Tips on Public Speaking: The Use of Humor and Story

I love public speaking! I love doing it, talking about it, coaching it, watching it and… all of it. I believe “watching it” is the best thing I do to improve my speaking skills. I love watching good and bad speakers. From the good, I learn what to do. And from the bad, I learn what NOT to do. By watching others, this will help us with our presentation skills.

I am always looking for great examples of public speakers: Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy, Marianne Williamson and the list goes on. One of the more recent speakers I have added to my list is Joel Osteen. Whether you are religious or not – he does have a great speaker presence, use of notes and what you are going to see here is his use of humor and story. So every time I watch him I learn something new or at least the nuance of giving a great presentation.

If you are not familiar with Joel Osteen, he begins practically every speech with a “funny story” as he puts it. For him, this is a great technique at putting the audience at ease. What you don't see in the video is the complete service with singers, orchestra and other presenters. Where the video begins, the service has been going on for some time. So Joel uses a story, a funny story, to get the attention of the audience and to ease them into his message.

Now, I am not saying you have to begin this way – this is Joel's method. At my Presentation Template Intensive, you will learn how to engage the audience at the very beginning of your presentation. Why? Because this is one of the most critical times of a talk. One of the tips on public speaking: get your audience's attention at the beginning of your speech. One of the ways to do that is with the use of humor. We discuss other ways in case you are not comfortable with this method.

Then Joel, throughout his talk, uses humor in the most effective ways. You will notice that he uses self-deprecating humor – making fun of himself. Probably the safest form of humor. This is not only a great touch of humor but also this endears himself to the audience. Makes him more “human.” Watch how he weaves humor throughout this presentation. You will notice they are not jokes but stories that are fun.

Speaking of stories – this is our other tip on public speaking.

I cannot think of a better way to illustrate a point than with the use of story. Sure you can talk and explain your points and message. The best way to support and illustrate your information is with a story. Because it allows your audience to experience your point, product or service. This is a great way for your audience to become more interested in your message.

I tell my coaching clients from my corporate training to start collecting stories: their own and others. Start keeping a journal. Jot down those life-experiences either on paper or into your computer. Start collecting others' stories. My clients ask me if they can use other people's stories and I tell them – “Use them.” In fact, Joel Osteen uses someone else's story in the video. And you will notice he cites the person who belongs to that story. As long as you mention the person's name and that the story comes from them you will be fine.

Then throughout your presentation, use these stories as ways to illustrate your message and points. One of my clients has a very funny story from his youth that perfectly illustrates one of his main points. He asked me if it is alright to use a humorous story from his youth in his corporate speaking. I told him “YES!” Your clients will be able to relate to you and it does add a bit of ease to the situation. He went ahead and used the story. He believes that story not only put him and his clients at ease but helped him move forward in working with the client.

I would love to know your stories. How you use your stories and humor in your speeches. Or if you have a question – please leave a comment below.

Grazie, Maurice