What do Tim Urban, Sir Ken Robinson and Amy Cuddy all have in common. First, they are the most watched presenters on TED, having each been watched by over 60 million! And second, they all include humour in their presentations. And since close to 50,000 talks have been given at 10,000 events since TED launched in 2009, it’s fair to say that ‘yes’, the best keynote and public speakers are funny. Case closed.
So why is humour so important for presentations?
The most effective keynote and public speakers blend humour with their messages to craft memorable experiences that resonate with their audiences. Here’s why humour is a vital tool for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills, whether they’re attending a course for public speaking, joining Toastmasters, or seeking out public speaking tips:
Engagement and Attention
Humour grabs attention and sustains engagement while simultaneously releasing endorphins that foster a positive and memorable experience. It’s an excellent technique taught in courses in public speaking to keep the audience interested.
Relatability and Connection
Humour builds rapport by showcasing the speaker’s relatable and human side, making the audience more receptive to the message and shared laughter creates a sense of connection between the speaker and the audience. Researchers from Finland and the United Kingdom found that “social laughter triggers the release of endorphins that supports formation, reinforcement, and maintenance of social bonds between humans,” says study co-author Professor Lauri Nummenmaa, of the Turku PET Centre at the University of Turku in Finland.
Diffuses Tension and Stress
Serious or complex topics can create tension, and humour provides a brief respite, allowing the audience to process information more easily, especially if the subject matter is uncomfortable. It’s not uncommon for eulogies to include tasteful humour. The key to writing a funny yet respectful eulogy is balancing humour and respect, but when done well it can bring family and friends together. For example, you might start by saying, “We’re gathered here today to celebrate the life of a man who was such a devoted Melbourne Demons fan. We used to joke that he was born holding a footy in one hand and a Carlton Draught in the other.”
Positive Emotional Association
A funny and enjoyable presentation generates positive associations with the subject matter, encouraging further exploration and action. This approach is particularly impactful with younger audiences who may respond more enthusiastically to light-hearted and engaging presentations.
With a world full of information at our fingertips, the challenge is no longer access but rather how to stand out in an overwhelming sea of content. Humour has become more critical than ever for creating cut-through in a noisy environment.
However, we’re not suggesting that you add ‘Knock Knock‘ jokes to your next presentation. Using humour effectively requires skill and is as much a science as it is an art. This is why there are courses in public speaking and specialized programs like Toastmasters, where participants can learn to master these techniques. To further support keynote and public speakers, we’ve even developed a stand-up comedy school to help speakers enhance their presentations with humour, making their public speaking not just informative but truly memorable.