September, 2007 The 5 W’s of using humour in Speeches: WHY? WHAT? WHO? WHERE? WHEN? Plus a few examples of HOW TO’s
	Quote of the month: "When you humorize, you humanize." D. LaCroix, 2001 WCPS "When I speak, I try to make my audiences: T.A.L.L. Think Act Laugh and Learn." C. Valentine 1999 WCPS "Use the 4 H's in your speeches: Head. Heart, Humor Heavy-duty message." E. Tate 2000 WCPS		Do you think that injecting humour into your speeches is important? As you can see, I have chosen to quote three world champions of public speaking: Darren LaCroix, Craig Valentine and Ed Tate, on the subject of humour. All three agree that humour is an essential ingredient. WHY use humour? Because it: accelerates the power of the content and re-enforces our message humanizes the speaker, when speaker shares own embarrassing personal stories/vulnerabilities amuses, entertains people and makes them feel good makes an audience smile, which energizes the speaker changes/lightens up the mood during serious/emotional moments makes people laugh; when people laugh they relax, when they relax they learn, and when they learn they remember (your point or message).
	You may be thinking: "But I'm not funny!" "I don't know how to tell jokes!" "I've never been able to make my audience roll in the aisles with laughter!" You too can be humorous because using humour, just like speaking, is a process that can be learned with practice and with knowledge of the correct tools Do you need to be a born comedian? NO! Do you need to be a joke teller? NO! Do you need to have your audiences falling off their chairs in laughter? NO! Regardless of your speaking objective: to inform, to persuade, to inspire, using humour in speeches is necessary. Naturally, if you're speaking to entertain, the use of humour is imperative. Let's start with defining humour. WHAT is humour? Humour is the ability to appreciate and express what is funny, amusing, comical or ludicrous in speech, writing or action. Entertaining or amusing people by bringing smiles to their faces is a degree of humour. WHO can use humour? Anyone can! As stated earlier, it's a process that can be learned with frequent practice and learned strategies. THE MORE YOU PRACTICE in front of live audiences, THE MORE COMFORTABLE YOU BECOME, THE MORE EFFECTIVE YOU BECOME! WHERE can I find humour? everywhere, anywhere your own personal stories are the best sources (remember: FACTS TELL, STORIES SELL!) newspapers, magazines, internet, joke books, headlines, shows cartoons, anecdotes, funny sayings, relevant to your message. remember to give credit to your source, if it's not your own WHEN can I add humour? anytime, anywhere (on any subject, in a timely manner) ensure that it's relevant must add to or re-enforce your message DON'T: use bad language use sexist, racist, religious humour be politically correct! "throw in" a joke to "loosen" them up!! HOW.... to use humour? personal everyday stories (not Hollywood Blockbusters) make fun of yourself, not others use unexpected twists.... "I was so nervous about the trip, I took a blanket, a flashlight and....PAUSE.... my mother!!" use alliteration.... "refreshed, renewed, revitalized...disappointed, disillusioned, distraught"... use power of 3's ... "I could use my head, my heart or my humour. I decided to..." create a scene and commit to it placing characters, events in specific locations let your characters be seen (physical descriptors) known (back story) and heard (dialogue) don't talk and tell, share and show.... gestures, facial expressions, vocal variety, (4 P's.... projection, pace, pitch, pauses), whispers, use of characters smile ...that gives them permission to smile back BODY IS LANGUAGE! Act and react using your emotions ! use appropriate timing, delivery, pause when stating the punch line when they laugh, allow them the time to laugh Practicing in front of live audiences will help you understand what makes them laugh and when they will laugh - it's learned through trial and error!! Remember: "When you humourize, you humanize." You humanize by connecting with your audience through emotions. All people experience the same emotions, though we have different stories. What humorous stories do you have to share? I challenge you to recall one and share it. Humour is a cheap and abundant GIFT you can give to others. Hook on to Humour and share it! I invite you to join us next month when we examine the letter I for INTRODUCTIONS: How to hook your Audience BEFORE you even begin to speak! kathryn@kathrynmackenzie.com 416.489.6603 If you wish to unsubscribe from these newsletters, please contact Kathryn at the above email address with the word: UNSUBSCRIBE in the heading. On the other hand, if you know someone who may benefit from these newsletters, please forward them. Thank you. www.kathrynmackenzie.com © 2007 All rights reserved