdotes

Personal anecdotes can be a powerful tool for connecting with audiences and adding authenticity to your speech. Consider weaving humorous stories from your own life into your speech to add a personal touch and make your jokes more relatable.

Balancing Humor with Substance

While humor is important, it is equally important to provide substance and value to your audience. Balance your humor with informative content and practical advice to ensure your message resonates with your listeners.

Developing Your Speech Structure

The structure of your speech plays a crucial role in its success. Here are a few tips to help you craft a strong speech structure:

Opening with a Strong Hook

Your opening is your chance to grab your audience's attention and set the tone for the rest of your speech. Consider using a humorous anecdote or joke to start your speech on a high note and engage your audience from the get-go.

Building Momentum with Your Jokes

As you move through your speech, build momentum by gradually increasing the frequency and impact of your jokes. By structuring your speech in this way, you can create a sense of excitement and anticipation among your listeners, culminating in a stronger, more memorable finish.

Ending on a High Note

Your closing is your chance to leave a lasting impression on your audience. Consider ending your speech with a humorous anecdote or joke that reinforces your message and leaves a lasting impression on your listeners.

Mastering Your Delivery

The way you deliver your speech can make a big difference in its impact. Here are a few tips to help you master your delivery:

Practicing Your Timing

Timing is everything in humor, so it is important to practice your delivery to ensure your jokes land at the right moment. Take the time to rehearse your speech to ensure your timing is on point and your delivery is polished.

Using Body Language and Facial Expressions

Body language and facial expressions can be powerful tools for conveying humor and emotion in your speech. Consider incorporating subtle gestures and expressions into your delivery to enhance your jokes and connect with your audience.

Modulating Your Voice for Maximum Impact

The way you modulate your voice can have a big impact on the impact of your speech. Varying your pitch, tone, and volume can help you emphasize key points and add impact to your jokes. Practice varying your voice to add depth and dimension to your speech.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can craft a funny and engaging speech that will have your audience rolling in laughter. Remember to stay true to your personal style and tailor your humor to your audience, and you'll be sure to deliver a speech that leaves a lasting impact.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Funny Speech

Chatgpt prompt.

Compose a humorous address that will entertain and amuse the audience.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

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How to use humor in speeches

What gets a laugh what doesn't and, why.

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 10-02-2023

Have you ever wondered how to use humor effectively in speeches?

What gets a laugh? What doesn't, and why?

Most of us, me included, would love to effortlessly entertain as well as inform when we present. We know and appreciate the gifts humor brings.

There's audience rapport: their bright-eyed eagerness to hear what you have to share, their easy readiness to laugh, the way they lean forward to catch your next comment...

Benefits of using humor effectively

Humor creates a bond, a sense of closeness. The audience relaxes. They're at ease. They feel good, energized, alert and eager to hear what you have to say. They like you, and because they do, they're  more likely to remember what you talked about later. 

If your subject is serious they'll appreciate you for leavening it with well-placed appropriate humor to break the tension. 

Use humor effectively and you will leave the audience happy and impressed with your speaking skills.

But what happens if your audience doesn't respond?

What if your carefully crafted laugh lines aren't caught up, and they fall to the floor, to wither and shrivel?

What if your audience  shuffles in their seats, folds their arms, raises their eyebrows, and looks away?

Help to avoid the pain of NOT being funny

Use the links below to move around this long page easily. They'll give you a good starting point toward understanding how humor works.

• Know your audience
• Safe speech humor
• Integrated humor
• How to rehearse humor
• The difference between a joke and contextual humor
• And lastly, for those of you who are unsure whether or not to risk adding a laugh: The benefits of using humor in a speech.

1. Know your audience

Plan your humor around your audience. Always.

To make humor work well you need:

• a demographic overview of your audience: those factors may include age, gender, religion, ethnic background, class, sexual orientation, occupation, education, location (where a persons lives), membership of specific groups ...  
• an understanding of how they view your speech topic and the reason you have for giving the speech. They may be a friendly audience:  well disposed toward your topic. Therefore what you say will be in accord with their own beliefs and they'll chuckle along merrily. They may be apathetic : not care actively one way or the other about your subject. If that's the case it's your task to let them know what's in it for them, to make them interested. They may be uninformed , ignorant on the topic. This audience needs educating, ie. background information, before they'll appreciate what you have to say on your topic. They may be hostile : actively against whatever it is you're wanting to share. And this audience needs to know you respect and understand their point of view before you launch into your own.  

A  humorous story, anecdote or joke told without knowledge of your audience because you think it is funny is dangerous. They are often the ones likely to lurch sideways, leaving you stranded. 

How do you know they won't find it offensive? How do you know they'll understand it at all?

Humor varies from person to person and group to group. What we find funny is not always a reliable indication that everyone else will find the same type of humor amusing.

Do some digging. Ask. Find out as much as you can. 

2. Use safe humor

The audience is not your target, usually! ☺

Use humor that doesn't use the audience as the butt of the joke. 

This is not the time to make jokes about audiences so thick their brains have the consistency of rapidly setting concrete or similar observations.

Avoid dividing an audience

Use humor that doesn't isolate and target a segment of the audience: all the blondes, males, females, English speakers, people of Italian descent, people who have a commerce degree, or Sunday afternoon yoga practitioners...

A descriptor that separates and intentionally sets one group up to laugh at another is, as my mother would say, 'not nice dear, not nice at all'. 

Keep out of the gutter

Use humor that doesn't rely on 'coarse' language or profanity to make its point.

For instance, a string of loud beautifully enunciated f**k, f**k, f**kity, f**ks may be hilariously amusing in some settings, but a serious lapse of judgment in others. 

Stick to safe subjects

Use humor that avoids taboo subjects: religion, politics, race, class or sex.

Focus the laughs on yourself

Using humor effectively often means using yourself as the subject, but only if it's relevant to your topic, and done in a kindly way.

Nobody wants to hear or see you putting yourself down harshly. You may laugh at your foibles or quirks publicly but not prostrate yourself for a whipping in front of an audience. That will embarrass them.

When you poke fun at yourself in a balanced, truthful way you are giving the audience permission to laugh with you, not at you.

You are also inviting them to identify with you, creating openness and trust. Your audience will be more likely to listen because you're reflecting or showing them an aspect they know to be true of themselves, as well as you.

These stories do not have to be about big life events to work. Those small incidents where we are brought up short are very effective in the right place.

The chocolate yoghurt faux pas

For instance, here is a story about what happened one late afternoon, after I'd finished teaching for the day, and had picked up my son, then aged four, from childcare.

On the way home we called into the supermarket. We were standing in front of a chiller cabinet full of frozen desserts: ice cream of all flavors, different sorts of gelato, and yoghurt.

A woman next to us opened the door and took out a large tub of chocolate flavored yoghurt. My son was amazed. He looked up at me, and then told her loudly, "My mother says that's full of sugar and complete rubbish!"

Yes. Quite. Hmm.

I was deeply embarrassed as was the woman with the rubbish yoghurt in her hand. 

We're human. We all have stories about ourselves to use. ☺

Laugh about what you know

Use subjects you've earned the right to joke about.

For example an over weight person may make comments about being large, a disabled person can joke about the difficulties they encounter on a daily basis or a woman can laugh about the trials of child bearing, provided she has had a child.

A safe guideline is, if you don't know it, as in having lived it, don't jest or make light of it.

Test and refine. Is it really funny?

It is better to have several strong anecdotes in your presentation rather than a string of weak ones.

Always rehearse and test the humor you plan to use. (Scroll down for rehearsal tips.)

To test have several people listen and give you honest feedback. Listen to it.

It maybe that the subject is wrong for the situation, or perhaps your delivery needs work, or your language choice needs altering. Any of those could cause a humorous throwaway comment or a story to fall flat.

3. Integrating humor 

Integrate any joke/humorous remark or story you use into your speech or presentation.

If you're thinking of telling the joke because you think it's a good one and bound to get you laughs but it has nothing to do with your speech topic, leave it out. It might be hilarious, but it is not relevant.

Unless you find a plausible, believable way to link the material into your subject, forget it. Please.

Introducing humor

And if you do want to tell a joke or add humor and IT IS relevant make sure it is not introduced along the lines of:

'Have you heard the one about ...?' 'This is really funny. You're going to howl with laughter.' 'There was this Irishman/Scotsman/Australian...'

None of these openings show the humor is blended with your own material and the second one is particularly nasty if your audience sits poker faced!

Stick to your speech purpose

Unless you were briefed to be a comedian, don't attempt it. This doesn't mean don't use humor. It means stick to your speech purpose and find the humor within that subject matter. The audience is not expecting a stand-up comedy routine from you.

Giggle, chortle and smile

Read content suggestions (with examples) about what goes into making a great funny speech . 

Choose yourself a light-hearted subject to talk on from this list of 60 fun speech topics .

Don't want a serious persuasive speech idea? Try one of these 105 fun persuasive speech topics !

What about a not-so-serious demonstration speech? Give your audience a giggle with a topic chosen from these  188 funny how to speech ideas .

Blend your humor

Weave your humorous material through your speech while keeping the ratio of laugh-lines to information balanced appropriately for your topic, audience, the type of speech and its purpose.

For example, if your speech is primarily to entertain rather than inform, it may be right to use more humor. Judge each situation carefully.

4. Keys to rehearsing humor in your speech

Use an expressive voice.

Live into the story you are telling to make it seem as if it were happening again in the 'here and now'.

If an angry voice is needed. Use one. If wheedling is asked for. Whine, like you really mean it. This gives the audience the 'feel' of the situation. They will grasp it and its emotional content more quickly.

If you need a hand, you'll find it here:   How to develop and use an expressive voice .

These simple vocal variety exercises covering pitch, tone, volume and rate will help you identify where you need to place your effort.

Use simple pared down language

The less complicated the set-up and story, the more direct it is and the less chance your audience has of misunderstanding.

For help with how to enter or set up a story check this page on story-telling step-ups . You'll find examples of what not, and what to do to.

Remember the rule of three

The rule of three works in all areas of presentation. It can be three examples to illustrate a point. It could three repetitions of the same word or phrase for emphasis, a device often used in oratory.

Or it could be three characters in an anecdotal story e.g. a variation on the classic:   An Irishman, Australian and an American ...

Three in storytelling is a naturally believable number whether it be words to describe people and their actions or, the events themselves.

The first usage sets whatever it is up in the audience's mind as possibly believable. The second, reinforces it and by the time the third instance comes along, the audience has accepted it as truth.

Three, works!

Practice, practice, and then, practice some more

Practice telling your story in as many ways as you can and listen to yourself.

What happens if you speed up here, and slow down there? What happens if you emphasize this word instead of that word?

As a general rule comedians point up the punch line. They give a cue to the audience that it is coming, preparing them to listen and laugh using a combination of slowing down, pausing and emphasis.

It's called finding 'the beat'. Miss it and nobody will laugh. Find it and the same joke that previously bombed will fly. The only sure-fire way to locate it is through practice. After enough, you'll sense it and know when to slow, pause and stress a word.

To find out more about the dynamic inter-play of speech rate and pausing check in here: speech rate and pausing in speech .

Record yourself

• Is your lead-in or set-up smooth? The 'lead-in' is the integration of the one liner, story, or anecdote with the body of your speech. It is the bridge between your core information and the humor. Part of learning how to use humor effectively is to make it believable by introducing it as a part of the general flow of your speech. This makes it truthful in the ears and eyes of your audience. It also sets up the element of surprise as the audience will not be expecting your cunning comedic twist. A smooth set-up helps you achieve that.
• Is your voice expressive?
• Is your language simple, effective and easily understood?
• Have you pointed up the laugh line?
• Is the laugh line clear?

What's funny? Is it you or your story?

Make a distinction between the humor and yourself. Are you funny or is the story you are telling funny ?

For example, a comedian does not laugh at his own jokes as it breaks the illusion of truth.

When you laugh at your own material you are on the outside of it, looking in, rather than BEING it.

Use simple large gestures

If you are going to incorporate acting into your story practice using clear decisive gestures rather than a flurry of small ones.

Think mime. It crosses audience boundaries easily through involving your whole body in the action.

Everybody, regardless of who they are or the language they speak, understands the body language of weeping in despair, pulling your hair out in desperation, or swooning with love.

For an introduction to using gesture in speeches check this page on  characterization techniques . You'll find exercises to help you.

5.What's the difference between using humor and telling a joke?

Humor is usually part of its context. In other words it is derived from the situation or setting.

Here's a wonderful and  true story  to illustrate.

Instant karma

In one of my classes I had a very mouthy, opinionated student. Whatever the subject he knew more about it than anybody else and he always made sure everybody knew, he knew. He corrected, interrupted, and sometimes jeered at his classmates.

One day in the middle of yet another unasked for torrent of information, a hanging pot plant above him let go of its hook in the ceiling. It crashed spectacularly to the floor showering him in earth, plant and shards of pottery. The class, dissolving into mirth, fell off their chairs laughing and I heard someone say; 'I reckon that's instant karma, Jason.'

Fortunately only his pride was hurt.

A joke is often isolated from or very loosely connected to what is happening. It tends to be a pre-formatted story following known, well worn lines.

Example: How do you confuse a blonde? Answer:  Put her in a circle and tell her to sit in the corner.

6. The benefits of using humor effectively

When you use humor well you benefit,  along with your audience.

Here's how:

• Humor breaks through barriers. Laughter can transcend age, race, gender, belief or class barriers.
• Humor relaxes your audience and puts them in a receptive mood. After you have made them laugh, they are more likely to want to listen to you!
• Humor alerts your audience to listen. They become more interested in what you're saying than what happened prior to them listening to you or what is going to happen afterward. It brings your audience into the happening-here-and-now.
• Laughter adds 'juice' to a presentation. It can enliven potentially dry or dull material.
• Humor releases tension.
• Humor binds people together: that is, humor based on common experience unites a group. For example, almost every profession has its own humor. For instance, there are lawyer, teacher, doctor, computer tech, and so on, jokes. Likewise, every relationship has its jokes. There are husband jokes, wife jokes, daughter, son, baby, mother-in-law, father-in-law, boss...

More about how to use humor effectively:

Find out about differing types of verbal humor .

Your audience will appreciate it.

When you've finished discovering the joy of strategically using a sprinkle of malapropisms with a side serving of irony, try some physical humor .

And continue to ...

PRACTICE telling your stories, PRACTICE timing and PRACTICE looking for the comedic or humorous element in all the events of your life.

If you're considering entering a humorous speech contest, please don't do as I did!

Read about what happened when I overlooked a critical element in my preparation. This was a humorous speech lesson I'll remember. 

Understanding how and why humor works:

• What makes something funny? by Ben Healy, March 2018, The Atlantic
• A quest to understand what makes things funny by Shane Snow, April 1 2014, The New Yorker

The psychological and physiological benefits of humor:

• The laughter prescription - American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Dexter Louie, BA, Karolina Brook, MD, and Elizabeth Frates, MD, 2016 Jul-Aug; 10(4)

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A Guide To Using Humor In Your Speech

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking

Charlie Chaplin said, “A Day Without Laughter Is A Day Wasted.” These words couldn’t stand truer for the day when you’re going to be delivering a speech. 

And yet many, many speakers are apprehensive of using humour in their speech. To add that ‘creative kick’, they choose instead to go with the relatively safer options of telling a quote, or a story, or sometimes chose to omit this bout of creativity altogether. 

Their apprehension isn’t wrong. 

A badly phrased or timed joke can kill the mood. However, an apt and well-timed joke can catapulate an audience’s interest in both; the speech and the speaker.

Adding humour to your speech can make your audience feel more relaxed and comfortable, and makes it easier for them to formulate a personal connection with you. This will, in turn, make it more likely that they will remember you and your speech in the future.  

In fact, many great public speakers understand that humour is not just an added ingredient to make a speech intriguing–it has now become a necessary one. 

This is why it’s imperative that you get over your humor apprehension and start adding it to your speeches. And how do you do I do that, you ask? 

Well, we’re here to help you! 

Importance Of Adding Humor To A Speech

1. makes you bond with the audience.

One of the most important elements that makes a great speaker is their ability to relate to and bond with their audience. If the audience can relate to you, if they feel a connection with you, then till will remember you–and your speech.

Humor is a great way of achieving this. A speaker who uses humor effectively is more human, more real, more like one of them , to the audience. Jokes put the audience at ease and make them more comfortable with you, and make it more likely that they will remember you for a long time.

2. Makes Them Remember You

One of the most difficult feats for a speaker to achieve is to not be forgettable. You want the audience to remember you long after you’ve finished speaking, and not forget about what you said the moment you get off of the stage.

Adding humor to your speech will make it more likely that they will remember you for a long time. A well placed joke is often easier to remember than a long or complicated point. Moreover, they might also repeat your joke to someone else, thereby increasing the reach that you have.

3. Gives The Audience A Break

If you speaking for a long time without offering the audience any relief, then chances are, they’re going to be dozing off before you reach even a quarter of your speech.

Humor prevents this by giving the audience a break from the monotony of continuous talk. It gives them a moment to refresh themselves, to chuckle and think about something other than your speech for a moment. When the moment ends and you slip back into the main topic, chances are, your audience will listen to you with renewed and prolonged interest instead of dozing off.

4. Makes It Easier To Get Across A Point

Not only does humor provide the audience a reprieve from much dreaded monotony, but it also makes it easier for them to grasp the points that you’re trying to make.

This is because humor simplifies things for the audience. As the speaker, you’re already well-versed in the topic you wish to deliver. However, your audience is perhaps not–at least, not till your level. Thus, by incorporating jokes that elaborate on principal points in your speech, you can make it easier for your audience to grasp what you’re trying to say.

5. Makes The Audience Feel At Home

Humor breaks the ice in the room, and there are few things that will warm up your audience not only to you but to each other as well than a shared laugh. Especially if you’re addressing an unfamiliar group, it’s imperative that you make them feel comfortable with you and the venue.

Cracking a joke at the beginning of your speech is one of the best ways of doing this. This will make sure that the audience is comfortable right from the beginning of your speech, and it will make it more likely for them to be receptive and interested in what you’re going to be saying for the rest of the event.

The Do’s and Don’t’s Of Making The Audience Laugh

Making someone laugh is no easy feat. And making an entire group of people is even more difficult.

But it’s not impossible –not if you keep in mind a few basic tips. And no, you don’t need to be a professional comedian or even a natural-born one to be able to successfully employ humor in your speech. What you need is the willingness to step out of your comfort zone, and to practice, practice, practice.

The Don’ts Of Making Audience Laugh

Don’t make it too complicated.

This is a very common mistake that most speakers make, especially if humor isn’t something that comes to them naturally. They make their jokes too complicated or too specific, thereby confusing the audience.

If your audience doesn’t understand the joke, they’re not going to laugh at it, period. You want the joke to be simple enough to be grasped by most of your audience. Keep the complex stuff for your speech–and even then, it’s best to be familiar with and mindful of your audience’s level.

Remember that the joke is directed towards the audience and not you. Therefore, it is imperative that while you’re thinking of the joke, you keep your audience in your mind.

Don’t Use Too Many Jokes

While it’s important to sprinkle your speech with jokes, the keyword here is sprinkle . Don’t dump an entire handful of them over it. Use humor aptly, and you will attain all the benefits associated with it.

However, if you use too much of it or simply use it too often, then then it’s going to have the opposite effect. That is, your audience is more likely going to groan at your joke rather than laugh at it. The best way to avoid this to only use humor when it feels natural to do so. That is, don’t just add a joke because you’re unsure what to say, but rather add a joke where you’re sure it will work.

Don’t Tell Them You’re Going To Say Something Funny 

Seriously, don’t. 

One of the biggest mistakes that a person can make before telling a joke is telling the audience that they’re going to be telling a joke. It sounds about as awkward as the three tellings did in the previous sentence. 

This is because it raises your audience’s expectations. Unless and until your story is something that will have them rolling on the floor in laughter, they’re going to be disappointed. Not only this, but it makes you look bad as a speaker, and it also takes away the element of spontaneity from the joke or speech. 

So, next time you want to tell a joke…

…just tell it.  

Don’t Use Controversial Topics 

How often has it happened that you have an amazing opinion of a speaker…

…and then it all goes downhill when they tell a joke. 

Remember that your audience is diverse and has diverse beliefs and opinions. Some topics–like religion, race, and gender–are bound to invite controversial reactions in the audience. 

You don’t want to alienate your audience. Rather, you want them to feel like they belong.

So, the next time you’re giving a speech, don’t use controversial topics. 

The Do’s Of Making The Audience Laugh

Do perfect the delivery.

Once you’re done with practice, then comes the next, and the most important, step: delivering the speech to an audience. Delivering an awesome joke that you’ve practiced a hundred times and being met with crickets for response is embarrassing. To avoid that, the first thing you must do is practice your delivery.

Don’t read your jokes off of a piece of paper. That’s simply terrible. You need to practice your jokes until they’re naturally woven into your speech and you can recite them from memory. Deliver your humor in a conversational way, and not like you’ve spent hours memorizing it. Keep in mind the “Rule Of Three” i.e if you haven’t delivered your punch line by the third line of your joke…it’s too long.

For more information on how to deliver your speech, check out our article on Body Language & It’s Contribution To The Process Of Communication .

Do Make Sure The Joke Has A Point

Remember that you’re not on stage for a stand-up comedy show but to deliver a speech. Don’t just add a random joke, no matter how funny or relatable it is. You need to make sure the joke you’re making is relevant to the topic in hand, and elaborates or simplifies it in some way.

If your joke isn’t relevant to the topic in hand, the audience might find it funny, yes. But they will most likely also end up confused about the point you’re trying to make, and thus lose track of the main speech that you’re there to deliver.

Be Appropriate

Lastly, while delivering the joke, it’s imperative that you deliver it in an appropriate manner and in a way that you don’t end up offending your audience’s sentiments.

To do this, make sure that you look up what your audience is likely going to be composed of beforehand. Search about their likes and dislikes, things familiar and unfamiliar to them. Most importantly, however, it is important to educate yourself and keep yourself updated about what’s happening in the world on a regular basis, and not just before your speech.

If you do end up accidentally saying something that you shouldn’t have, it’s best to apologize. Remember that saying sorry doesn’t make you a smaller person–quite the opposite, really.

Do Incorporate Pauses 

You don’t want to rush through your joke in one breath, and then plunge straight into your subject matter. Your audience needs time to comprehend the joke: otherwise, they won’t laugh.

So, make sure to have appropriate breaks between and within jokes. It’s especially important to pause both before and after delivering the punch line. This is to give your audience the chance to formulate an opinion, which you will then subvert with the punch-line, and also to increase their anticipation level. Pausing after the punch-line is imperative to give them a chance to process your joke, especially if it’s a bit complex. 

Do Make Sure It’s Relevant 

Don’t use humor that doesn’t drive forward and expand on your main point. You don’t want to randomly dive into a story about your encounter with a ninja…unless your speech has to do something with encounters. Or ninjas (in which case, may I attend it?). 

The point is, use relevant humor. This will make sure that your audience doesn’t get confused about the point of your speech, and that they don’t lose out on important stuff that you’re saying because they’re trying to figure out how your joke fits into what they’ve been led to believe they’re there to hear. 

How To Add Humour To A Speech (Even If You’re Not A Comedian)

1. using anecdotes .

“Last summer, I visited a Yoga Retreat in the middle of nowhere…”

Many people feel more comfortable sharing their stories than slipping in a well-timed jab in the middle of their speech. Then why not combine both, and make it a funny story? The best and easiest way of employing natural humor in your speech is by drawing on your personal experience. 

Think about that embarrassing moment that was definitely not funny at the time, but you can now think back on chuckling to yourself. Or, if you’re not comfortable sharing something about yourself, think of a funny story that someone else told you. You can even use experiences common to most people–like having a little kid to take care of or college professors to tackle. 

Don’t worry about people having heard it before. 

Sometimes a good cliche is exactly what people need. 

If you need more help with using storytelling in your speech, check out our article on 9 Storytelling Approaches For Your Next Speech Or Presentation.

Here’s an example of incorporating anecdotes in your speech. As you watch the video, keep an eye on how the speakers phrase the story, their body language, and their facial expressions. Try to incorporate the same in your speech.

2. Surprising The Audience 

A perfectionist walked into a bar…apparently, the bar wasn’t set high enough.

Who doesn’t like surprises (except my mother)? 

And who doesn’t like jokes (except my father)?

Combine both elements, and your audience is in for a treat! 

And no, by surprise, I don’t mean you have to literally surprise them. 

Humour tends to naturally pop up when your perfection about what someone is going to say next is off the mark. The dissonance between sentences can be annoying, yes. But if done right, it can win you that surprised dose of laughter that you’re vying for.

And how do you surprise your audience? 

The best way of doing this is by using a set up and punch-lines. 

A set-up builds your audience’s expectations for a particular outcome. The punchline reveals the surprise and upturns the audience’s expectations. However, one key factor to keep note of while delivering your punch line is to keep it at the end of your sentence. 

This is because if you keep it in the middle, most people will be too focused on what you’re going to say to make deeper sense of what you’re actually saying right now. Also, words spoken at the end of a sentence or paragraph tend to have a greater impact–which is exactly what you want your punchline to do.  

Following is an example of excellent punch-line delivery. Make note of how the speaker says his punch lines. Notice how he pauses before delivering the line, the way he waits for the audience’s reaction, and the way he phrases the punch-lines to increase its impact.

3. Add Shock Value By Playing With Words 

Does anyone need an Ark? I Noah guy.

Phrases with dual meanings can be interpreted in more than one way, and if you use them in an appropriate way, can garner a good laugh from the audience. In such phrases, while the first meaning is apparent, the deeper intonation is something that might take a couple of seconds to click . 

However, once it does–especially if your timing was great–then it might have the audience chuckling for a while. The easiest way of adding dual meanings to your speech is by using the set-up and punch-line method mentioned above. Use the setting to suggest one meaning, and then when the punchline rolls around, use it to insinuate an entirely different meaning. 

And the deeper intonation doesn’t have to be something cliche, either: you can make it something profound, or a sentence with more underlying depth or impact than the initial, seemingly silly, one.

You can also add puns to your joke. A pun is a grammatical effect that uses two words or expressions that sound similar or the same, but have two very different meanings. Normally in a pun, the first meaning is quite reasonable, while the second one might be less sensible or humorous in some way. 

Forr example, “Santa Clause – patron saint of grammar.” 

However, while playing with words, a key factor to keep in mind is to not go for cheap laughs at the expense of particular people or groups. This might have the opposite effect and entirely put off your audience.

In the following video, the speaker not only makes amazing use of puns, but also surprises the audience. In the beginning, it doesn’t appear that he’s going to be able to have the judges rolling in laughter–but that’s exactly what happens! Notice the way he uses the words, and the way he plays with them to make the audience laugh.

4. Adding Self-Depreciating Humor 

The only time I’m funny is when I insult myself

Audience tends to react positively to speakers who are self-depreciating–and by self-depreciating, I don’t mean self-loathing , no. 

I’m talking about self-depreciating humor–which is light-hearted humour at the expense of the speaker. 

This is because self-depreciating humour can make you seem more real or grounded to the audience. It also makes it easier for them to connect with you. When they laugh at your jokes, they’re not laughing at you but with you: they recognize some part of themselves in what you’re saying i.e they relate to you. 

It’s an extremely cathartic and fun experience. 

However, be careful not to overdo it. 

Remember, you’re trying to make the audience laugh , not to make them feel bad for you. 

This speech is an excellent example of how you can use self-depreciating humor without giving the audience the impression that you’re trying to make them feel sorry for you. Watch how the speaker uses self-depreciating humor skillfully, and while writing your speech, use his technique.

5. Use Audio-Visual Effects

Using audio-visual effects will not only make your presentation more engaging, but it will also add a kick of uniqueness to it. 

Using audio-visual effects to amplify the humour in your speech is a great idea because it will provide the audience a reprieve from the monotony of listening to a speaker for long stretches of time. 

You can add visual elements in many ways. If you’re displaying a presentation, you can add a meme or two into the slides. You can also show a short funny clip or a GIF. 

Audio effects can be timed beforehand and cued in during critical elements of your speech. For instance, you can add a funny audio during a punch-line, or while you’re delivering an anecdote. 

Done right, this will grab your audience’s attention, and make them re-focus on your presentation. 

In the following speech, the speaker makes outstanding use of audio-visual elements to make his speech stand out. Keep your eye on the screen behind him, and notice how he uses images and illustrations to make the experience more appealing for the audience.

6. Use Slapstick To Add Humor The Old-Fashioned Way

Slapstick comedy is easier said than done. However, if you do manage to pull it off,  it will provide a powerful kick and add more dimension to your presentation. 

Slapstick will also make you more real and relatable to the audience. It might be overused, however, it will add a burst of warmth and nostalgia to the audience’s experience. I understand that acting is not everyone’s forte, and not everyone will be comfortable enacting a comic play.

But I’m not asking you to turn into Charlie Chaplin. You don’t need to enact an entire funny scene or play. 

Even a small snippet of a scene, if done correctly, will do the trick.

All you need to do is get out of your comfort zone and practice!

This video is a classic example of how slapstick comedy doesn’t necessarily have to be boring. While the comic element in your speech doesn’t need to be as long, you can incorporate the technique used in your own.

7. Use Audience-Oriented Humor

What’s a comedian’s least favorite drink?  Answer: booze

Since your audience is the one that’s going to be listening to your speech–and your jokes–it only makes sense that you use humor that will be understood and cherished by them.

Your humor should be directed towards and specific to your audience. That is, you need to change the kind of humor you’ll evoke and the type of jokes you’ll use based on what your audience comprises of.

For instance, if your audience is comprised of college-goers, your humor must incorporate subjects and experiences that are familiar to them. If your audience is mostly working people over forty years, then you’ll need to make tweaks to your planned jokes so that the humor is more relatable to them.

So, before you sit down and begin planning your jokes, make sure you’re familiar with your audience’s taste and preferences. After all, no matter how good or well-timed the joke, if they don’t understand it, they won’t laugh at it.

In the following example, comedian Ellen DeGeneres uses humor that is easily understood by her audience, thus evoking much laughter. It’s one of the most entertaining Oscar opening speeches, and for good reason! Notice how he keeps the audience engaged and calls out a few members to make things interesting.

8. Take Inspiration From Real Life

While it’s important to have your jokes prepared beforehand, a secret ingredient that’ll take the humor level of your speech to the next level is by keeping a lookout for anything funny happening around you as you’re giving the speech.

That is, you need to pay attention if there’s anything that your audience is doing which can be turned into an impromptu joke. Say, someone, yawning. Or, a funny reaction that someone gives to your speech.

You can frame these events in a funny way and point them out while speaking. You can even directly address an audience member by asking them a funny question or simply asking if they agree with a humorous comment that you’ve made.

The key is to add a dose of spontaneous and life to your presentation. More often than not, it is these unscripted moments that will linger in your audience’s mind rather than the ones you’ve painstakingly timed beforehand.

The following example is a great way through which you can make impromptu comedy not feel forced to the audience. As you watch it, notice how the speaker is on his feet, the way he delivers his jokes, as well as the subject matter of the jokes.

9. Using Props

Another great way of adding humor to a speech is by using props! This is a fun way to add a touch of uniqueness to your speech and to re-focus your audience’s attention on something other than you and the stage.

There are many different types of props which you can use. You can use puppets, suitcases, a table…anything you can think of, really! However, make sure that just like your jokes, the prop is relevant to the topic in hand. Don’t just use a prop simply for the sake of using one, or else it will take away from your speech instead of adding anything to it.

Using props can seem tough, but it doesn’t have to be so! The following video is a great example of how you can use props to make your speech more lively, funny, as well as entertaining to watch!

10. You Don’t Have To Be Perfect

Nobody’s perfect. I’m nobody… So I’m perfect.

Lastly, remember that you’re not trying to win a stand-up contest. You don’t need to be the best comedian in the world or even the funniest person in the room. You’re there to deliver a speech. You’re there to share with the audience your knowledge and your experiences, and the audience is there to receive them.

It’s okay if you mess up. It’s alright if the audience doesn’t laugh at one joke. It doesn’t matter if you messed up a punch-line.

What matters is that you’re there, and you did it! You gave your best.

Humorous Ted Talk Speech Examples

1. inside the mind of a master procrastinator.

This speech is no doubt one of the funniest Ted Talks I’ve ever come across, and for good reason!

Takeaway: A major reason for this is the speaker’s use of imagery and cartoons to add a dose of entertaining audio-visual elements to the speech. He neither overdoes it with the visuals nor does he underuse them. His speech structure and the punch timing don’t hurt, either. As you watch it, keep a lookout for these things, and try to incorporate audio-visuals in your speech in a similar way.

2. A Highly Scientific Taxonomy Of Haters

This is another great Ted Talk in which the speaker uses humor in a creative way to get across their point.

Takeaway: This is an example of how your humor doesn’t necessarily have to be slapstick or obvious. It also shows how humor doesn’t need to be a filler in a speech: it’s not merely there to entertain. Rather, you can use humor to add more dimensions to your speech and to make it easier for your audience to grasp otherwise difficult concepts.

3. The Happy Secret To Better Work

Another great Ted Talk was delivered by psychologist Shawn Achor, in which he argues that happiness actually leads to more productivity.

Takeaway: This is a great Ted Talk if you’re a professional looking for how to deliver your message to the audience using humor as a medium. Notice how the speaker keeps the audience laughing and in a good mood as he delivers his speech.

Notice the speaker’s body language, and how he smiles often to make a connection with his audience. He isn’t a professional comedian, but he doesn’t let that fact hinder his speech in any way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. how do i add humor to the beginning (or the end) of a speech .

There are many ways using which you can add humor to the opening of your speech. 

You could start off by telling a funny story. This can be your personal experience, or just something imaginary. A funny story is a great way to begin your speech, because not only does a story capture your audience’s attention right off the bat, but the added element of humor elevates your audience’s mood. This will ensure that they have a favorable opinion of you–and the rest of the speech! 

For the ending, too, you could use a shorter version of a story. Or, another way of adding humor to the beginning or ending of a speech is the good old fashioned way: tell a joke. 

If it’s the ending, you could go with a joke that loops into or makes a reference to something that you’ve said before. If you’re starting off, start with something unique and fresh! 

Q. How Do I Add Humor To A Serious Speech 

So, what if your speech topic isn’t something light? What if you’re delivering a serious speech? Can you still add humor to it? 

The answer: Yes. 

Adding humor to a serious speech will give your audience a chance to breathe & to take a break from the heavy subject matter.

However, you need to make sure that the humor doesn’t seem forced or out of place. It should flow with your speech, and not feel like an external constituent that you’ve added simply because you have to.

You can still use the different ways of adding humor to a speech that we’ve mentioned above. However, make sure that you add them at appropriate time intervals, and that they expand upon what you’re trying to get across. Also, try not to use too many jokes, or bunch them all together, as this will affect the overall tone of your speech. 

 Q3. How Do I Find My Unique Sense Of Humor 

It’s important to have your own unique sense of humor, not just in everyday life, but during speeches as well. This will make sure that your jokes aren’t bland and overused, and that the humor in your speech feels natural and not forced. 

You can’t just wake up one day and discover what kind of humor fits you. You need to put in time and effort in real life to find your own personal touch. 

One way of doing this is by delving into humorous content. So, watch that stand up comedy show or YouTube video, or read that hilarious book you’ve been wanting to. You need to learn what you find funny, and what type of content makes you chuckle.

Then, try incorporating them into everyday life situations, or simply practice by yourself first before moving onto other people. It’s important to be considerate of your audience and make sure that your jokes aren’t offensive, yes. But don’t change your natural style to cater to other people–you will never be able to stand out or find your own voice this way.

Q4. What If My Audience Doesn’t Laugh? 

A speaker’s worst fear: they tell a joke to an auditorium full of people, and there’s pin drop silence (or, well, so it feels). 

However, don’t despair if the audience doesn’t laugh at your joke.

Pause for a little bit. Give them time. It could be that they haven’t yet understood it. 

If there’s still no reaction, don’t lose heart. 

It’s important to not let your audience control your emotions. Remember that your goal is not laughter but to get across your point. Take a deep breath, and continue on with your speech. Don’t let embarrassment make you skip the rest of your jokes. Tell them as you were going to–just because they didn’t laugh at one joke doesn’t mean they’re not going to laugh at others.

If you feel like understanding was a problem, then you can make little tweaks to your delivery or the content matter to make it easier for your audience to grasp the joke. You could even prepare a witty response to such a scenario in advance, and use it if the situation does arise.

To sum up, adding humor to your speech is imperative not just to liven it up, but also to make it easier for the audience to understand it and to cement your speech in their mind for years to come. While adding humor to your speech might seem like a daunting task at first, by using the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can easily train yourself to use humor easily as well as effectively in your future talks!

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Saro's Corner

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Sunday, November 5, 2017

Humorous speech writing techniques.

• I was always an outstanding student in my class. Yes, dear friends... my teacher always makes me to stand outside of the classroom. 
• Almost everyone looked up to me in my college, because I was the tallest guy in the class 
• Once upon a time, I used to have a small face to wash and lots of hair to comb. Today, I've more face to wash, and less hair to comb 
• Some day, I thought I'll be like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I worked out really hard... and finally, after several failed attempts I did become like Arnold. Wait wait wait... not like the Arnold in his 20s, but like the Arnold in his 60s. 
• Chennai looks like Venice during rainy seasons. And you would need a boat, not a car. 
• I got a new Credit Card to my wife. She spent so much in a month, that she got into the Master Card Hall of Fame. 
• I was looking for a perfect better half. But, I wasn't lucky. The ones who looked like Aishwarya Rai, hadn't crossed 10th grade and the ones who had completed Ph.D looked like a 40 year old. 
• My friend is like a radio... if she starts talking she wouldn't stop. The only difference between her and the radio is, she doesn't even give commercial breaks in between.  
• Who said finding God is difficult, try searching for a plumber on a weekend.
• The moment I told my friend that I am going to get married, he said "Congratulations on the termination of your isolation and may I express an appreciation of your determination to end the desperation and frustration" 

• A man was hit by a coke can, but he wasn't injured at all... because it was a "soft" drink.
• If you are talking about your mom and wife, you can say Behind every successful man, there is a woman... and behind every unsuccessful man, there is two. 
 
• If one door closes and another one opens, probably your house is haunted
• The classic joke "Take my wife ... PLEASE !

"
• As you all might know, I’m a very organized person. Immediately after the marriage, I wanted to prepare myself for a successful married life. The first thing that I did was I bought the book “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus”. I read the book page by page, line by line, word after word. After reading the book, I thought I’ve mastered the art of “understanding a women”. I thought I had learned all the tricks to keep my wife happy. A few months into the marriage, I realized “Men are from Mars, my wife is not from Venus”.
 
• A warning label on a baby stroller: "Remove child before folding". 

• My boss said "Have a good day"... and I went home
• I went to the grocery shop... and I saw this sign on the glass door "Open the door before entering"
• Judges in contests are always consistent. They are consistently punctual, consistently sincere and consistently pick the most undeserving person as the winner. 
• The best part of getting married in Las Vegas is you'll get everything that you need at one place - music, flowers and divorce document

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10 Hilarious and Engaging Funny Speech Topics for Your Next Presentation

Crafting a presentation that sticks in the minds of your audience can be quite the challenge, right? Believe me, I know the struggle all too well. However, after pouring over more than 510 funny speech topics , I stumbled upon a comedy goldmine that’s sure to captivate any crowd .

This article is your ticket to selecting side-splitting and memorable topics guaranteed to keep your audience hooked. Brace yourself for an entertaining ride filled with laughter !

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Choosing funny speech topics keeps your audience interested , builds trust, and reduces tension . It makes complex ideas easier to understand and the presentation more memorable.
• Relatable content connects directly with your audience. For high school or university settings, consider common experiences like navigating social media or balancing school and personal life.
• Practice delivering your speech with effective timing and body language . Record yourself to improve delivery, use pauses for emphasis, and vary your tone to keep listeners engaged.
• Personal stories make speeches engaging. Share amusing anecdotes from your own life to connect with the audience and make them laugh.
• Understand who you are speaking to. Choose topics that match the interests of beginners in public speaking as well as seasoned audiences looking for humor in presentations.

Why Use Funny Speech Topics?

Using funny speech topics keeps your audience entertained and reduces tension, making your presentation more engaging. It also builds trust and creates relatable content for your listeners to connect with.

Keeps audience interested

Choosing funny speech topics is a smart move to keep your audience glued to your presentation. Humor breaks the ice and pulls listeners in, making them eager for what comes next. I learned the hard way that dry, dull topics lose audiences fast.

But when I threw in jokes or picked amusing speech topics, people perked up. They laughed, engaged more , and even asked questions after my talks.

One thing’s clear: everyone loves to laugh . It makes complex ideas easier to grasp and messages more memorable . During my Toastmasters days , I saw firsthand how laughter could transform an average presentation into a standout one.

Now, with over 510 hilarious and engaging funny speech topics available, choosing content that tickles everyone’s funny bone is easier than ever. This approach not only captivates attention but also turns potentially snooze-worthy sessions into lively discussions.

Builds trust

Using humor in speeches can build trust by creating a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere . This allows the audience to see your authentic personality , making them feel connected and comfortable with you as a speaker.

Funny speech topics also demonstrate that you are confident and capable of engaging people beyond just delivering information.

Humor in speeches builds trust by creating an enjoyable atmosphere and demonstrating confidence in engaging audiences authentically through lighthearted content .

Reduces tension

By incorporating humor into your speech, you can lighten the atmosphere and make the audience feel more relaxed. This can help to alleviate any nervousness or tension that may be present in the room.

Using funny speech topics allows you to connect with your audience on a more personal level, making it easier for them to engage with your presentation .

Incorporating lighthearted content into your speech helps to reduce tension and anxiety among your listeners, creating a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. It also demonstrates your ability to connect with others through humor , making you appear relatable and approachable as a speaker.

Relatable content

Relatable content in your speech topics can connect directly with your audience , making them feel understood and engaged. When choosing funny speech topics for high school or university settings, consider common experiences that students can relate to, such as navigating social media pressures or the challenges of balancing school and personal life .

For presentations in corporate settings, incorporating humorous anecdotes about everyday office scenarios can make your speech more relatable and enjoyable. Remember to tap into universal experiences and observations that will resonate with your audience, creating a shared sense of humor.

When crafting impromptu or short speeches, think about relatable content that everyone can identify with quickly. Imparting amusing perspectives on daily occurrences like commuting mishaps or funny family dynamics will captivate the audience’s attention from the start.

Fun Speech Topics for Various Settings

Fun speech topics for different situations can make your presentation more enjoyable and engaging. Explore the best humorous speech ideas to captivate your audience’s attention.

High school

High school can be nerve-wracking, but funny speech topics can make it fun. Choose light-hearted subjects students can relate to. Topics such as “Why Homework Should Be Banned” or “The Unwritten Rules of High School Cafeteria” work well.

Keep it relatable and enjoyable for your classmates.

Encourage participation: engage with the audience by involving them in your stories. Use humor and anecdotes that everyone can connect with. This will ensure a lively and entertaining presentation, setting you up for success in front of your peers.

When it comes to addressing a university audience , using humorous speech topics can be a great way to captivate the attention of students and professors alike. Entertaining presentation topics tailored towards college settings include light-hearted and amusing subjects that resonate with the academic environment .

It’s not merely about delivering information but also about keeping everyone engaged through humor. 510 funny speech topics designed for educational settings are available, making it easier for speakers to choose an appropriate and enjoyable subject for their presentations.

With tips on how to select a fun topic and deliver it effectively, crafting an entertaining university presentation becomes less daunting.

Presentations

When it comes to presentations, using funny speech topics can keep your audience engaged and entertained. Whether it’s a high school project or a corporate presentation, incorporating humor can make your speech more relatable and enjoyable.

Myassignmenthelp.com offers over 400 funny presentation topics for you to choose from, ensuring that you can add lightheartedness to any speaking engagement . Remember, understanding your audience and practicing the delivery of jokes or anecdotes is crucial in making your humorous presentation effective.

Argumentative

When crafting an argumentative funny speech, it’s important to pick a topic that sparks debate and generates laughter. A good humorous argument needs to be light-hearted yet thought-provoking , inviting the audience to see things from a different perspective while enjoying the humor.

Some fun ideas for argumentative speeches could include debating whether cats or dogs make better pets, or if pizza should be considered a breakfast food. Choosing these kinds of topics can lead to lively discussions and keep your audience engaged throughout the presentation.

Now let’s move on to “ Persuasive ” speech topics.

When crafting a persuasive speech , remember to choose a topic that resonates with your audience and appeals to their emotions. Incorporate humor and light-hearted elements in your speech to keep the audience engaged.

Share relatable anecdotes or real-life examples to support your points, making it easier for your listeners to connect with your message.

Use body language and vocal intonation effectively to emphasize key points and create an impactful delivery. Additionally, maintain eye contact with the audience and exude confidence while delivering your speech.

Practice beforehand to ensure a smooth flow of ideas and an engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression on your listeners.

Impromptu speech topics can be challenging, but they’re essential for building confidence and adaptability. They help you think on your feet and communicate effectively in unexpected situations .

These impromptu speeches are usually short, lasting 1-3 minutes or up to 7-10 minutes if given a little more time. Think of everyday scenarios, such as describing the contents of your bag or talking about your favorite hobby.

These quick-witted speeches require spontaneity and creativity to keep the audience engaged.

Remember that impromptu speeches are spontaneous opportunities to showcase your speaking skills without any prior preparation. Whether it’s at school, work, or other public settings, being able to respond confidently and humorously is an invaluable skill that will make you stand out as a speaker .

Short speeches (1-3 minutes, 4-6 minutes, 7-10 minutes)

Crafting short speeches requires focused content to engage audiences quickly. Here are some engaging and amusing topics for your next presentation, tailored according to the length of your speech:

• 1-3 minutes :
• How to Make a Perfect Cup of Coffee
• The Benefits of Laughter in Daily Life
• Hilarious Dating Disasters : Lessons Learned
• 4-6 minutes :
• Embracing Failure : Turning Setbacks into Success
• The Art of Storytelling : Captivating Your Audience
• Mastering the Art of Sarcasm : A Survival Guide
• 7-10 minutes :
• Overcoming Stage Fright : Embracing the Spotlight
• The Power of Positivity : Changing Your Mindset, Changing Your Life
• Unleashing Creativity : Finding Inspiration in Everyday Moments

Tips for Choosing and Writing a Hilarious Speech

Understand your audience before writing.

Incorporate personal experiences and funny anecdotes or jokes.

Understand the audience

When crafting a speech, it’s crucial to understand the audience’s interests and preferences . For public speaking beginners, it’s essential to choose engaging and relatable topics that resonate with their experiences and humor.

Public speaking novices often appreciate light-hearted and amusing subjects that can help ease any nervousness or tension. Engaging presentation topics for beginners should be easy to comprehend, entertaining, and relevant to their everyday lives.

By keeping the audience in mind, speakers can tailor their content to ensure maximum engagement and enjoyment from the listeners.

Understanding your audience helps create a connection through shared experiences or common interests . For those new to public speaking, choosing funny speech topics that align with the audience’s sensibilities is key to capturing their attention.

Use personal experiences

During my time in graduate school, I had to give a presentation on a lighthearted topic. I chose to talk about the struggles of learning how to swim as an adult and incorporated some humorous incidents from my own experience.

Sharing personal stories not only made the audience laugh but also helped me feel more connected with them. Using personal experiences can make your speech relatable and engaging for the audience .

When crafting a funny speech, think about a moment from your life that can be turned into an amusing anecdote or story . It could be something embarrassing, challenging, or simply hilarious that you are comfortable sharing with others.

Incorporate funny anecdotes or jokes

When crafting a speech, sprinkling in some funny anecdotes or jokes can keep your audience engaged and entertained. I often mix in personal experiences or humorous stories to add flavor to my presentations.

For example, when discussing the importance of staying confident during public speaking, I once shared a lighthearted anecdote about the time I accidentally called my teacher “mom” in front of the entire class – it had everyone laughing and made them feel more at ease.

Remembering to keep it relatable and light-hearted is essential for all speakers looking to make their speech memorable.

Funny anecdotes not only alleviate tension but also create an environment where everyone feels included . They help connect with different types of audiences, whether they are high school students or corporate professionals.

Practice delivery and timing

When practicing your speech, record yourself and listen back to improve delivery. Use pauses effectively for emphasis and timing. Vary your tone to keep the audience engaged. Rehearse in front of a friend for feedback on pacing and humor delivery .

Now let’s explore some fun speech topics for different settings.

Additional Resources

Looking for more resources to level up your speaking skills? Check out our wealth of commemorative speech topics, fun essay ideas, and funny informative speech options. Need guidance on keeping any speech entertaining and engaging? Our FAQ section will provide all the info you need!

372 commemorative speech topics

Crafting a compelling speech is essential to keep the audience engaged and amused. To help you with this, here are 372 commemorative speech topics for your consideration:

• How to honor and commemorate historical figures
• Celebrating achievements of influential leaders
• Paying tribute to revolutionary inventions and discoveries
• Commemorating significant events in history
• Remembering and honoring war heroes and veterans
• Celebrating the impact of cultural icons
• Commemorating milestones in science and technology
• Honoring contributions of literary legends
• Recognizing humanitarian efforts and philanthropic individuals
• Memorializing important moments in sports history

And many more topics encompassing various aspects of commemoration for you to explore!

406 fun essay topics

When selecting fun essay topics , consider the interests and humor of your audience. Here are some exciting and amusing ideas to consider:

• The impact of pet shaming on animal behavior
• How to survive a zombie apocalypse using only office supplies
• The life lessons learned from talking to animals
• The challenges of being a superhero in a normal world
• A day in the life of a talking parrot
• Why cats make better roommates than dogs
• The benefits of having a personal cloud that rains candy
• How aliens would react to human social media trends
• The secret lives of inanimate objects at home
• Explaining complex adult problems to children

Now, let’s explore how these fun topics can be adapted for different types of presentations!

420 funny speech topics

Are you ready for some fun speech topics? Here are 420 hilarious and engaging ideas to keep your audience entertained and amused:

• Awkward first date experiences
• The most embarrassing moments in my life
• How to survive a zombie apocalypse
• If animals could talk, what would they say?
• The art of procrastination : A beginner’s guide
• Ridiculous fashion trends throughout history
• An ode to bad hair days
• The science of why we love cheesy jokes
• Why cats are secretly plotting to take over the world
• Life advice from a five-year-old

And many more await you for your next presentation or public speaking engagement!

Tips for making any speech fun

Engage your audience by infusing humor into your speech.

• Use relatable content to connect with the audience.
• Incorporate funny anecdotes or jokes to lighten the mood and keep everyone entertained.
• Practice delivery and timing to ensure your comedic elements land well.
• Understand your audience’s sense of humor and tailor your speech accordingly.
• Share personal experiences that can bring a smile to your listeners’ faces.

Now, let’s explore how you can turn any speech into an engaging and amusing experience for your audience.

FAQ on funny informative speech topics

Thinking of incorporating humor into your next speech? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using funny informative speech topics:

• How do I choose the right funny topic for my speech?

When selecting a funny informative speech topic, consider your audience and the occasion. Choose a subject that you find humorous and that resonates with your audience.

• Should I incorporate personal experiences into my funny speech?

Yes, sharing personal anecdotes or experiences can make your speech more relatable and engaging for your audience.

• What if I’m not naturally funny?

You don’t have to be a professional comedian. Simply finding light-hearted and amusing subjects to discuss can help infuse humor into your presentation.

• How can I ensure that my humor is appropriate for my audience?

Understanding your audience’s preferences and cultural sensitivities will help you gauge what type of humor will be well-received.

• Is it okay to use visual aids or props for added humor in my speech?

Absolutely! Visual aids, props, or even short video clips can add an extra layer of entertainment to your presentation.

• What if my humorous material falls flat?

Not every joke will hit the mark, but acknowledging the moment with grace and moving on is key to keeping the audience engaged and entertained.

• Can I use funny informative speech topics in serious settings, such as at work or during formal presentations?

Certainly! Appropriately timed humor can break tension and captivate your audience, making it suitable even for serious settings.

• Are there resources available for finding more funny informative speech topics?

Yes! There are numerous online resources offering collections of hilarious and engaging speech topics designed to entertain various audiences.

• How can I practice delivering funny speeches effectively?

Rehearse your timing, delivery, and punchlines while seeking feedback from friends or colleagues before presenting in front of a live audience.

• Are there any tips for overcoming stage fright when delivering humorous speeches?

Embracing nervousness as part of the experience and trusting in your preparation can help alleviate stage fright when delivering a comical presentation.

Ryan Nelson is the founder of Speak2Impress, a platform dedicated to helping individuals master the art of public speaking. Despite having a crippling fear of public speaking for many years, Ryan overcame his anxiety through diligent practice and active participation in Toastmasters. Now residing in New York City, he is passionate about sharing his journey and techniques to empower others to speak with confidence and clarity.

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I Want to Be Funny-How to Add Humor to Your Speech without being a Clown

Want to add humor to your speech? Quite often, when we are designing speeches and presentations for a professional audience, we discount the value of entertainment and humor. However, a good presentation should be both informative and entertaining. You have to have both. If you aren’t providing the audience with good information, then you’re wasting their time. If you aren’t providing some type of entertainment, though, you will likely bore your audience. As a result, they will lose interest. So, by adding a little humor to your speech, you keep your audience engaged throughout your presentation.

Want to beat stage fright, articulate with poise, and land your dream job? Take the 2-minute public speaking assessment and get the Fearless Presenter’s Playbook for FREE!

Should I tell Jokes to Add Humor to My Speech?

When I first started speaking, I had a mentor who had been a speaker and trainer for over three decades. Very early on in my training, she advised me to “Never tell jokes in your speeches.” Later on, though, she encouraged me to add funny stories and anecdotes to my presentations. This contradiction was confusing. In fact, I never really figured out why she and other public speaking coaches were so anti-joke. My guess is that it is an extreme overreaction to a negative experience at some point.

For instance, if a speaker starts a speech with a joke and it bombs, it is difficult to recover. Or perhaps it has something to do with the fact that many jokes are pretty off-color or inappropriate. One of our professional presentation coaches also teaches people how to do Comedy Improv. He mentioned to me that a major factor in whether a joke is funny or a flop is timing. As a result, I suspect that many presentation coaches discourage jokes because it is difficult to teach timing.

Whatever the case, I’d wager that every single professional keynote speaker has at least one joke in their keynote speeches somewhere. So eliminating jokes from your presentations entirely is probably a bad idea.

The Difference Between a Joke and Just a Funny Story.

If you look at the definition of a joke, according to www.dictionary.com , a joke is…

A thing that someone says to cause amusement or laughter, especially a story with a funny punchline.

So, according to these great public speaking coaches, a funny story or funny anecdote is okay, but a “story with a funny punchline” is not okay? Huh? That doesn’t make any sense.

In my experience, there is absolutely no difference between a joke and a funny story. The only exception is if you insert a joke that has absolutely nothing to do with your presentation. Often, this type of forced delivery can backfire on you. Your jokes need to be appropriate to the point that you are making. In addition, you will want to practice them over and over so that you have them down cold. A poorly delivered joke (or funny story) can be very challenging to overcome.

Make Your Point with Humor

One of my first big clients, Ron, was the manager of a truck dealership in Ft Worth. Ron was famous (maybe infamous) for starting every meeting with a corny joke. Every week, before he or his managers discussed any business, he’d start the meeting with something corny. Everyone would both laugh and somewhat cringe at the same time. It became part of the culture. (By the way, it really worked. Folks loved to come to his meetings.) Ron was a virtual encyclopedia of clean, corny jokes.

For Ron, this technique worked really well. However, I don’t encourage people to do this. I doubt that I would as successful with the technique if I used it. For most speakers, using your funny stories as a way to add showmanship to the point that you are making works much better.

The following techniques will give you much better results:

Tell a Self-Deprecating Story about How You Screwed Up.

Find a funny joke that reinforces your bullet point..

• Add a Funny Analogy.

As you go through your list of main bullet points to cover in your speech, try this. Ask yourself, “Have I ever had an experience, related to this point, where I totally screwed up?” You will be surprised at how often a funny incident will pop into your head. Keep in mind that sometimes, these incidents seem horrifying to us. However, when we tell the stories to others, they have a high potential for humor.

For instance, I often start my presentation classes by telling the audience about a huge failure I had as a speaker. When I experienced this failure, it was not funny. It was actually, probably quite sad. However, when I relay the story now, even I get a chuckle out of it. In the story, I prepared a 15-minute speech. I practiced over and over. When I delivered it, though, I spoke really fast. So, I finished in less than four minutes. After I said my last sentence, I looked around the room at all of the confused faces. Panic sat in. Having nothing more to say, I just abruptly returned to my seat and sat down. Glancing around the table, I noticed that the entire room was still staring at me. They all still had confused looks on their faces as well. It was quite awkward.

Self-deprecating humor is almost always the best (and easiest) type of humor to add to a presentation. The easiest way to make an embarrassing story funny is to exaggerate what happened.

Google the word “joke” followed by the main idea in your bullet point. For example, I was recently writing a speech on how to improve listening skills in the office. I typed “joke listening” into Google, and I got the following ideas.

• Recently, my wife asked me, “Are you even listening to me?” I thought that was a really weird way to start a conversation.
• Job interviewer: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” “I’d say my biggest weakness is listening.”
• “You know it is times like these when I wished I had listened to what my mom told me.” “Really? What she say?” “I don’t know. I wasn’t listening.”

Any of these can, with a little creativity, be tied into the point that I’m making.

For instance, I could start with the phrase, “The third listening level is what we call ‘Selective Listening.’ That reminds me of a conversation my wife and I had recently. She heatedly asked me, ‘Are you even listening to me?!” I thought, “That is a strange way to start a conversation.'”

This technique takes a little timing and practice, but it can pay off in a positive way.

Add a Funny Analogy to Add Humor to Your Speech.

I use analogies a lot in my presentations. An analogy is basically making a comparison of something you are trying to explain with something more commonplace. What makes these fun and funny is when you compare things that absolutely and totally unrelated.

For instance, a young lady who was a technician at an electric company came through my class a few weeks ago. Her presentation was about new software that would help their sales reps find prospective customers better. She started the explanation by saying the following:

“When you think of good combinations you think of things like peanut butter and jelly or salt and pepper. You don’t really think about things like salad and ketchup. That is a bad match. So when the program analyzes a potential client and sees a manufacturing company, it identifies that potential client as a ‘peanut butter and jelly’ type prospect. However, with a small retail company that uses very little electricity, that would be more of a ‘ketchup and salad’ combo.”

What made the delivery funny was that she used this bad combination expression a few times, and every time that she did, she got a bigger laugh. The audience eventually started identifying whether the match was peanut butter and jelly or salad and ketchup.

The humor worked because she picked an absurd combination with ketchup and salad, and the food items have absolutely nothing to do with electricity consumption. The great news about analogies is that even if they don’t get a laugh, they still work well as showmanship.

Add Colloquialism’s to Your Speech

Being from Texas, this is one of my favorite techniques. Dr. Phil, the blunt psychologist who became famous on the Oprah Winfrey show is the king of these. His down-home speech allowed people to laugh and lower their defenses. Mark Twain was also famous for this. The folksy sayings in

• Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn made those books very popular.

Type “[Your State or Region] colloquialism” into Google, and you will find funny sayings unique to your area. I did this with Texas, and I got a list of “Texas Sayings”. My favorite was “He’s all hat and no cattle.” I tried it again for “Southern colloquialism” and I got, “That’s a hard dog to keep on the porch” and “He’s happier than a tick on a fat dog.”

This technique is harder to pull off, but if you do, you can have your audience rolling in the aisle.

Just remember to make your presentations fun. Add humor to your speech, and you will easily do this.

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Write Funny Speeches With These Important Tips

Table of Contents

Writing a speech is hard enough; now, you have to add humor to it. It requires creativity, precision and wit. But with the right tips and tricks, you can create an amazing piece of work that will have your audience laughing in no time!

In this article, we’ll provide some important advice on  how to write a humorous persuasive speech  that gets results.

From understanding the role of comedy to drawing on personal experiences, there are many great ideas to help you compose a memorable presentation. Get ready to make them giggle – let’s explore these essential strategies for writing hilarious speeches today!

How to Write a Humorous Persuasive Speech

The key to knowing how to write a humorous persuasive speech is understanding the role of comedy in your presentation. You need to know how to use words effectively and draw on personal experiences or anecdotes to lighten up the mood.

With some practice and creativity, you can create an amazing piece of work that will have your audience laughing out loud! 

Don’t Forget the Purpose

First, it’s important to understand the role of comedy when writing a humorous and persuasive speech.

Comedy can help break down barriers between you and the listeners by creating a more relaxed atmosphere. It also gives your presentation an edge by making it memorable. But don’t forget: humor should not take away from the actual message that you are trying to convey. Make sure your jokes don’t distract from the main points of your argument.

Consider Twists and Wordplay

Next, think about how you want to use words to make your speech funny. Puns, wordplay, and unexpected twists are all great tools for adding comedic flair.

To keep your audience engaged, try mixing up common phrases with uncommon words. This will help make them pay attention and stay interested in what you’re saying . Don’t forget to add a little colloquial language as well; it helps bring life to your speech and adds personality.

Take Inspiration From Personal Experiences

When crafting a humorous speech, one of the most important things to remember is to draw upon personal experiences and stories.

Incorporating anecdotes into your speech creates a natural connection with the audience. It allows them to relate to what you’re saying in a more meaningful way.

These stories give people something to laugh at. In addition, they also provide insight into who you are and why your ideas matter. 

Have Some Fun While at It

Finally, don’t be afraid to have fun! A humorous and persuasive speech requires boldness and confidence in order to really capture the room.

If you’re feeling nervous or overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that the goal here is to entertain. Keep calm and carry on — after all, laughter can be contagious if done right! 

Overall, writing a humorous persuasive speech may seem intimidating at first, but with the right guidance, you can write one in no time.

Final Words

Now, you’re armed with the knowledge of how to compose a funny speech . The next step is to put it to use. Persuading people with humor is an invaluable skill that can help you present your arguments better.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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5 Key Ways To Make Your Next Corporate Speech Hilarious

We all know at least a few people in our lives that are inherently funny . These are the kinds of people that can make others laugh without even trying! However, for a lot of us, it’s not always so effortless.

Especially when it comes to a corporate speech, it’s normal to feel some nerves. But at the same time, you really want to leave the impression of a funny and intriguing host. So how can you successfully give a speech that’s both entertaining and humorous?

We’ll let you know what to do for your next corporate speech to leave your audience laughing.

See Related:  60 Dad Jokes To Impress Your Kids

Main Aspects For A Humorous Speech

• Focus on originality
• Create your content to fit your audience
• Loosen up and have fun with it
• Deliver your speech the right way
• Captivate your audience

1. Be Original!

There’s nothing less funny than hearing a joke you’ve already been told. Nowadays, social media is full of new memes and antics every day – so make sure you’re not just copying your joke from the internet .

Don’t Copy A Joke From Online

Even if you don’t spend abundant time online, many people in your audience probably do. And you won’t be able to get away with simply pulling a one-liner or funny story from social media.

Seriously – don’t even try!

Make sure your material is original as if you thought of it on your own accord. Better yet, draw from an inside joke floating around the office or a personal experience only you can speak on.

Remember, you should never resort to making jokes at someone else’s expense, either. Make sure you’re also careful with self-deprecating jokes. 

Sometimes, your audience won’t know if it’s appropriate to laugh or not. And that can be really awkward.

These are surefire ways to wipe the smile off your audience’s face.

What If I Can’t Figure It Out Alone?

Originality is critical, but it’s also one of the most complex parts to implement when delivering a funny speech. It can even seem stressful at times to try to understand what to do to bring out laughter from your audience.

That’s where Clean Comedians® comes in. We know exactly how to make a speech hilarious and leave your audience laughing!

We tailor our material to your unique company and brand, without resorting to uncomfortable or inappropriate topics. So look no further if you’re needing some hilarious content for your corporate event – we’ve got you covered!

2. Tailor Your Content To Your Audience

Not everyone will laugh at the same jokes when it comes to comedy. Your audience might not find humor in every single punch line, especially if they don’t get it (duh).

Maybe that sounds a little daunting. So how can you really know what will make them laugh?

Luckily, there’s a simple way to both capture your audience’s attention and give them a good laugh.

People Laugh At What They Can Relate To

Most of the jokes out there are vague and can apply to everyone in the entire world. So in theory, it seems like these simple jokes are a safe way to bring some smiles. But that won’t cut it.

The best way to create a killer speech is to make humorous content that is unique to your audience. Give a speech that only your audience will get!

Because this is where things can get really funny!

A Funny Speech Is A Personal Speech

A unique and catchy speech is personal to either your own experiences or your audience’s experiences.

A great way to start is by telling an inside joke only your team will understand. You can also use funny stories from around the office to relive some hilarious memories!

But steer clear of jokes that will exclude certain members of the audience. That only serves to divide people rather than connect them.

So, make your jokes unique to your industry or company. Remember, jokes that might be funny for a law firm probably won’t bring the same laughs from a group of architects. Reflect on what your company is all about, and build on it!

Bonus:  10 Best Jugglers Throughout History & Which Ones To Invite To Your Next Corporate Event

3. Don’t Take It So Seriously

If you’re writing a funny speech for a corporate event , it will make sense not to be exceptionally serious about it. Humour isn’t an exact science – it’s an art.

Adding humor to your speech should be fun and exciting! Don’t think of it as a corporate presentation, but instead, like you’re just speaking with friends.

Your priority is to connect with people and have a good time with your audience. So, relax and feel confident in your material.

Don’t Force A Humorous Speech – Let It Happen

There’s nothing less funny than someone trying to force a dead joke. If your audience doesn’t laugh at a joke, move on.

Get comfortable with the possibility that a joke might not be funny. And that’s okay!

It’s important to recognize these key points:

• If you make a joke and your audience doesn’t laugh, it’s important to move on.
• You shouldn’t ever take time to explain your joke – if it didn’t hit quite right, let it go.
• And don’t take offense if your audience doesn’t find your joke funny! Humor is subjective .

4. Humorous Speeches Are Told Correctly

Let’s say you’re giving a speech. You prepared the best joke. It’s catchy, not offensive, and you’re sure you’ll make your audience laugh.

But when it comes time actually to tell it, you don’t get a reaction. No laughter, nothing .

So, where did you go wrong?

Delivery Is Key

It’s not enough to just write a good joke . Your words need to be delivered in a way that impacts your audience.

After you create your own material for a funny speech, you need to decide how you will tell it. You’ll need to consider your tone, body language, and intonation.

You can quickly grasp your audience’s attention by being confident and excited as a speaker. Your voice should reflect the lighthearted and open nature of your message.

Remember, how you tell the joke is just as important as the joke itself.

How To Make A Speech Funny With Your Voice

It’s no surprise that you can’t tell a joke in a monotone or bland voice and expect to get a lot of laughs. Delivery can be challenging for many people when giving a humorous speech.

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Act like your audience is your friend
• Talk with life and energy in your message
• Your audience can hear if you are nervous – embrace confidence!
• Don’t rush – use pauses and various tones of voice to make the speech captivating

Most people struggle to know how to deliver a joke in a funny speech. But sometimes, all it takes is practice!

Confidence as a speaker will come much easier if you are comfortable with your material. So make sure you know your stuff. You can even record your speech, then play it back to it to see how it sounds.

5. Draw In Your Audience

If you’re trying to bring some laughs out of your audience, you will need to make it something that tickles their mind. Of course, the primary goal of your speech is to make your audience giggle, but first, you need to set them up .

The beginning of your speech should be comprised of content that will captivate your audience. You’ll need ideas of material that will hook them from the very start.

Build Your Speech Around A Story

Storytelling has been around for centuries as an effective way to communicate and entertain those around us. So telling a story is a timeless and reliable way to begin your funny speech.

The best stories are the ones where it’s hard to find other examples because great content is original and based on your own experience.

Find some ideas for a funny story by diving into some hilarious memories from your past. (Bonus if they’re work-related, so your corporate audience can relate!)

Find Ways To Connect With Your Audience

One of the best ways to intrigue your audience and set them up for a hilarious speech is by connecting with them. If what you’re saying is something they can relate to, they will want to listen!

Find some common ground, then build on it. Spin it into an entertaining story, and then add your joke. There are many different types of jokes out there, but don’t get too caught up in the technicalities of it all.

The main thing to remember is that your joke should flow with the story you’re creating. Make sure your speech is conversational and feels natural to tell! And keep in mind, what reads well on paper might not always sound good as a speech.

So, when it comes time to deliver your funny speech, ensure you pay attention to all these details. But of course, have fun with it! Laughter is contagious – if you’re having a good time, your audience will too.

Keep Reading:  7 Tips On How To Become A Funny Keynote Speaker

Adam Christing  is a professional comedy magician, virtual MC, and the founder of  CleanComedians.com . He is a member of the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and a popular  corporate entertainer , magician, and virtual speaker.

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100+ Funny Speech Topics

“One loses everything when one loses his sense of humor” – Ayn Rand.

People with a cool sense of humor will always be the center of attraction. They are the center of parties. They are the ones in the spotlight. The thing about boring people is that no one really likes to be with them and everyone is looking for an excuse to get out. Everyone is trying to get out and it is as if there is this big circle around them that has a neon sign that says, “Warning, boring person. Stay away.” Being funny is more than just being a smooth talker. It means you are the smartest person in the room. To have a good sense of humor, you need to be able to think ahead. You need to be able to think what others cannot think.

Needless to say that you need to be real quick. Of course, these people with an amazing sense of humor are always liked. What is not to like about them? They are witty, they are fast, they have this aroma of astonishing personality around them.

Tips to deliver a funny speech

1. have a solid content.

Well, you cant say a knock-knock joke and expect the world to laugh hurting their stomach. You need to have solid content. Until and unless you really have something amazing, you are not going to deliver something amazing.

2. Body Language

Body languages play a massive role when it comes to delivering funny speeches. Your eyes need to coordinate what you speak and so do your hands. Body languge has a massive role in funny speeches.

3. Fluctuate the pitch of your voice

Don’t be monotonous. Make your voice hit the crests, make it hit the trough. This is what will keep people more engaged and make the speech look more spontaneous. No one is there to listen to the news. So, crank it up a notch a bit, let it go highs, and let it go lows. 

4. Give more emphasis to the best points

Let’s be honest here, all the points you speak in the speeches are not going to be gold standard ones. Make sure you know what your punch line is and give maximum time to hammer that point home.

5. Make sure you are delivering the speeches as the environment demands

If I am delivering a speech to an elderly population, I would not go with the latest trends of technologies or anything they are not acquainted with.

If the population is new and more of an outgoing one, then I’d probably not quote the happenings of the 14 th  century. It is critical to know the audience and adjust your speech likewise.

6. Make sure that your start and ends are of the gold standard

A solid start gives you a grip and the attention of the crowd as well as the judges. It helps you make a proper foundation for the speech.

The ending is what serves as the desert. It is what you will be remembered for in the eyes of both the audience and the judges.

7. Beat them with confidence

Speak with confidence as if the entire world is listening. Have a commanding voice. Don’t speak like you’re just another person. Confidence comes from preparation and having solid content. Make sure you have them both.

8. Don’t make it look like a rehearsed speech

If you are a newbie, then chances are that the speech looks like a well-rehearsed and practiced one (may appear like a person reading the news). Strictly avoid that. Use jokes and change of tone to combat it.

9. Eye Contacts

This is not new. If you don’t speak by making eye contact, then you don’t become commanding enough. If you can’t give them the vibe that you are someone, even with the best speech you are not going to win.

10. Have stories in your speech

People love stories. They love the imagination and fascination the story brings. So, it might come in handy to include a couple of stories and a few experiences of your own. This gets the audience engaged.

Funny and Persuasive Speech Topics

1. The upside of having a bad memory.

2. Why you should never take life too seriously.

3. Why comic books are actually good for you.

4. How to be a master procrastinator.

5. How to make the perfect paper airplane.

6. Why Pirates are actually the good guys.

7. Why you should always root for the underdog.

8. How to be a couch potato and still stay in shape.

9. The benefits of sleeping in on the weekends.

10. Why napping is actually good for you.

11. How to make the perfect snowball.

12. How to have a conversation with a cat.

13. How to survive a zombie apocalypse.

14. Why unicorns are actually real.

15. How to catch a leprechaun.

16. Why you should never wake a sleeping dragon.

17. The benefits of eating junk food.

18. How to make the perfect fort.

19. Why you should always believe in magic.

20. How to turn a frog into a prince.

21. How to make a wish come true.

22. The importance of always being yourself.

23. How to make the perfect snowman.

24. How to catch Santa Claus.

25. How to get out of doing chores.

26. How to make a boring day fun.

27. How to trick your parents into letting you do what you want.

28. The benefits of eating dessert first.

29. Why you should never give up on your dreams.

30. How to be happy no matter what.

Funny but Informative Speech Topics

1. How to become rich without winning the lottery.

2. How to be popular without being a Kardashian.

3. The history of the world’s most controversial emoji.

4. Why pandas are actually really lazy animals.

5. How to make the perfect PB&J sandwich.

6. The science behind why we love cats.

7. Why dogs are actually man’s best friend.

8. The benefits of sleeping in on the weekends.

9. How to make the perfect scrambled eggs.

10. Why you should never trust a duck.

11. How to get over your fear of public speaking.

12. The pros and cons of being a morning person.

13. Why you should always trust your gut instinct.

14. How to make the perfect cup of tea.

15. Why you should never work with children or animals.

16. The benefits of a healthy diet.

17. How to get over your ex.

18. Why you should never take relationship advice from your friends.

19. The pros and cons of social media.

20. How to deal with haters.

21. The art of the perfect selfie.

22. How to be a successful student.

23. The benefits of exercise.

24. How to make new friends.

25. The importance of a positive attitude.

26. How to deal with failure.

27. The keys to happiness.

28. How to be a successful entrepreneur.

29. The difference between men and women.

30. How to be a good listener.

31. The importance of communication in relationships.

32. The importance of body language.

Impromptu, Funny Speech Topics

1. The worst that can happen when you mix food and love.

2. How to be a good liar without getting caught.

3. The benefits of being a know-it-all.

4. Why we should all learn to do the moonwalk like Michael Jackson.

5. How to beat procrastination once and for all.

6. How to make a really bad first impression.

7. The art of people watching and what you can learn from it.

8. The joys of being single and why it’s better than being in a relationship.

9. Why we love reality TV even though we know it’s trash.

10. How to be a master of procrastination.

11. The merits of being a shopaholic and why it’s good for the economy.

12. How to be popular without even trying.

13. Why being an introvert is actually awesome.

14. How to make small talk interesting (or at least bearable).

15. How to be a great wingman/wingwoman.

16. The art of being a hermit and why it’s underrated.

17. Why we love to hate on celebrities even though we secretly admire them.

18. How to be a great kisser (based on extensive research, of course).

19. The benefits of being a couch potato.

20. How to be a master of flirting without even trying.

21. The art of the prank and why it’s so satisfying.

22. Why being lazy is actually awesome.

23. The joys of sleep and why we can’t live without it.

24. How to make the perfect cup of coffee (or tea, depending on your preference).

25. The benefits of daydreaming and why it’s good for you.

26. How to be a great procrastinator.

27. The joys of being single and why it’s better than being in a relationship.

28. Why we love reality TV even though we know it’s trash.

29. How to be popular without even trying.

30. The best way to avoid getting sick during the winter season.

31. How to get over your ex in just a few days.

32. The worst pick-up lines that you have ever heard.

33. The most embarrassing moments of your life.

34. How to deal with a difficult boss or co-worker.

35. Why you should never break up with someone via text message.

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• / Six Rules of Humor

Six Rules of Humor

I have been fortunate to win the Humorous Speech Contest twice (for District 11, covering Indiana and northwestern Kentucky) and along the way I’ve learned some important lessons about making audiences laugh. My improvement hasn’t come easy—the journey to becoming an effective humorous speaker is the result of a lot of practice. It’s the direct result of at-tending weekly club meetings, volunteering for speaking roles to test my use of humor, and signing up each year to compete in my club’s Humorous Speech contests. Moreover, it’s the result of continually refining my speeches based on club evaluations.

The following six rules of humor can help you draft your next successful humorous speech.

Find Humor in Everyday Life I often hear Toastmasters lament how difficult it is to come up with a humorous speech topic. Some of the best speeches are inspired by life’s everyday occurrences. In 2013, my wife and I flew with our two young children to Europe to visit family. The ensuing chaos on the airplane provided me with more than enough material to compose my winning speech that year. Think about your everyday life and things that may have a humorous twist to them.

Know Your Audience In my 2009 speech, I compared the delivery of my first child to a Toastmasters meeting. This would have made little sense to any audience outside of Toastmasters, but the humorous comparison (using timing cards to help with my wife’s contractions) landed perfectly with my audience. Know your audience—it’s particularly important when trying to land a punchline.

It’s a Humorous Speech Contest: Be Funny! The best Humorous Contest speeches use humor throughout. Some speakers work up to a big laugh at the end, so their speeches are void of humor in the introduction and body. This approach leaves your audience hanging and wondering When do I get to laugh? I like to launch into a joke right off the bat to get the audience warmed up and to kick start my own energy level.

Use Props In both of my winning speeches, I used props. In the 2013 district contest, I brought a suitcase to show how, ideally, one should travel with kids inside a bag. I closed the speech by donning a pilot’s cap. Think about effective props that can enhance your humor.

Don’t Step on Your Laughter One of the greatest challenges a humorous speaker faces, aside from producing laughter, is to avoid stepping on it. It takes practice, but you have to allow your audience the time to laugh and soak in the humor. You can kill a joke entirely by rushing too fast to tell your next one. Effective pauses also enhance jokes. When talking about stuffing my kids into a suitcase, I said, “I see a look of concern on the faces of the audience.” I then took a long pause and concluded with, “I understand your concern, and I realize that the airlines now charge 50 a piece for these bags.” The pause was the key to the joke that generated the biggest laugh in the contest.

Consult with Others Always run your speech by a mentor or trusted advisor. I have seen several contestants essentially eliminate themselves with humor that crossed the line and was deemed offensive. For the 2013 competition, I debated about whether to use one particular joke that I thought toed the line. I sought the advice of five different people and the consensus was to leave it in. It generated big laughs and I am glad I included it, but seeking consultation about risky jokes is imperative. One of the rea-sons I am a fan of self-deprecating humor is that you only risk offending yourself!

Becoming an effective humorous speaker can provide incredible internal rewards. I can think of three in particular:

There’s nothing as heartwarming as seeing your audience react with smiles and laughter. We live in a world often marred by violence, tragedy and darkness. When you impart humor in a speech and inspire laughter, you as a speaker derive a real reward.

Public speaking in general requires courage, but delivering humorous speeches in particular demands real fortitude. Stepping onto a stage with the goal of making an audience of strangers laugh can be daunting. But taking on that challenge and producing gut-busting laughter in an audience can be one of the great thrills in the Toastmasters experience.

While delivery, timing and body language are critical to telling a joke, the joke’s success lies in the author’s ability to conceive it. Writing an original, clean joke that will deliver a punch takes time and patience, and hones one’s creativity. To make humor work, the speaker must also properly place the joke within the speech, build appropriate context around it and structure the speech effectively. The reward is the development of one’s speechwriting skills.

Mark Twain once said, “Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.” It’s not often easy to pull off, but a well-constructed, funny speech will bring lots of laughs to the audience and many rewards to the speaker.

A version of this article appeared in the June 2015 issue of the Toastmaster magazine.

About the Author

Graham honaker, acs, cl.

is a member of the Indy Free Speakers Toastmasters club in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Funny Speech Topics to Make Your Audience Laugh

Who among us hasn’t been caught off-guard during a speech, struggling to think of something to say, grasping desperately for words to fill the silence?

Whether it’s during a school presentation, a sales pitch, or a TED talk , great public speaking relies on having interesting materials to work with — and that often involves humor. After all, nothing captures people’s attention or puts them at ease like a well-crafted joke!

Today, we’re going to help you get your creative juices flowing and make sure there’s never a dull moment in any of your speeches.

We’ve compiled some of the funniest speech topics to make your audience laugh, starting from the harmless to the outrageous. Whether you’re looking for something light and unassuming or a joke guaranteed to get a chuckle, this list has it all!

So without further ado, let’s dive right in and make sure your next talking points are both memorable and hilarious.

Quick Answer to Key Question

Some funny speech topics could include humorous takes on current events, jokes about popular celebrities, lighthearted observations, and satirical examples of everyday scenarios. The possibilities for humorous content are truly endless – use your imagination to come up with something unique!

What is a Funny Speech?

A funny speech is a lighthearted presentation that focuses on making the audience laugh. It can be delivered as either an informative, persuasive, or entertaining talk, with humorous remarks and jokes to recognize the comic elements in life.

To this end, it often features playful humor, irony, exaggeration, and even farce , but within an appropriate context. As such, funny speeches can help break up tension and serve as a refreshing break from more serious topics .

However, there are drawbacks to using humor in public speaking. First of all, being funny can be difficult, so speakers must cultivate their natural wit and observe trends and topics that may lead to amusing content.

Additionally, though an audience may seem receptive to lightheartedness upfront, it could become easily offended if jokes cross lines of decency. As such, a speaker must judge the energy of the room and deliver material that will evoke laughter without overwhelming their listeners’ sense of propriety.

Ultimately, presenting a funny speech requires finesse and skill. But when done successfully, it can create lasting memories for both speaker and audience alike. With these considerations in mind, let us now transition into the next section which explores ideas for humorous speech topics.

Ideas for Humorous Speech Topics

Humorous speech topics can be great ice breakers at an event or just an entertaining way to pass the time. Whether you are giving a speech in front of your peers or random strangers, you will want to come up with material that is witty, entertaining, and guaranteed to get a laugh or two. Here are some ideas for humorous topics to consider: 1. Discuss why cats are smarter than dogs 2. Compare life before and after cell phones3. Debate whether cake or ice cream is better 4. Talk about the pros and cons of going to bed late versus getting up early 5. Examine the ridiculousness of certain trends 6. Discuss why people overreact when a mistake is made 7. Share your thoughts about extreme diets 8. Laugh about the difficulty of parallel parking 9. Analyze why some people rebel against instructions 10. Debate which reality TV show is the most absurd No matter which topic you choose to discuss, make sure to focus on enjoying yourself and showcasing your humorous side.

While it’s important to focus on making others laugh, it is also essential that you have fun along with them, as this will help create a more authentic and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone in attendance. Now that you have some ideas for humorous speech topics, let’s move on to discussing events.

Talking About Events

Talking about events often brings out the most laughter in an audience.

Whether it’s discussing a current hot button issue or rehashing a comical blunder that happened to a friend, addressing funny topics related to events can be endlessly entertaining.

Though there are some topics that might be deemed too sensitive to address, such as politics or religious issues , many current and past events offer plenty of moments that make for interesting storytelling opportunities.

For example, humorous angles on the latest celebrity news or an analysis behind why sports teams make questionable decisions can be met with laughter and applause.

Similarly, gossiping about relationships or peculiar situations among friends provides plenty of material for comedic discourse. As long as a speaker is able to keep their dialogue respectful, making light of recent happenings often serves as great source material for humor.

That being said, even if the topic being addressed is objectively lighthearted, being mindful of how sensitive it may come off to some members of the audience is important.

When necessary, debaters should employ tact when approaching certain subjects and always strive to treat any individuals involved with respect in their presentations.

Kept within healthy limits, talking about events can be quite amusing and engaging – it can bring out not only laughter but positive conversations between family, friends and participants alike.

Leading into the next section now: Personal topics also provide an abundance of funny speech topics that will surely strike a chord with any group.

Personal Topics

When it comes to comedy, the personal touch can make all the difference. Taking your speech topic from something close to home such as family, work or hobbies can often result in an entertaining and relatable topic.

Whether you choose to do a light-hearted take on a serious issue or bravely share some embarrassing stories, there’s sure to be something funny within your own experience.

For instance, exploring the “family dynamic” is often a great place to start. Even in the tightest of families, the occasional funny moment can emerge. Tell a story about an occasion where everyone was struggling to act their best and you had a laugh at their expense.

Or explore how certain family members are always found in the center of attention (even if they don’t intend to be). If done in good taste and with respect, poking fun at your family can result in some sincere laughs from both yourself and your audience.

These topics provide an opportunity for self-deprecating humor and bring a unique perspective on life that others may find both humorous and intriguing.

Personal insights into everyday struggles, misunderstandings or awkward moments can lead to topics that are surprisingly relatable. You will find that what you feel is ordinary can actually be extraordinary in someone else’s eyes.

Keep in mind, though, that when taking this approach, it is important to never offend anyone with your comments or jokes. Embrace embarrassment but never belittle any individuals or groups who are part of your stories or experiences

By leaning into those funny moments – whether they involve yourself or others – they can become powerful tools that make your speech memorable and enjoyable. Now let’s move onto telling funny stories – which also has its own unique set of advantages!

Personal topics can make comedy writing unique and relatable. Telling stories involving family and funny moments can provide entertainment while being respectful. Touching on ordinary struggles and awkward situations can lead to humor while still avoiding offending anyone directly. Humorously embracing embarrassment will help make speeches memorable.

Telling Funny Stories

Telling funny stories is an effective way to make your audience laugh, as stories are usually much more relatable than jokes.

People of all ages will often enjoy hearing a clever anecdote that they can relate to or that paints a vivid picture in their mind. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when telling a funny story as part of your speech.

First, it is important to remember that time is limited. Try to select anecdotes that have a clear beginning, middle, and end that are not too long-winded or complicated. Make sure the story you choose conveys your point while making it entertaining.

One debate between comedians and public speakers is whether stories should be made up or true. On the one hand, factual stories can be full of fascinating nuances and details and may appeal to some audiences.

True stories allow you to fully describe an experience for the audience’s enjoyment or gain a better understanding of the person telling it.

On the other hand, comedic opinions often say that made-up stories can be even funnier than real events if they present a creative spin on life. Whichever route you choose, always try to turn your story into a humble brag!

No matter which type of story you tell, ensure that it fits in with your overall message, as this helps tie it together for the listener. With any luck your humor will land with the crowd and keep them engaged until you reach the conclusion.

To help prepare for delivering such an important section of your presentation, let’s move on to looking at some useful tips for Writing and Delivering a Funny Speech.

Tips for Writing and Delivering a Funny Speech

Writing and delivering a funny speech can be a rewarding experience, especially if you can make your audience roar with laughter. However, crafting an effective comedic monologue takes skill, confidence and sometimes a bit of trial and error. To help you get started, here are some tips for writing and delivering a funny speech: 1. Understand Your Audience – Study your audience to determine what kind of humor they will respond to. For example, family-friendly jokes will play better at a dinner table than a corporate conference room. Adjust your standards accordingly to ensure the best outcome. 2. Know What Not to Do – A true professional comedian knows what not to say or do during their performance. Avoid vulgar language, off-color jokes and controversial topics that may offend certain members of your audience. Also, it’s important to know how far is too far when making fun of yourself or colleagues. 3. Write Your Speech First – Write out the speech first before even attempting to deliver it in front of others. This will give you more control over the timing and pacing of key punch lines for optimum effect¹. It also eliminates any confusion about the order you want to deliver your jokes in front of an audience. 4. Rehearse – Even if you have written the speech beforehand, practice multiple times until you are comfortable delivering it in public or private settings. Know which visual aids (if any) will engage your audience during key points in the speech. 5. Have Fun – When delivering a funny speech, don’t take yourself too seriously! Relax, have fun and let your personality shine through while you tell your story or jokes³. Then enjoy the applause after each punch line lands! Ultimately, writing and delivering a funny speech requires knowledge, skill and dedication—but done right, it can be very rewarding! Now let’s move on to addressing how we can use humor appropriately in our speeches…

Use Humor Appropriately

When giving a speech, it is important to use humor appropriately. Too much humor can actually dilute the impact of an otherwise persuasive message.

Adding bits of humor throughout the presentation will keep an audience engaged and help make your points easier to remember. But if you attempt too many jokes during your speech, it can be distracting for listeners and actually work against your intended message.

Adopting a humorous persona or mocking people who disagree with you can be dangerous because members of your audience may take offense. It is recommended to base humor on personal experiences or stories that you know your audience can relate to in order to ensure the best response.

Likewise, comedian Jerry Seinfeld suggests avoiding overt political material in your speech–which should come as no surprise considering how polarizing politics has become these days.

Overall, it is important to strike the right balance when adding humor to a speech. Humor should be used sparingly and should stay away from controversial topics unless done skillfully; otherwise, it can backfire instead of unifying your audience or making a strong point. With this in mind, let’s look at some examples of humorous speech topics next.

Examples of Humorous Speech Topics

When it comes to funny speeches, it’s important to find a topic that resonates with your audience. If you can make an audience laugh, the speech will be remembered for years to come. While humor may differ from culture to culture, there are some topics that remain universally funny. Here are a few examples: • The Pros and Cons of Dating an Alien • How to Create an App That Makes Doing Laundry Easier • A Practical Guide To Quitting Your Job and Becoming an Astronaut • Surviving a Zombie Invasion Without Looking Too Silly • How To Be The Life Of Any Party By Creating Inventive Dances • A Tour Of Local Haunted Locations These humorous speech topics could also be used as the basis for some light-hearted debate, offering the opportunity to explore both sides of a comedic argument. Ultimately, with each topic, the possibilities and potentials of making a crowd laugh are endless!

It is clear from looking at the speech topics discussed in this article that humor can be found everywhere and used in a variety of forms. A funny speech does not have to contain jokes or stand up comedy, but can simply use wit, wordplay and well-timed delivery to draw attention and elicit laughter from an audience.

When preparing a funny speech, it is important to consider the topic carefully and ensure that it is appropriate for the context. Some people may find certain topics offensive or inappropriate depending on their preferences, so these should be avoided when giving a humorous speech.

The topics presented in this article cover a wide range of perspectives and provide ample opportunity for crafting an entertaining and memorable speech. If crafting your own material is not something you feel comfortable with, there are many sources available on the internet which provide ready-made humor suitable for speeches.

Ultimately, whatever speech topic you choose, the most important thing is that it resonates with your audience and makes them laugh!

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions with Detailed Explanations

What are some tips for delivering a funny speech.

1. Start by rehearsing your speech – make sure you know it word for word and practice delivering it with the right tone of voice and body language . Rehearsing will also help you memorize what to say if you get nervous during the performance. 2. Keep your audience in mind when choosing your topic. Make jokes and references that your audience will appreciate and understand – don’t try too hard to be funny if others won’t get the joke. 3. Come up with creative ways to capture your audience’s attention from the start – tell stories, anecdotes, or jokes that pique their interest and connect to your overall message. 4. Stay away from crude humour or off-color remarks if they aren’t appropriate for the situation. Make sure whatever jokes you make are lighthearted and not offensive or hurtful to anyone in the room. 5. Have fun! If you come across as too serious or uptight, no one will laugh at your jokes. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate or bring enthusiasm when delivering your speech – it will make it much more entertaining.

What topics are suitable for a funny speech?

Some excellent topics for a funny speech include: 1. Inexplicable Mishaps – Stories about your funniest mistakes, blunders, and bumbles! 2. Unusual Occupations – Share the details of your weirdest job or wackiest hobby. 3. Unforeseen Consequences – Talk about decisions you regret and the hilarious results that followed. 4. Random Animal Facts – Insert some hilarious animal trivia from around the world into your speech. 5. Dumb Criminals – Discuss the most foolish criminals and their failed attempts at avoiding justice. 6. Childhood Memories – Recount humorous moments from your childhood to brighten the mood of your audience. 7. Bad Jokes – Use classic puns, tongue-twisters, and one-liners to get the crowd laughing. 8. Comical Slogans – Talk about corporate catchphrases that are humorous in unintended ways! 9. Upcycled Language – Create new words or tweak old ones to give them a funny spin and make people chuckle! 10. Cultural Commentaries – Discuss deficiencies and absurdities in popular culture that can spark a good laugh from your listeners!

What types of funny speeches would be suitable for different audiences?

When determining which type of funny speech would be suitable for different audiences, it’s important to consider several factors. For instance, the age, gender, interests, and background of the audience will all play a role in deciding on a topic.

For example, if your audience is mainly composed of young students or professionals in their 20s and 30s, you might want to focus on topics that are relevant to their experiences such as relationships, technology, popular culture, and current events. You could also make jokes about self-deprecating humour, sarcasm, and irony.

If the audience is made up of mostly seniors or retirees, you may want to focus on topics like nostalgia, family stories, and observations about retirement. You can use human interest stories and light-hearted anecdotes to make them laugh.

For college audiences with various backgrounds and interests, you’ll want to focus on topics such as sports rivalries, differences between generations or cultures , or even absurdist humour.

Organizing a funny speech around a common experience that everyone in the room can relate to will help ensure it resonates with the whole audience. Doing some research beforehand can provide lots of inspiration for appropriate funny speech topics that are sure to make your audience laugh!

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

“How To” Speech Topics, Ideas & Examples

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Want to speak in front of an audience but are terrified of freezing or being boring? I know the feeling. If you’ve ever had to give a “how-to” speech, you know that it can be incredibly intimidating. It also entails coming up with how-to speech ideas and creative examples.

After all, how will they finish listening if the audience isn’t hooked by what you’re saying right away? To help ease your worries (and inspire those ideas!), here’s everything you need on “how-to” speeches: topics, samples & potential pitfalls — so read ahead!

Writing a How-to Speech

The speaker needs to consider several important factors when preparing to give a how-to speech. The how-to speech should identify the problem that needs to be resolved, explain how the problem can be fixed with a step-by-step approach, and list any potential obstacles the audience may face.

It is also important for speakers to choose how-to speech topics that are of interest or relevance to their target audience. This will ensure maximum engagement and retention throughout the speech.

How-to Speech Ideas That Are Funny

When it comes to funny “how-to” speeches, the possibilities are endless! Whether talking about how to make a perfect paper airplane or how to be the life of the party, humor can enhance your presentation and help keep your audience engaged.

Try using puns, silly props, or even anecdotes that provide insight into the process while still making people laugh. The goal is to not only impart valuable knowledge but also entertain your listener.

With some creativity, you can develop a humorous speech that achieves a comedic effect and explains its topic.

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Interesting How-to Topics

When asked to present a speech, many people immediately search for the most interesting ideas for a how-to speech. From tidying up after the biggest mess to baking a delicious cake, speeches about how to do something can be informative and entertaining.

While it may seem challenging to come up with fresh ideas, an infinite number of topics could be used. Some great suggestions include teaching viewers how to create a simple budget plan , explaining plant-based diets and their benefits, explaining how to instruct others effectively, or even how to ace an interview.

No matter what topic you go with, remember that the important thing is to be passionate and provide audiences with detailed instructions. When done correctly, choosing an interesting “how-to” topic for your speech will surely have your audience applauding in no time!

Choosing a Demonstration Speech Topic

Choosing a demonstration speech topic may seem daunting, but it can be simple and enjoyable with the right guidance. Identifying the topics appropriate for a demonstration speech is the first step in navigating this process.

Demonstration topics should be grounded in facts and provide pertinent knowledge about your expertise or interest. They should also focus on something that can be demonstrated in a tangible way, such as making a craft or performing an experiment.

• Your Interests

Choosing engaging good how-to speech topics based on one’s interests can be daunting yet rewarding. Taking the time to reflect on potential topics and thinking carefully about what topics truly interest you is fundamental to assembling a captivating presentation.

As such, it is paramount to begin by reflecting upon your hobbies and leisure activity ideas that you find most intriguing, as well as any activities or tasks you feel passionate about sharing with others.

Additionally, curating ideas from other media sources, such as newspaper articles or magazines, helps provide further insight into new and novel subjects or angles that can motivate your research process.

Only through this deliberate effort to understand our interests and apply them creatively towards developing a worthwhile “how-to” speech topic can we find the contentment of presenting a presentation with which listeners will engage.

• Who the Speech Is For

Choosing a “how-to” speech topic is critical in delivering an effective presentation. When selecting your topic, it’s important to keep the audience in mind.

Decide who your speech is for and make sure it is relevant to their interests. Select something specific that can benefit them or be beneficial in a general sense. Choose something the audience wants to learn about and that you are comfortable presenting. This will ensure your presentation skills are on display, as well as your knowledge about the topic.

Ensure your topic has enough depth for you to use additional research as support. This will strengthen the content of your presentation and demonstrate personal effort.

Ultimately, with careful consideration of who your speech is addressed to, you can craft a “how-to” topic that adds value both for yourself and your audience.

• The Setting of the Speech

Choosing a “how-to” speech topic based on the setting of the speech is an important step in preparing for an effective presentation.

It is essential to consider the purpose of the speech, the audience’s interests and needs, and any limitations or restrictions that may be present to construct an appropriate topic and choose relevant information to include.

Anticipating questions or topics of interest related to the audience is helpful when selecting a relevant topic.

• The Time You’ve Got to Prepare the Speech

Deciding on a “how-to” speech topic can be daunting. But the task becomes much more manageable, considering how much time you have to prepare for the presentation. Start by narrowing down the possibilities based on how much time you have.

If you have more time to prepare, opt for something more challenging. If you have only a short amount of time, choose a simpler topic.

Once you have determined the complexity level and estimated preparation time, consider your interests to find a topic that is both engaging to yourself and hopefully your audience.

As with any speech or presentation, researching and practicing before the actual event will greatly benefit your delivery and engagement with your audience.

Although finalizing a speech topic for a “how-to” presentation can be stressful, understanding constraints and utilizing interests will help make this process easier.

• The Time You’ve Got to Give the Speech

When selecting a “how-to” speech topic, the amount of time you have to give the presentation should be considered. It is wise to carefully analyze the time frame constraints of the assignment and assess which topics can be thoroughly explored in the allocated duration.

Attempting to cover too much material within a limited timeframe may lead to rushed communication and limit your opportunity to expand on the subject matter. Instead, select a focus that allows space for further discussion but remains concise enough to explore properly within your allotted time.

It is also advantageous to choose a topic that naturally interests you. This will heighten enthusiasm and engagement throughout your presentation, thus helping create an impactful delivery. Doing so will ensure you stay on track and avoid exceeding the assigned timeframe.

• The Guidelines for Assessment

When choosing a “how-to” speech topic, it is important to ensure that the topic meets all of the guidelines for assessment. It is a good idea to consider current and relevant topics, informative, interesting, and new, demonstrating the speaker’s understanding of their subject matter.

Choosing a topic with an appropriate difficulty level can help ensure that your speech will be comprehensive and engaging for your audience.

Demonstrative Speech Topics

Selecting topics for speeches comes down to choosing something you both know and can present effectively. As you brainstorm possible show-and-tell ideas, narrow the topics until you arrive at one that is interesting to you and your audience and fulfills all criteria needed for an effective demonstration presentation.

Once you’ve chosen a successful topic, preparing the speech will become much simpler, allowing you to demonstrate confidently and successfully.

Here are some easy demonstrative speech ideas for how-to.

Animals/Pets

Giving a speech to educate an audience about how to care for animals/pets can be an enriching experience.

It is important to research and thoroughly understand the topic to provide the audience with accurate and applicable information. This will entail researching different animal species and their specific characteristics, needs, and behaviors.

Moreover, ample time must be allocated for preparation so all aspects of proper pet-keeping can be explained clearly and confidently.

Topics ideas could range from a persuasive speech on how to pick the best breed to an informative speech on pet health. 

Gardens/Yards

Talking about creating and maintaining a garden or a yard requires proper preparation to ensure that the information relayed is accurate and beneficial. Researching various gardening elements beforehand will provide a strong base for discerning audiences to build on.

Be sure to present topics such as plant selection, design ideas, pest prevention, watering methods, and other environmental factors in an organized fashion that is easy for your listeners to follow.

Offering clear instructions throughout the speech with examples showing the steps in action can help ensure that your audience walks away feeling confident about their newly acquired knowledge.

Topics could cover how to identify poisonous plants, how to get rid of garden pests, how to make an indoor herb garden, and even how to make garden art. 

To give an effective “how-to” speech about crafts, the speaker should start by introducing themselves and properly framing the topic. They should provide a brief overview of what the audience will learn in their presentation and then begin with the most basic information, slowly building up to more complex concepts.

Crafting often has visual aid speech topics. At every stage of presenting, visuals should be provided for illustration. Visuals could range from diagrams or step-by-step photographs showing how a craft is made to video or actual physical models.

Once all of this information has been presented, the speaker should summarize the key points covered and allow time for questions from the audience before concluding their presentation.

Games/Sports

Giving a “how-to” speech about games/sports is an excellent way to share knowledge and teach important concepts. It requires the speaker to do comprehensive research and prepare in advance.

To give an effective “how-to” speech, start by introducing the game/sport accurately and make sure to tailor the presentation for your specific audience. Additionally, focus on one topic at a time, explain each step with vivid examples, and use visuals like charts or diagrams if possible.

Once you have covered all steps necessary for playing the game/sport, end the speech concisely and provide resources that can be used after the presentation.

Topics here could range from how to perfect your golf swing to even how to teach basketball.

Food And More

Delivering a successful “how-to” speech about food and drinks requires careful preparation. First, it is important to do research on the topic so that you have an understanding of the background information.

Once this has been accomplished, the next step should be to focus on a specific field within the topic and craft your presentation around this selected focus. Be sure to collect illustrations, charts, or photographs relevant to your chosen material, as these visual elements can make all the difference in bringing your words to life.

How to Structure a How-to Speech

Structuring a “how-to” speech can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Firstly, you should brainstorm the steps needed to accomplish your desired outcome with as much detail as possible. Secondly, organize the steps in chronological order.

This will give the rhythm of your speech a natural flow. Then, begin by introducing yourself and the topic by providing background information on why it is important.

Following completion of the step-by-step instructions, summarize what was just explained and explain why it matters in general terms. Finally, address any foreseeable issues and offer solutions to avoid them.

How-to Speech Template

A “how-to” speech template is an effective method to prepare a speech. This is especially useful when speaking on topics that may be largely unfamiliar to the audience, as it provides a straightforward structure for organizing the material.

The basic format of this type of speech involves:

• Introducing the topic.
• Describing the purpose and benefits of knowing more about it.
• Decomposing the subject matter into easily digestible sections.
• Concluding with a summary and reflection on what has been covered.

Additionally, including visual aids and personal anecdotes can further add interest and clarity to speeches, helping ensure everyone remains engaged throughout the presentation. Use this blank demonstration speech outline to craft your own any time!

To Sum It Up

Giving a great how-to speech is mostly about choosing the right topic. As how-to speeches often require visuals such as PowerPoint slides and handouts, these should be reviewed pre-speech to guarantee smooth delivery during the presentation itself. Speaking confidently and clearly while allowing time for questions and feedback is also essential in delivering an effective how-to speech.

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