Why use Humor?

You might be wondering why you should even use humor in your presentation? You might ask "Can't I just deliver my information and sit down"? You most certainly can do it that way and most people do. The problem is most people are not effective presenters, they do not use the skills I teach in my public speaking course.
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 really effective in getting your audience to listen?

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." Just look at the effectiveness of
President Reagan, well known for his humor presentation skills.

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 good public
speaking skills, using humor and other high-explosion techniques puts
a fine polish on your skills which can help shoot you
to the top of the speaking profession, or indeed an avenue to the top
in any profession.

There are many benefits you can derive from using humor  which you will learn more about in my public speaking course. 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 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 presentations and say, "You opened up a whole new
world for me." I almost cried right on the spot. I'll never forget it,
I love to hear how my speaking effects my audience.

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