Sales Presentations Training

Presentation Skills Training, Public Speaking and Humorous Presentation Coaching

Humor in Presentations

Filed under: Public Speaking, Humor — Steve Mertz at 9:57 am on Monday, October 30, 2006

phil.jpgPhil Rosenthal was a writer and producer for “Everybody Loves Raymond’ for its entire nine-year run. He has a new book out called “You’re Lucky You’re Funny”. I read the review on the book and liked what I read about how he incorporates humor into his show. His secret is specificity. When your are speaking to an audience there are specific pieces of humor that may only be known to that organization or association. If you do your homework and discover what humor is specific to them you are going to be there hero and remembered long after the event.

He mentions that one of the reasons we see so many failed comedies today is that writers keep looking to get the next laugh instead of trying to “tell a great story’. The same is true for you. Many executives are initially reluctant to share a personal story with their employees, I think this is a mistake. If the story has relevance to your current situation and it makes a powerful point-I would encourage you to use it in your presentation! By taking advantage of telling a great story that is personal to you-your audience will have a strong emotional bond with you and your message. don’t miss out on this opportunity! Via: New York Times.

Steve Mertz
Humor Sells Messages!

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7 Comments »

Comment by Jason

October 30, 2006 @ 6:24 pm

“He mentions that one of the reasons we see so many failed comedies today is that writers keep looking to get the next laugh instead of trying to “tell a great story’. ”

It’s amazing! I find that the lessons I remember the most are not “simply” the good/funny/outstanding ones…they are the REAL ones!

I don’t know where I heard it, but I remember hearing a comedian say he didn’t have to make anything up…his life was just that funny!

Comment by Steve Mertz

October 30, 2006 @ 6:26 pm

Thanks Jason, That is an excellent point!

Comment by Glenn Bishop

October 30, 2006 @ 6:40 pm

Hi Steve,

Great post about using humor in a business presentation. I really enjoy reading your blog. You -sir are a class act!

Keep up the great work.

Glenn Bishop

Comment by Steve Mertz

October 30, 2006 @ 6:45 pm

Glenn, Thanks for stopping in and your very kind words! I’ve learned a lot from your blog and hope my readers will go to your blog as well. Thanks, Steve

Comment by Brian OMalley

November 10, 2006 @ 2:02 pm

Steve,
I see you are speaking at the NSA Colorado Chapter. Those attending are in for a real treat. Your information will be a hugh techno shift and benefit for them.

The mountains are calling me so I’m not sure If I will be there. Have fun.
Brian O’Malley
www.BrianOMalley.com
Adventure keynote motivational presentations

PS With your inspiration we helped start another blog www.Momsterblog.com

Comment by Steve Mertz

November 10, 2006 @ 6:25 pm

Hey Brian, Good to hear from you. Sorry I’ll miss you Saturday but enjoy the mountains. Can’t wait to check out your blog. Steve

Pingback by Sales Presentations Training, Public Speaking,Coaching,PowerPoint Tips and Career Training

February 15, 2007 @ 8:36 pm

[…] As promised I’ve been looking at your Google searches for Sales Presentations Training. It appears that many of you have humor on your mind. Some of the search terms include: tips for adding humor to your presentation, humorous PowerPoint presentations, sales meeting humor, financial planner humor and many more. As regular readers know I am a huge fan of adding humor to presentations. Humor does not just appear out of nowhere and I’ve discussed how you can build a humor file to help in your public speaking. […]

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