Everyone loves a funny speech. But funny speeches are really, really hard to write, and even harder to execute. Over the last decade of speech writing, I’ve found that more often than not, my clients WANT funny speeches. And generally, I advise against it.
WHY?
Because your speech runs a high risk of tanking if you try to channel Jerry Seinfeld. Only Jerry Seinfeld can be Jerry Seinfeld. It’s usually not worth the risk. However, if you follow these simple rules, you can deliver an interesting, amusing and clever speech without the pitfalls of attempted (and failed) humour.
DON’T OFFEND ANYONE
Jokes made at other people’s expense typically come across as mean spirited and inappropriate. If you really must insult someone, choose some generic (and nameless) person you encountered at the grocery store – not your spouse or boss!
USE ANECDOTES
The most effective humor is usually borne from personal experience. Share a funny story or experience, and draw humor from those encounters.
KEEP IT CLEAN
The use of profanity rarely enhances a speech or elicits a laugh, especially when you are speaking on an important day. Unless you really need to drive home a point and an f-bomb is going to grab your audience’s attention, rather leave it out. And as a general rule, 2 or 3 profane references is more than enough.
BE THE BUTT OF YOUR OWN JOKE
This relates to the first rule (don’t offend anyone). Rather than offending others, rely on a little self deprecation. Positioning yourself as the butt of your own joke is a safe way to integrate humor into your speech.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
Speaking, and even more so joking, off the cuff is an absolute no-no. Always be prepared and if you don’t feel confident about your own speech writing skills, hire a professional or purchase a pre-written speech.
Have you ever written or delivered a funny speech? What strategies work for you?
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