Humor Delivery Tips

(if you decide not to use what you learn in my public speaking course you can start passing out the pillows and blankets as soon as you start)

* Don't EVER repeat a punch line! Once the surprise is revealed,
the joke is history. I'll repeat this one more time, I don't want to hear you repeating any punch lines. Let me repeat. Don't EVER repeat a punch line. Don't EVER repeat a punch line. NEVER EVER repeat a punch line. You'll be shot by the comedy firing squad if you repeat a punch line. OK. I'll let you repeat one, but only under certain circumstances. Here's an exception to this rule. At a later time in your speech, if you had a joke or punch line that bombed miserably, you can call it back to make fun of yourself. Being able to laugh at yourself is also part of knowing what you learned in your public speaking course.

* Try not to signal your punch line. If the humor in your punch line
depends upon the words "ruptured camel", don't say the following: Did you hear the one about the ruptured camel? 

* It is imperative that you memorize your punch line. You
should be able to awaken out of a deep sleep in an earthquake and, without hesitation, deliver your punch line accurately. Give all the facts necessary for the joke to make sense. The humor is lost if you leave out the necessary details. Knowing how to properly tell a joke is part of what you will learn in my public speaking course.

* Use the fewest words possible to get to the punch line. Brevity
is truly the soul of wit (never use a worn out cliché either). The
longer the joke, the funnier it must be.

* NEVER, EVER explain your joke. If they don't understand, it's
your fault for telling the wrong joke to the wrong audience. The
hypnotist says, 'You're getting sleeeepy.' - putting the audience to
sleep is strictly prohibited in a No Zzzz's presentation.

* Don't walk around too much when telling a joke or story. I walk,
but I stop when important points are being made and when I'm delivering a punch line.

* If you use notes, highlight or mark upcoming jokes or stories so
they don't sneak up on you. They will need special emphasis.

* Practice! Practice! Practice! I tell a joke or story 30 to 50
times in practice before I use it in a presentation. using the skills learned in my public speaking course in this area involves hours and hours of practice before you "Go Live" in
front of an audience, always be prepared to give your best.

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