Bringing Humor into Your Presentations Does Not Mean “Being Funny”
What I believe:
“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” -Victor Borge
Laughter comes from connection, not jokes or stand-up sets or being labeled as ‘talented’ or innately ‘funny.’
We all crave and need laughter.
“Thanks, Claire. That’s a lovely (and impressively concise) manifesto, but it’s still a daunting task to bring humor to my presentation or talk!!” - Everyone
I hear you. As virtual presenters, I believe we have the opportunity to shorten the perceived distance between ourselves and our audience by showing up with humor that satiates our craving for connection. But first, let’s reframe what ‘humor’ means.
A simple Google search reveals why even *thinking about* bringing humor to our talk is intimidating AF.
The loudest voice in real and virtual rooms makes the message clear: women aren’t funny.
But, holy s**t Batman, we are.
Because ‘funny’ aka humor =
Joy
Playfulness
Personality
Creativity
Emotion
Tone
Personal storytelling
GIFs and memes that make us laugh
Passion
Curiosity
And we do all of these things EVERY DAMN DAY OF OUR WOMEN-IDENTIFYING LIVES. (Ok. I’ll stop yell-typing now.)
In calmer words, we presenters know what makes us bust a gut, giggle, and feel all warm & fuzzy inside so let’s share our humorous perspective with others.
Here’s how:
Reframing Humor & Your Talk: An Exercise
Metaphor. Simile. Analogy. All things you combed page after page for when sleepily completing High School English class assignments, BUT ALSO helpful tools when building a creative, playful, humorous talk.
Take a talk you are currently developing OR a talk you’ve given many times and feel needs a tune-up.
Reframe the content using similes or metaphors that connect your content to your passions, curiosity, or what makes you laugh.
Ex. Project management is like owning 5 cats
Ex. Research & Development is an iceberg
Ex. Product Design is a flock migrating south for the winter
Choose one framing simile or metaphor and then create 3-5 supporting examples to build out the scope of your presentation.
Project management is like owning 5 cats
Ex. My developers are nocturnal creatures
Ex. My teams need to be fed different meals (some like dry food, some need Fancy Feast)
Ex. The project needs playtime 15 minutes every day (or I will pay for it later)
Give this exercise a try and see how delighting yourself delights your audience.
Despite what we are told, a ‘humorous’ talk is not a Netflix Comedy Special. It is a byproduct of communication rooted in curiosity and empathy. Be brave. Share your perspective. Spark connection!
**This article was first published on May 13, 2020 in Women Talk Design’s Remote Confidence newsletter series.
