How To Effectively Use Humor To Start Off Any Speech Or Presentation
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How To Effectively Use Humor To Start Off Any Speech or Presentation
By Peter “The Humorator” Fogel
Here is a sure-fire way to get the room in a good mood right off the bat and even get a laugh from your audience when first being introduced to them.
Don't forget: the trick to effectively using humor is to catch your audience off-guard.
I've used this technique for over three decades and it works like a charm. Use it when you know the emcee is not up to the task of bringing you on stage.
Don't worry, once you get your 'speaking legs' and get more stage time, you will learn to go with your gut and discover who really is not good at giving introductions. Typically, these folks fumble when reading your intro card next to you, and you can tell by their body language that they're very uncomfortable being in front of a room.
The Right Introduction At The Right Time!
Make no mistake: in the speaking and stand-up world your introduction is very important - it sets the precedent for YOUR performance, puts your audience at ease, and builds eager anticipation of you.
Know this: the person who will never let you down EVER and bring you up on stage exactly the way you want--is you.
'Huh', you think, 'bring myself up?' Yes! If you have the nerve to do it. This will only work if the audience has not seen a photo of you and doesn't recognize you as a featured speaker. Trust me NOT in a million years would anyone think that the person starting the program is actually the speaker himself.
Anyway, you go on stage, take the microphone, welcome everyone to today's presentation, and then say you'd now like to introduce today's wonderful speaker.
You Have To Commit To Tooting Your Own Horn
Now is your chance to 'toot your own horn,' as they say. Build yourself up as you read your own credits and get excited for the audience.
Right at the end of reading your own credits then say, 'Ladies and gentleman please give a warm welcome to a tremendous speaker and good friend of mine, (insert your name).
Put the microphone back into the stand and start applauding with the audience.
Now, look off to the side of the stage as you await your own arrival. Look at your watch as if time is going by and then after a few seconds grab the micro
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