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Public
Speaking: Why Use Humor?
by Tom Antion
 Why
should I bother using humor in my public speaking? Can't I just deliver
my information and sit down? You sure can and that's what most people
do. The problem is that most people are not effective public speakers.
They are nighty nite, snooze inducing, say your prayers, hit the sack,
unlicensed hypnotists. They are ZZZZZs presenters. They might be experts
in their field and be able to recite hours and hours of information on
their topic, but is that effective?
According
to Bob Orben, Special Assistant to President Gerald Ford and Former
Director of the White House Speech writing Department, "Business executives
and political leaders have embraced humor because humor works. Humor has
gone from being an admirable part of a leader's character to a mandatory
one."
A survey
of top executives who earned more than $250,000 per year was conducted
by a large executive search firm. The survey found that these executives
believed their communication skills were the number one factor that carried
them to the top. Mastering the use of humor and other high-explosion techniques
puts a fine polish on your public speaking skills which can help propel
you to the top of the speaking profession.
There
are many benefits you can derive from using humor when speaking. Keep
in mind that these benefits only help you reach your ultimate purpose
for making the presentation. They are not purposes themselves unless,
of course, you are only interested in entertaining.
Using
Humor in Public Speaking helps you do the following:
- HELPS
YOU CONNECT WITH THE AUDIENCE.
- MAKES
YOU MORE LIKEABLE.
- AROUSES
INTEREST.
- KEEPS
ATTENTION.
- HELPS
EMPHASIZE POINTS AND IDEAS.
- DISARMS
HOSTILITY.
- OVERCOMES
OVERLY FLATTERING INTRODUCTIONS.
- GETS YOUR
POINT ACROSS WITHOUT CREATING HOSTILITY.
- HELPS
RELATE FACTS AND FIGURES.
- MAKES
A POSITIVE IMPRESSION.
- SHOWS
THAT YOU DON'T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY.
- HELPS
PAINT PICTURES IN THE AUDIENCE'S MIND.
- MAKES
INFORMATION MORE MEMORABLE.
- LIGHTENS
UP HEAVY MATERIAL.
- YOU WILL
BE ASKED BACK.
- YOUR SPEAKING
WILL GET YOU HIGHER EVALUATIONS OR MORE SALES.
- YOU WILL
MAKE MORE MONEY.
- YOU WILL
MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY.
This is
my favorite benefit. I get great satisfaction from knowing that I
have brightened someone else's life. I had an executive come up to me
after one of my humor seminars and say, "You opened up a whole new
world for me." I almost cried right on the spot. I'll never forget
it.
This article is included by permission from "Great Speaking"
the excellent Free Ezine for Presentations Skills Tips, Public Speaking,
Speaking 4 Money, Speaking Business Referrals, Speaker Marketing, Speaker
Humor, Training, and other Speaking Related Features. Get your free subscription
at: http://www.antion.com/ezinesubscribe.htm
Remember:
If you would like
to try an issue of our FREE eclectic e-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri,
sign up by clicking
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of Ways to Develop Your Personal and Professional STYLE."
We never sell names
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Contact Chris King
at:
chris@creativekeys.net
or at: P.O. Box 221255
Beachwood, Ohio 44122
Phone: (216) 991-8428
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How to
Leave
Your
Audience
Begging
for
MORE!
In this complete manual
by been-there-done-that
author, Chris King,
you will learn everything
you need to know to
become an
OUTRAGEOUSLY
Powerful Presenter!
Don't wait another day
to
get started.
You will be glad
you did!
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We hope
that you are
learning some new and
effective presentation
skills from this site, but
also are having fun
while here.
he
speaker
needs
to be
SHARP
and
have
STYLE.
By developing your own personal and professional STYLE,
you will live your life
on purpose - with class, pleasure and success in every area.
We have created a Special Report, 125 Ways to Develop
Your Personal and Professional STYLE. Click HERE
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FEEDBACK.
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101 Secrets of Highly Effective Speakers
In
101 Secrets of Highly Effective Speakers, Caryl Rae
Krannich Ph.D offers hands on, reader-friendly, practical
ideas that will help develop the skills and confidence necessary
for a successful presentation.
 Speaker's
Sourcebook II: Quotes, Stories, & Anecdotes for Every Occasion
The
Speaker's Sourcebook II remains a favorite source of reference,
inspiration and information. The author pours a lot of himself
in the messages following the anecdotes and stories. This
is like a large Chicken Soup book with ideas for speakers.
 In
The
SpotLight:
Overcome
Your Fear
In The
SpotLight is a
real gift to people experiencing any degree of fear or discomfort
in speaking or performing in front of others, either in formal
or informal settings. Janet Esposito demonstrates sensitivity
and wisdom.
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