how to open a presentation with humor

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• Presentations
• Public Speaking

How to Make a Presentation More Humorous (With 7 Top Tips From Experts)

Making your audience laugh is a good way to get them fully engaged with your presentation.

Using humor in business presentations can make the difference.

Listening to your business presentation shouldn't be like visiting a comedy club. But a laugh here and there can help your listeners take in relevant information.

If you want to give your presentations some extra appeal, it's important use humor the right way. 

In this guide, I'll share techniques and expert tips on how to make a presentation humorous and fun. You'll learn how to give a funny presentation that works.

Adding Humor to Presentations: Why Does It Matter?

Many speakers hesitate to create a funny PowerPoint or add humor to a speech.

The hesitation is easy to understand. They just don't know how to be humorous in a speech.

Here are three reasons why using humor in presentations is a good idea:

• Adding humor to presentations  holds your audience's attention. It creates a bond with them . If they're laughing with you then they're connected. That's key when you want your presentation to be successful.
• Using humor also makes your presentation more memorable . An oft-quoted saying is that people may forget your exact words, but they won't forget how you make them feel. Adding humor to presentations generates the right kind of feelings in your listeners. Plus, making presentations fun reinforces key points and leads to a more interesting presentation. 
• There's one more benefit for those wanting to do lots of public speaking. Using humor in business presentations will give a good impression of you as a speaker . That can help you win future speaking engagements. You'll also get more traffic for any presentations you post online.

Find some expert tips about public speaking and business presentations in these tutorials:

Tips on Using Humor in Presentations

Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of using humor in presentations?

Here are some tips on how to give a funny presentation to keep your audience laughing:

1. Tell a Joke Near the Start

Are you wondering how to make a PowerPoint presentation fun for the audience? Many professional speakers believe it's good practice to tell a joke at the beginning of your presentation.

Professional presenter James Altucher  says:

"People need to laugh within the first 30 seconds or else you’re going back to your cubicle at the pencil factory and they will never remember you." 

While this is good advice, remember to read the room.

Sometimes you need to let your audience warm up for a few minutes before hitting them with something humorous. Otherwise it might fall flat and leave your audience less interested than before.

Heidi Cohen , Chief Content Officer, Actionable Marketing Guide, says:

"...humor depends on context and shared culture. As a result, it may not translate to a specific topic or audience. Even top comics work through many iterations of their routines and practice them before they know what works. 

Instead of using humor, the real challenge for professional presentations is capturing and holding your audience’s attention or you’ve lost them to their devices." 

So, with all the distractions out there, what's a presenter to do? Cohen has a technique to try:

"[This] ...requires building smaller arcs into your larger over-arching presentation story. Think of each point as having its own problem, action and result. By doing this, you keep listeners engaged. 

Further, after you’ve outlined the presentation, block out how you will take advantage of the stage and what changes you’ll make for each point."

2.  Use an Anecdote 

Not everyone has a prebuilt cache of jokes to put in a speech. If telling jokes isn't your thing, consider using a humorous anecdote. Most people relate to a funny story. If it's relevant, it can really make the subject of your presentation more interesting. 

Andy Crestodina , Cofounder of Orbit Media and seasoned content marketing speaker, says: 

"Telling tiny stories, especially in the middle of the presentation, keeps the presentation alive. Without them, the audience struggles."

Crestodina has a great tip to capture the audience's attention in the middle of a presentation. Best of all, it's something anyone can try.

"Throw in a very brief story, supported with a visual, ideally funny or personal, during the middle of the presentation. It doesn’t even need a smooth segue. The point is to break it up. Plot twists and joke slides."

For example, Crestodina tells a story about kids and yogurt:

“I need my free time. I’ve got two little kids and I make them these yogurt popsicles from frozen mangoes and yogurt. They love them, but look how messy they are.”

"...pause for laughter. Resume presentation to newly awakened, reconnected audience."

3. Don't Be Afraid to Laugh at Yourself

Speaking of how to be humorous in a speech, don't be afraid to laugh at yourself.  Nancy Marshall, the PR Maven , says: 

"Subliminally, everyone in the audience is feeling nervous for you as a speaker when you are the one up in front of the group. Being self-deprecating is a good way to help everyone in the audience, and to help yourself relax and settle in. Saying something like, “Yes, I have had my business for 30 years. Obviously I started it when I was two.” A statement like that can break the ice and help everyone be more present."

Self-deprecating humor is very relatable. People appreciate that you're willing to make yourself a little vulnerable. Instantly, that transforms you, in their perception, from a distant expert to a person like them. That makes them more likely to pay attention to the rest of the presentation. 

At the start of her commencement speech for Harvard, J.K.Rowling alludes to the natural fear of giving a speech on a big stage, and her very human reaction to it:

"The first thing I would like to say is thank you. Not only has Harvard given me an extraordinary honor, but the weeks of fear and nausea I have endured at the thought of giving this commencement address have made me lose weight. A win-win situation. Now all I have to do is take deep breaths, squint at the red banners, and convince myself that I am at the world's largest Gryffindor reunion."

Rowling goes on with the commencement address, adding more bits of humor throughout the presentation.

4. Tailor Humor to Your Audience

When thinking about funny PowerPoint presentations ideas, tailor anecdotes and jokes to your audience.

Humor works best when it's relevant. Don't worry. That still leaves plenty of scope for colorful stories. In the example below, Mark Sanborn uses everyday experiences to give business lessons, while keeping the audience engaged and laughing:

Here's how Social Media Consultant, Strategist and Speaker Andrea Vahl uses humor in presentations:

"I use humor in presentations in a few different ways.  First of all, I have humor in the opening section of my presentation when I talk about "my story" and background that is more universally appealing.  I use a combination of funny images and unexpected twists to give my biography in a unique way.  

Then it does also help to tailor the humor to your audience by finding out some of the buzz words they use or pain points that they often run into so you can address those with quick quips or images in slides.  Find out if the organization has an "inside joke" that you can bring into your presentation also."

Vahl suggests turning to the weird or unusual to add humor to a presentation. 

"To brainstorm about how to make something funny you can ask yourself, "What is weird about this?" or "What could be ridiculous about this?" and just write ideas without judgement.  Then see how you can work those ideas into your presentation."

5. Include a Funny Quote or Image 

Memes aren't just for social media. They can also make your presentations easier to access. If you can find a funny image or quote related to your presentation people will remember it for two reasons:

• because it's visual
• because it made them laugh 

In the video below, Tim Urban uses humorous drawings to illustrate how his mind works: 

6. Use Sound Effects 

Using a sound at the right time can stop your audience's attention from wandering. Our attention spans are short. 

So, when a growling bear pops up just over seven minutes into Morgan Spurlock's  TED talk, it instantly grabbed his listeners' attention. If I'd been in that audience, I'd have been doubly attentive, waiting to see what would happen next.

7. Use Analogies and Contrast

Another tip when thinking about how to add humor to a presentation  is to use techniques like contrast, surprise, tension and analogies. Some of the examples shared earlier illustrate how surprise works to get attention.

Here's an example of an analogy being used in a funny PowerPoint. In an SEO presentation, a speaker comments that the best place to hide a body is the second page of Google search results. The speaker just used humor to make an unforgettable point about the importance of appearing on the first page of search results.

Author, speaker, and comedian Andrew Tarvin  points out in Forbes that:

"Humor doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to laugh. Humor is something that is comic, absurd or incongruous that causes amusement. Most marketing campaigns can benefit by adding levity. But if your brand is very serious inherently, it may not be appropriate."

What to Look Out for When Making Presentations Fun

Using humor is a great technique for improving your presentations. Here are a few more tips to help you get it right when thinking about how to write a funny speech:

1. Don't Try Too Hard 

First, you're not your favorite stand-up comedian. So, don't try too hard. The audience will relate to you better if you're yourself. If you combine that with telling stories they can relate to, so much the better.

2. Be Mindful of Diversity 

Know that humor doesn't always translate. So, if you're speaking or presenting to a diverse audience, be careful about what you use as humor. Jokes that stigmatize a particular gender or ethnicity aren't appropriate. Also, you'll want to do some research in advance to see if there are any hot buttons you need to avoid.

To learn more about the importance of diversity in the workplace, study these tutorials:

3. Read the Room 

Related to that, read the room so you know if a particular joke is appropriate.

If your big number falls flat, don't be afraid to change direction. Sometimes simply saying that you changed your mind about telling a joke can win your audience over. 

4. If People Are Laughing, Let Them Finish 

Don't interrupt the laughter. If you've told a joke and it's got people laughing, let your audience enjoy the moment. They'll be much more kindly disposed to you by the end of that process.

Learn More About Presentations

Still need more tips on how to make a presentation fun?

Learn more about using PowerPoint in our ultimate guide or check out the resources below: 

How to Get Started With Funny PowerPoint Presentations

When thinking about how to make a boring presentation fun, a good starting point is to choose the right template. Using presentation templates offers several advantages over a DIY approach.

Premium presentation  templates make presentation creation quick and easy. There's no need to fiddle around with small details. Your presentation will also  have a professional appearance , thanks to a harmonious design.

If you're looking for the perfect presentation template for your next presentation, Envato Elements has an offer you won't want to miss.  Download as many  PowerPoint presentation templates  as you want, all for one low price. 

To learn more about using presentations in business check out our ebook,  The Complete Guide to Making Great Business Presentations .

Use PowerPoint Templates for Your Funny Presentation

Looking for the perfect PowerPoint template for your next humorous presentation?

Check out these fun and cool templates:

Get Started With Making Presentations Fun Today

As you've seen, using humor and presentations is a great tool for any presenter, if you do it right. Pay attention to the cues that let you know when humor is working (and when it isn't) and you'll be able to use this tool effectively. 

Remember, if you're looking for a great way to make your presentation lively, then check out the humorous presentation templates on Envato Elements.

Editorial Note: This content was originally published in 2020. We're sharing it again because our editors have determined that this information is still accurate and relevant.

Funny Presentation Ideas: 33 Ways to Engage Your Audience with Humor and Creativity

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on October 11, 2023

Categories Creativity , Business , Entertainment

Presentations don’t have to be boring; in fact, incorporating humor can make a significant difference in engaging your audience and creating a memorable experience. Funny presentation ideas are a perfect way to add personality and lightheartedness, keeping your viewers entertained while still conveying your message effectively.

By choosing the right topic and presentation style, you can bring out the best in both your content and presentation skills.

Public speaking anxiety is a widespread concern, but injecting humor into your presentations can help alleviate some of the pressure. With a well-crafted and hilarious presentation, you can capture your audience’s attention, forge a connection beyond the presentation slides, and ensure that your main points are retained by your listeners.

Just remember, not all humor will resonate with every audience, so always be mindful of how your jokes and presentation content align with your target demographic.

Key Takeaways

• Humor in presentations helps engage the audience and creates a memorable experience.
• Well-crafted funny presentations can alleviate public speaking anxiety and forge better connections.
• Be mindful of aligning jokes and content with the specific audience for maximum impact.

33 Fun and Creative Presentation Ideas

Here are 33 ideas to make your next presentation more engaging and memorable:

• Use humor and jokes strategically throughout the presentation to lighten the mood. Just don’t overdo it.
• Incorporate funny images, memes, gifs or video clips when relevant.
• Use self-deprecating humor to appear more relatable. Poke fun at yourself.
• Tell a humorous personal anecdote or story that relates to your topic.
• Do a mock award ceremony or give out silly awards to teammates or yourself.
• Role play with someone or use costumes/props to act out scenarios.
• Incorporate playful or quirky fonts, graphics, animations or transitions.
• Challenge your audience with trivia or a game related to your content. Offer prizes.
• Ask unexpected interview questions in a talk show format. Have someone play the role of host.
• Use puppets or mascots as co-presenters to demonstrate concepts.
• Pretend to be an eccentric celebrity and stay in character.
• Trick your audience periodically with fake information to keep them engaged.
• Recreate a funny scene from a movie or TV show with coworkers.
• Make up silly acronyms or mnemonic devices for key points.
• Do wacky product demonstrations or infomercial parodies.
• Show funny workplace videos like training gone wrong.
• Use parody music videos or songs related to your content.
• Develop a humorous slideshow with ridiculous stock photos.
• Incorporate play on words, rhymes or alliteration into titles and text.
• Start with an embarrassing childhood photo of yourself for introductions.
• Compose a funny poem, limerick or song as part of the presentation.
• Play a mock game show like Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune or Family Feud.
• Give away weird prizes or treats when people answer questions correctly.
• Use funny props like oversized glasses, nerf toys, magic wands, etc.
• Wear a crazy wig or outfit that relates to your theme.
• Build in physical audience participation exercises.
• Share funny testimonials from satisfied “customers”.
• Develop a hilarious sales pitch skit for your product/service.
• Create caricatures of important figures related to your topic.
• Make funny certificates, awards or prizes for audience members.
• Incorporate memes, gifs and emojis into your visuals.
• Develop a humorous slide deck using an online meme generator.
• Close with a funny blooper reel showing preparation fails.

Understanding the Power of Humor

The Science Behind Laughter

Laughter is a powerful tool that can help you connect with your audience on an emotional level. Scientific research has shown that laughter releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, and also stimulates brain activity.

By incorporating humor into your presentation, you can create a more enjoyable and memorable experience for your audience. It’s important, however, to use humor that is suitable for the occasion and the audience.

Inappropriate or overly complex jokes can backfire and detract from your presentation’s effectiveness.

Engagement Through Entertainment

One of the key components of a successful presentation is engagement. By entertaining your audience, you can capture their attention and make them more receptive to your message.

Humor is one way to achieve this, as laughter can break the ice and create a relaxed atmosphere. To effectively use humor in a presentation, consider the following tips:

• Build rapport by sharing a funny personal story or using self-deprecating humor. This can help your audience relate to you and humanize your message.
• Use visual aids effectively. Adding funny images or memes to your slides can enhance your humor and keep your audience entertained.
• Be mindful of your audience’s background and preferences. What may be funny to one person could be offensive to another. Make sure your jokes are appropriate for your audience and avoid using potentially divisive humor.

By incorporating humor into your presentations, you can create a more engaging and entertaining experience for your audience. In turn, this can help you deliver your message more effectively and leave a lasting impression on your listeners.

Choosing a Presentation Tool

When it comes to creating a funny and engaging presentation, selecting the right tool can make a significant difference. The three main contenders are Microsoft PowerPoint , Google Slides , and Apple Keynote . Let’s dive into their features and understand when to choose each of them.

Microsoft PowerPoint

As part of the Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint is the classic choice for creating presentations. Its extensive features allow you to animate slides, add transition effects, and embed multimedia to make your presentation entertaining.

If you have a Microsoft Office subscription, you’ll have access to an extensive library of templates and themes to choose from, making it easier to design a hilarious presentation. PowerPoint is compatible with both Windows and Mac, but it works best on Windows devices.

• Extensive features and animations
• Access to a large library of templates and themes
• Compatible with Windows and Mac (works best on Windows)

Google Slides

Google Slides is a free, web-based tool that comes with your Google account. You can collaborate with others in real-time, making it ideal for those who need to brainstorm or work together on a funny presentation.

While Google Slides might not have as many features as PowerPoint, it offers the necessary tools to create an engaging presentation with a touch of humor. One advantage of using Google Slides is the ability to access and edit your presentation from any device with internet connectivity.

• Free and web-based
• Real-time collaboration
• Accessible from any device with internet connection

Apple Keynote

If you’re an Apple user, Keynote might be your go-to choice for creating presentations. With a wide range of templates and themes, you can craft a visually appealing and funny presentation. Keynote is known for its smooth animations and transitions that can add a touch of humor to your slides.

Keep in mind that Keynote is exclusively available for macOS and iOS devices, so you might face compatibility issues when sharing your presentation with others who use different platforms.

• Smooth animations and transitions
• Exclusively available for macOS and iOS devices
• Compatibility issues when sharing presentations across different platforms

When choosing a presentation tool for your funny presentation, consider your device compatibility, familiarity with the software, and the features you need to create an engaging and entertaining experience for your audience.

The Art of Creating Engaging Slides

Fusing Data and Aesthetics

In order to create engaging slides, it’s crucial to find a balance between data and aesthetics. By using eye-catching PowerPoint templates and well-designed infographics, you can present your information in a visually appealing way.

Infographics are especially helpful for displaying complex data or large sets of information.

To make your presentation stand out, try experimenting with different charts to represent your data. Bar graphs, line charts, and pie charts can all be useful, depending on the type of information you’re presenting. Integrating these visual elements into your presentation theme will ensure that your slides are both informative and attractive to your audience.

Embracing the Unconventional

Sometimes, the key to engaging your audience is by thinking outside the box. Don’t be afraid to embrace unconventional approaches in your presentation. For instance, you can incorporate interactive elements, such as quizzes or polls, to keep your audience interested and involved. These activities can break up the monotony and add a fun twist to your presentation.

When customizing your PowerPoint templates, consider using unique color combinations or interesting visual elements to catch your audience’s attention. Bold typography and creative iconography can also add an extra touch of personality to your slides.

Remember to keep a consistent theme throughout your presentation. This will help your audience follow your content more easily and stay engaged with your message. By combining data, aesthetics, and unconventional elements, you can create a truly memorable and engaging presentation for your audience.

Breathing Life Into Your Presentation

To create an engaging and memorable presentation, it’s essential to incorporate elements that captivate your audience. Two effective ways to achieve this are by adding video elements and setting the mood with background music.

Adding Video Elements

Utilizing videos in your presentation can be a game-changer. You can incorporate filmed sketches and animations that are relevant to your topic. This helps break the monotony while also providing valuable context and entertainment for your audience. Ensure the video clips are short, appropriate, and blend seamlessly into your presentation.

Setting the Mood with Background Music

Incorporating background music into your presentation can help create a comfortable atmosphere and set the tone. Choose tracks that reflect the theme or subject of your talk and evoke the intended emotions. Ensure the volume is kept low to avoid distracting your audience.

Remember, the music should complement, not overpower, your content.

By using these techniques, you’ll engage your audience in a dynamic and enjoyable learning experience.

Harnessing the Power of Popular Trends

Memes in Presentations

Incorporating popular memes into your presentations can be an effective way to engage your audience and showcase your sense of humor. By using well-known, relevant, and humorous images or gifs, you can successfully capture your audience’s attention and create a memorable experience.

To make the most of memes, keep the following tips in mind:

• Choose memes that are widely recognized and easily understood
• Ensure the meme’s content aligns with the message you want to convey
• Be mindful of the timing and placement of memes to maximize their impact

TikTok-Inspired Themes

Another way to infuse some fun into your presentations is by harnessing the power of trends from popular social media platforms like TikTok. TikTok-style themes can add a fresh and exciting touch to your slides, helping you captivate your audience and keep their attention throughout the presentation.

Here are a few ways you can incorporate TikTok-inspired themes:

• Use TikTok’s signature short video format to illustrate key points or share humorous content
• Embrace trendy visual elements like neon colors, bold typography, and dynamic animations
• Consider incorporating popular TikTok challenges or trending hashtags to drive audience participation and engagement

By thoughtfully using popular trends like memes and TikTok-inspired themes, you can create a more entertaining and engaging presentation experience for your audience.

Remember to keep the tone and content appropriate for your specific setting and always ensure that humor supports — rather than distracts from — the core message of your presentation.

Innovative Presentation Ideas

Fun Quiz Nights

Inject some creativity into your presentations by organizing a fun quiz night. You can use tools like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or AhaSlides to create engaging and interactive quizzes for your audience. These types of quizzes can provide an enjoyable break from the traditional lecture-style presentations, while still sharing valuable information.

Choose topics that are relevant to your audience and ensure you have a good mix of questions that cater to different knowledge levels. By doing so, your audience will stay engaged, and they might even learn something new.

Themed PowerPoint Nights

Bring some excitement to your presentations with themed PowerPoint nights. This creative idea allows you to design a night around a specific theme or topic and encourages audience participation. For example, you could ask your guests to create their own slideshows around a specific pop culture theme, such as movies, television shows, or books.

This approach not only brings out the creativity in you and your guests but also gives everyone the chance to share their unique perspectives on common interests. Furthermore, it breaks the monotony of standard presentations and invites discussion and debate among the audience members.

Making the Most of Trivia Games

Trivia games offer another opportunity to elevate your innovative presentation ideas. By incorporating trivia into your PowerPoint nights or presentation events, you can create an atmosphere of friendly competition that encourages attendees to pay closer attention to the information being shared.

Moreover, these games can be crafted to test their knowledge in certain areas, making them educational as well as entertaining. To enhance the experience, consider utilizing various multimedia formats such as images, videos, and audio clips.

Additionally, you can use platforms like Kahoot! or Quizizz to create interactive online trivia games that can be easily integrated into your presentation.

Using these creative ideas for your presentation nights will not only make them more enjoyable for everyone involved but will also facilitate better learning and engagement. So, the next time you are tasked with creating a presentation, think beyond the norm and dare to be different with your approach.

Specific Presentation Topics

Reality TV Show Analysis

Are you a fan of reality TV shows and want to dive deeper into the genre?

Analyzing various reality shows can make for an entertaining and informative presentation. Start by picking your favorite series and discuss the key elements that make it appealing to audiences. You can also explore the behind-the-scenes aspects of these shows, such as production, casting, and manipulation.

Throughout your presentation, use visuals like video clips, images, or graphs to help convey your points to your audience.

Discussion on Disney Characters

Delve into the magical world of Disney by examining its iconic characters. This catchy presentation topic allows you to showcase your knowledge of Disney’s vast universe. Choose a handful of memorable characters such as Mickey Mouse, Ariel, or Elsa, and provide a comprehensive analysis of their traits and story arcs.

Highlight their cultural impact, effects on young viewers, or the creative process behind their inception. Enhance the visual appeal of your presentation with eye-catching animations, artwork, or even fun trivia.

Exploring Historical Events

We all know about significant historical events like World War II and the Civil Rights Movement, but have you ever considered putting a humorous spin on history to make it more engaging? Choose lesser-known, quirky events, like the Salem Witch Trials , and present them in a light-hearted manner.

Provide your audience with interesting facts, unique perspectives, and anecdotes. Use multimedia and interactive elements to make your presentation compelling and informative. Please remember though to still treat historical events with respect while adding your humor to the mix.

Keep these presentation topics in mind when you want to craft an engaging and fun experience for your audience. By focusing on your chosen subject and infusing an element of humor, you’ll have a presentation that is enjoyable for everyone involved.

Catering to Different Audiences

Presentations in the Workplace

When preparing a funny presentation for the workplace, it’s essential to strike a balance between humor and professionalism. Use relatable anecdotes, industry-specific jokes, or playful visuals to keep your colleagues entertained while remaining focused on the topic at hand.

Remember to tailor your content to be inclusive and respectful of all attendees.

For example, you could use memes or comic strips in your slides to illustrate a point or emphasize a message. Incorporating these elements can keep your audience engaged and your presentation light-hearted.

Educational Presentations

In the context of educational presentations, humor can be a powerful tool to capture students’ attention and create a memorable learning experience. Start by identifying the age group and level of understanding of your audience, as this will guide your choice of jokes, stories, and visual materials.

For example, you might use puns and wordplay for older students or silly illustrations for younger audiences. Keep in mind the goal of making complex concepts easier to grasp through the use of humor, without sacrificing the accuracy of the information.

Remember, catering to different audiences doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Recognizing the needs, preferences, and expectations of your target audience can help you inject humor into your presentations – be it in the workplace or the classroom.

Closing Thoughts

When it’s time to wrap up your presentation, you want to leave your audience with a memorable impression. A strong closing can help reinforce your key points, engage your audience, and make you appear more confident in your public speaking abilities. Here are a few strategies to consider for closing your presentation with a bang.

One option is to use a snowstorm activity , which encourages audience interaction. Have your participants write down their thoughts or takeaways on a piece of paper, crumple it up, and toss it in the air like a snowball. After people swap and collect the snowballs, ask them to share their findings with the group.

You can also try the High-Five Hustle to energize your listeners. Instruct your audience to stand up and high-five a nearby person, creating a sense of camaraderie and connection in the room.

Another approach is the Summary Close. Summarize the main points you covered in your presentation, which reinforces the information for the attendees. A clear and concise summary will leave a lasting impact.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of strong eye contact during your closing remarks. As you wrap up your talk, make sure to engage the audience with direct eye contact, giving them a sense of your confidence and knowledge on the topic.

Remember, as a presenter, your goal is to captivate your audience. Experiment with these techniques to discover which works best for you, and watch your public speaking skills flourish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some entertaining topics for a PowerPoint night?

There are numerous entertaining topics you can choose for a PowerPoint night, such as comparing your friends to alcoholic beverages, predicting each friend’s band name, or roasting their zodiac signs. The key is to select subjects that make the audience laugh and spark conversations among your friends.

How can I make my presentation humorous and engaging?

To create a humorous and engaging presentation, use funny images or memes, wordplay, and anecdotes that relate to your topic. Keep the pace lively by switching between different formats like slides, videos, and short quizzes which keeps the audience’s attention and prevents monotony.

What creative ideas can I use for a friends’ presentation night?

For a friends’ presentation night, consider organizing a themed PowerPoint night, creating a guessing game about personal anecdotes, or crafting a presentation about your friend’s former lifetimes. Another option is to play a spin-the-wheel game to determine each person’s topic, which adds an element of surprise and excitement.

How can I incorporate fun elements into a PowerPoint for students?

To make a PowerPoint engaging for students, incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, puzzles, or ClassPoint extensions. You can also use pop culture references, infographics, and animations to keep the content entertaining. By making your PowerPoint interactive and relatable, you will make learning more enjoyable for your students.

What are some popular PowerPoint night ideas from TikTok?

TikTok has become a treasure trove for PowerPoint night ideas, with users sharing their creative and funny presentations, such as creating tier lists for arbitrary categories, commentary on embarrassing childhood photos, or bizarre hypothetical situations. Browsing the hashtags #PowerPointNight and #PowerPointParty on TikTok can provide you with inspiration and entertainment.

How do I choose a lighthearted subject for a presentation?

When selecting a lighthearted subject for a presentation, think about topics that can make your audience laugh, evoke nostalgia, or spark conversations. Choose something that relates to your audience’s interests, experiences, or preferences. Also, consider funny speech topics that play on current events or popular culture, as this can often generate laughter and enthusiastic discussions.

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Should You Use Humor in Your Presentations?

Funny presentations: they’re the ones you remember.

One of the most powerful communication tools you can use to deliver your message is humor. It’s what makes you real. When it’s used appropriately, humor can be one of the most effective ways to make your presentation memorable. So, if you are contemplating whether to use humor in presentations, the answer is a resounding yes.

Why do I say “when used appropriately?” Because there is such thing as too much of a good thing. Your presentation can’t be one joke after another–you’re not there to put on a stand-up comedy routine. No, when I say you have to use presentation humor appropriately, I mean you should use it to break up tension or offer a brief release from the intensity of your presentation. The average human adult can focus their attention for about five minutes, so it’s a good rule of thumb to add a humorous element to your speech at least that often. This breaks up your presentation into manageable chunks of time (in terms of your listener’s attention span) to keep your audience interested so that you have their focus for another five minutes.

Use Humor in a Business Presentation

Unless your business sells clown costumes (and really, even if it is), business presentations are heavy. They’re laden with numbers and facts and all sorts of jargon. It’s easy for all that serious business talk to cause a person’s attention span to drop out. That’s why using humor in a business presentation is just as important as adding it to an informative or instructional presentation.

The best time to deliver a serious point—one you want to drive home with your listeners—is right after they laugh. Why? Because laughing is a tension reliever. When your audience is relaxed and attentive, you can hit them with something you want them to remember.

How to Use Humor in Presentations

For presentation humor to be effective, you need to plan for it . Sure, there are times when you can ad-lib (like when something unexpectedly goes wrong—humor can be a great way to recover from a presentation mishap). Still, it really should be an element that you plan and execute deliberately.

Part of planning is knowing the audience will “get” your humor. Jokes that reference pop culture won’t get the same response from a group of seniors as they will from a room full of teenagers. A quip about ledgers and income statements will be lost on people who don’t know the first thing about accounting. Take the demographics and general interests of your audience into consideration. Everyone loves a good laugh—so the more information you have on your listeners, the easier it will be to tickle their funny bones. Do you need a few ideas on how exactly you can add some humor to your next presentation? Try these:

Personal anecdotes: The easiest (usually best) person to poke fun at is yourself. Share a personal story that will lend itself to the point you’re trying to make. Personal stories are always full of funny details, and when you talk about something that’s happened to you, people can relate sometimes; that’s why the story is funny.

The best part of using a story from the pages of your own life is you already know how to tell it because you’ve probably been sharing it for years (unless it’s something that happened on the way to the presentation). If sharing a story based on your experience will help make a point in your presentation, use it!

Funny quotes: Did you know that the Beatles songs “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Eight Days a Week,” and “Tomorrow Never Knows” came from Ringo Starr mixing up his words? People say the darnedest things and it can be pure gold—just ask the Fab Four.

Find a funny quote that lends itself to your topic, and use it at the appropriate time. Jump on Google and search for “funny quotes,” but remember to do your homework and verify that a) the quote is accurate and b) it’s attributed to the correct person.

Funny analogies:  Winston Churchill once said “a good speech should be like a woman’s skirt: long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest.” This is a double whammy—not only is that a funny quote, but it’s a great analogy, too.

An analogy draws a comparison between two different objects or concepts to highlight some similarity. They’re not always easy to come up with yourself, so listen to what the people around you say. When you hear a funny analogy, make a note of it. Even if it’s not perfect for your presentation, you can always swap out a few words or facts to make it work.

Cartoons: If you’re going to use Powerpoint for your presentation, the least you could do is add a funny cartoon or two to your slides. How many times have you been talking to someone and the conversation reminds of you of a funny cartoon or meme you saw on Facebook? Why can’t that be the same for a presentation?  Whatever your topic, there’s a good chance there’s a funny cartoon floating around about it. Visual aids are great for public speaking—and if they’re funny, even better.

Funny Signs: I recently saw a sign outside a local greenhouse that read, “Spring is here! We’re so excited, we wet our plants.” It’s a great play on words, but it’s also a funny sign—and a memorable one at that. There are probably five nurseries within about a 10-block area, but the one I remember the most—and its exact location—is the one with that sign-out front.

Funny signs are everywhere. Once, I saw a “Dead End” sign posted next to a cemetery. (OK, maybe that one was more ironic than funny.) If you keep your eyes open, great material is out there, and it’s all up for grabs for your next presentation.

Use Presentation Humor Sparingly

Humorous presentations are a great way to break the ice with your audience, to keep your listeners interested, and to ensure your presentation is memorable, but don’t feel like you have to be a comedian. A few well-placed jokes to show your human side is all you need.

If you’re thinking about how to make a presentation funny, stick to humor that won’t isolate or target a segment of the audience, and pick “clean” jokes that don’t rely on profanity to make a point. And no matter what, your humor should never be at the expense of others.

Do you use humor in your presentations? Is it effective? Tell us about it in the comment section. Don’t forget we are always posting useful public speaking tips on our social media channels, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Google+.

10 Comments

Some great tips here. Thanks Mike…I recently attended one you workshops and it was nothing like I expected. It was entertaining and that’s what made it memorable. I’ve been slowly trying to add some humor into my presentations and it seems to draw the audience in. Thanks again

I have never been one to use humor though I wish I knew how. I tried a few times and it just ended awkwardly. Someone else I work with, a man names Stuart Williams… He does this effortlessly. He said you have to work with what you have worked with, in other words… Make fun of your own experiences.

Great advice on using humor in a presentation. Thanks!

This is absolutely true. There are way too many dry, boring presentations. The ones I remember are the ones I have truly enjoyed, and without exception, they’ve all be presentations where the speaker was funny and personable. That alone kept me engaged.

Agreed, a little levity goes a long way toward keeping the interest of your peeps

I think humor, in almost any situation, makes life a bit better. So I definitely agree that it’s appropriate in a business presentation. But yes — plan it ahead and be careful not to do it at anyone’s expense. Don’t go into Michael Scott territory:P

Great blog!

I don’t think it’s ever a bad idea to add a little humor, as long as it’s appropriate and in good taste.

I find humor is a tough skill to master if you don’t know who’s in the audience. People can be really sensitive!

Presentations that don’t have any humor are so hard to pay attention. I easily find myself drifting off and not tracking with the speaker. Bad Presentations!

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20 Tips For Humor In Speeches And Presentations

Humor in speeches and presentations

Do you want the attention of your audience? Humorously move your audience before the seat hurts. Humor relaxes. It resolves tense, stressful situations. Humor has some positive effects. Appropriate humor can be used effectively in many situations. Find out what is worth paying attention to.

20 Tips for humor in speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally, related articles.

In speeches and presentations, it is often a matter of passing on information to the participants in an understandable way, convincing them, and asking them to act. The objectives of speeches can be quite different, but the goal of boring the audience is unlikely to be deliberately pursued. However, this often happens. With appropriate humor, it is possible to keep the audience happy, emotionalize them, and increase their attention. This way, you and your presentation will remain in good memory.

Make sure you don’t insult anybody. Humor is mostly based on ambiguities, and these can annoy the audience if they are interpreted unfavorably. It’s not so much what you mean as to how the recipients interpret your words.

I don’t need to mention that jokes are not made at the expense of individuals or disadvantaged groups, do I?

2. At the beginning of your speech

Not every audience is ready for your message. Sometimes it still has to digest the impression of the previous speakers. Maybe the participants would rather be somewhere else now. Here is your chance to surprise the audience positively. Season your contribution with a pinch of humor. It is not to be underestimated – humor reduces stress. Humor awakens the desire for more.

Sometimes humor simply helps. Speeches and presentations can start well with humor. It relaxes the audience and speakers, reduces fear, and attracts attention. After an intense laugh, the brain’s reward center releases dopamine. Dopamine relaxes and gives us intense moments of happiness. It provides anticipation, i.e. the desire for more. After the laughter, the audience listens more intensively.

3. Orient on the audience

Not only does the taste changes with the audience, but also their perception, thinking, and communication style. Adapt your language to the audience. Some jokes require special education or specific vocabulary. And some audiences reject laughter as immoral in this world.

A few helpful questions:

• What are the characteristics of the audience?
• What language does it speak?
• What can the target group smile or even laugh about?
• Which humor is appropriate for the target group and which is not?
• How can one’s appearance and appearance be supported by humor in this case?
• How can these people react humorously to objections or resistance?
• Which examples, metaphors, and analogies are suitable for the audience to present the message humorously?
• What do they have in common?
• What is talked about before and after, are there humorous points of reference?

Humor is influenced by many factors, such as educational level, social status, country, origin, region, and occupational group. Use humor only if you are sure that your audience reacts positively and that it fits the message thematically.

4. Good joke tellers are rare

A very common recommendation is to start a speech with a joke. It is claimed that then you and your audience are well relaxed and ready. Seriously and no kidding: don’t start your presentation with a joke.

With the overlap of self-perception and external perception, this is such a thing. The fact is that very few people are so good at telling jokes. What looks so relaxed with the professionals of Stand-up Comedy is the result of a strict selection process, some bruises, and a lot of – very much – practice.

So once again, very clearly stated: Humor is a good way to enter into a relationship with the audience. However, not everyone is a good joke-teller. Stand-up is more challenging than it seems. If your joke fails or you make the wrong one, you’ve made a fool of yourself with part of your audience from now on. Especially since the wisdom formulated by Paul Watzlawick also applies here; the recipient decides on the message. And since jokes by definition are ambiguous (context or meaning reframing), the choice of meaning need not be in your interest.

If a horse comes into a bar.

Ask the bartender: “Why such a long face?”

5. Stand behind your messages

For an authentic performance, you must stand behind what you say. So choose only humorous elements that suit you and feel right.

6. Analogies

Analogies can help to clarify complex relationships. This can also be done very humorously if it is accompanied by a surprise.

Analogies must be recognizable by your audience so that the listener understands the parallel between the story and the actual topic. By doing this, you make your competence clear and the content accessible to your audience without taking yourself unnecessarily seriously.

7. Word games

Use the magic of language. Play skillfully with the language. Surprising definitions or double meanings of terms and acronyms are ideal for this.

Rhyme you or I eat you. What rhymes are more likely to settle in our brain convolutions and have the potential to sound like humor.

Irony can sometimes be used with a wink of the eye. However, this is not entirely harmless.

9. Telling a great story

Stories connect you with your audience. By bringing a scene to life through a story, listeners experience what they otherwise only intellectually understand. If you weave inappropriate humor, you can encourage even the most difficult challenges.

What rhymes is easier for us to get into our brains and has the potential to sound like humor.

11. Don’t announce humor

Surprising elements have a better effect on the audience. “It’s getting funny now”, not only seems strange, but the laughter is also more likely to get stuck in the throat. Instead, weave humor into unusual moments.

12. Short irritations awaken the audience

When the audience has been sitting passively on their chairs for hours, which they feel are flickering 1,000 PowerPoint presentations over the beamer with the neon light, then the human brain switches to draught. These are not good prerequisites for you to convince with your message. Change that!

Have courage. If you cleverly irritate your audience for a moment, they will be all the more receptive afterward. To be on the safe side, I mention that the irritation is, of course, resolved again.

13. Witty humor is more effective than admonitions

Use subtlety instead of raised index fingers. Humor is more welcome than admonitions. And with a smile, you can say a lot. Laughter is contagious. Laughter creates positive feelings.

14. Do a test run before the world premiere

Test humorous elements several times and thoroughly. And above all, ask people who have a similar sense of humor like your target audience.

15. Humor is a holistic work of art

You compete as a speaker with the offerings of the entire Internet. Those who do not carry a smartphone with them in the audience will check their fingernails at some point. Today, people get bored quickly. Not every speech can easily make such exciting offers as Netflix & Co. And yet some speeches can be fascinating and moving. Humor contributes. Also, your performance is live and therefore something special, isn’t it?

For this to succeed, I remind you about an important aspect: Humor is usually a total work of art, in which content, language, timing, and also body language, as well as voice have essential parts. Present yourself!

16. Situational comedy

Spontaneous humor has a very special effect because it requires intelligence and sovereignty on the part of the performer. Opportunities to practice such forms of humor are offered by workshops, such as Professional Quick-Wittedness: Training for the quick professional response .

17. Quality

Does a horse come into a bar and ask the bartender: “Why such a long face?

Humor is a difficult subject in itself. Finding a joke that is not only funny but also has an intellectual quality is quite a challenge.

18. Analysis: Learn from the experiences

Learn from your practical experience. Systematically evaluate your experience with humor. For several years I had provided a series of workshops with very special humor and was able to observe the effects of small changes over several dozen performances. That was very interesting and educational. The evaluation also provided me with valuable ideas for other speeches. Even if you only have one performance, evaluate it afterward. Ask for constructive feedback. And decide what you want to pay attention to in the future.

19. Undesirable side effects

Jokes or intense humor can very easily distract and then bind attention. The audience stays with the entertainment element while you are about to say something relevant. Important parts of your message are then lost. A good humorous element supports the bot.

20. Develop your style

Humor has many forms. And yes, there are good reasons to use humor as support. For example, you can start with an anecdote or a short story. An in many cases an excellent idea! By the way, you learn this in the Presentation Skills Training II and Presentation Skills Training III as group training or in individual training with me.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

Those who do not speak are not heard, and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered.

Do you want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least, I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do, and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support . Whereby, there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin .

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience, and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional help?

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This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching .

Published: June 27, 2019 Author: Karsten Noack Revision: August 20th, 2023 Translation: ./. German version: K: H: T: RR #124

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7 Tips For Adding Humor to a Presentation

• August 15, 2023
• Kevin Lerner

If you’re looking to capture the heart and soul of your audience and make your presentation stand out from the others, a little humor can add a lot of emotion and dimension to your content and delivery. Here are 7 Tips for adding humor to a presentation…

Adding humor to a presentation is generally easy.  Simply find a section of your presentation that’s dry and monotonous and use a “delivery device” (from earlier) that with strengthen your presentation.  Try a brief and relevant comment or story. 

You don’t need to be a comedian to make your audience laugh…and they don’t even need to laugh for your humor to be effective.  Just take your talk lightly for a moment, and just be you.  Even if you’re making fun of yourself with a self-deprecating joke, you’ll bring a level of authenticity to your presentation that will help unite and connect.

Here are some overall tips for using humor in a presentation:

Use humor to inspire, unite, and motivate.

Humor isn’t just making your audience laugh.  It can serve to inspire, unite, and motivate.  You’re not just there to talk, but to share your perspective – amplified by humor – about your subject and to help them understand and act on it.  For example, if you’re talking about getting audience members trained on new software and they feel some concern and need motivation, try a short one-liner like, “Do not underestimate your abilities. That is your boss’s job.” Don’t just look at yourself as a Subject Matter Expert….but as a motivational leader.

Leave people with a positive feeling

Business presentations can sometimes be critical and divisive.  Humor has the ability to deflect criticism and diffuse a negative tone by uniting people with lightness.  Humor in business presentations can help bridge gaps of uncertainty and negativity.  Humor has a time and a place in business presentations.  Try not to deflect the seriousness of a heavy topic with a silly joke or trivial response.  But if you feel it’s appropriate, aim to lift the spirits of your audience with a little laughter.  Humor in presentations – at the right time and place – can help people feel a little more positive with an underlying message of, “things might be seriously sour, but we’re going to get through together with a smile.”

Transition from one topic to another with Humor

Humor can serve as a terrific transition from one section / topic to another and set the foundation for the next portion of your presentation.  Nobody wants to hear a speaker talk continuously about a boring topic.  A light funny story or comment helps buttress the key sections and topics in your presentation, and just like a revitalizing breath – gives your audience a mental break. 

Use humor to reduce nervousness

If you’re nervous about delivering your presentation, humor can help.  Laughter calms nerves and releases hormones that can help you to relax while building a bond between you and your audience.  View your audience as friends rather than critical colleagues.  Look them in the eyes, relax, smile, and share your message with humor. 

Deliver humor with humility and avoid arrogance

A presentation with humor should build a bond between you and your audience.  Aim to deliver any presentation with a sense of humility.  You’re not sharing a joke to raise your ego, but to connect with your audience through a shared human experience.  Avoid arrogance and ego-fueled humor.  Comments and jokes that are critical of others or make people laugh at the expense of someone else can be divisive and affect the impact of your overall presentation.

Smile and laugh with your audience

Laughter is contagious.  Don’t just share your joke and wait for your audience to laugh.  In-person or virtually, get into the act and smile and laugh with them.  Your unspoken cues of smiles and laughter will drive a two-way connection to deliver laughter and an added dimension of connection to your presentation.

Memorize and practice your funny stuff

Presenting humor and laughing matter to an audience is a delicate art of quality content and careful delivery.  Although you can extemporaneously deliver the core of your presentation, it’s better to memorize your humorous content and practice its delivery.  Great material often sounds impromptu, but it is rarely so.  By rehearsing your funny-stuff, you can refine the content, feel more comfortable with it, and determine whether it’s appropriate for your audience.  Practice makes perfect.

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Humor in Presentations: How to Engage Your Audience

Most presentations are about sharing information and facts with an audience. Needless to say, that can get dull, dry and boring pretty quickly. Humor is a great way to spice up your presentation and keep your audience entertained and engaged.

With the right amount of humor at the right times, you’ll not only keep your audience happy, but increase their interest in your topic, too . In this article, we’ll tell you how to use humor in your presentation.

What exactly is humor and what can it bring to presentations?

In short, humor (lat. umor= liquid; fluid; in ancient times one of the four fluids of the body that were thought to determine a person’s temperament and features) is the ability to evoke laughter. People who make others laugh are often described as humorous.

No matter how dry a topic may be, your audience wants a certain amount of entertainment. When used the right way, so-called infotainment (a mix of entertainment and expertise) can earn you extra points with your audience.

Humorous presentations aren’t about acting the clown  

Humor and gravitas don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Using humor doesn’t mean that you’ll come across as less credible. However, it’s important to be authentic. A humorous presentation isn’t about being as funny as possible or pretending to be funny, but about presenting your personal sense of humor appropriately.

Especially during the longest part of a presentation – the main part – humor can really help. There’s no need for an audience to be roaring with laughter; a simple smile will show they’re enjoying themselves.

Know your audience to best use humor in your presentations

Knowing your audience is key to using humor effectively in presentations. After all different factors, such as social status and occupation, influence a person’s sense of humor.

Sometimes understanding certain jokes requires a specific vocabulary or knowledge, which not all audiences can be expected to have. To make sure your audience understands your humor, it can help to ask yourself who your audience is before you present.

Avoid putting your foot in your mouth with inappropriate jokes by think about what style of humor works best for the industry you’re presenting in. Also, consider the right moments to add a humorous remark or anecdote in your presentation.

How to add humor to presentations

The most important quality which will help you with humor in presentations is authenticity. So, what does that mean? Simply put, authenticity means staying true to your own personality, values and spirit, regardless of the situation you’re in. Being authentic will go a long way to finding the right humor for your presentations.

Analogies, such as comparisons and metaphors, are ideal for simplifying and explaining complex relationships. You can use them to illustrate content in a fun way and at the same time, show your audience that you know your stuff.

Using language as your means to an end can also be effective . Double-entendres are a great way to pepper your presentation with some humor. A double-entendre is like a pun and comes from French, meaning double understanding . “Being in debt attracts a lot of interest from bankers” and “Effective publicity in the bicycle industry depends on having a good spokesperson” are two examples of double-entendres. Although pretty corny, they can illicit more than as few chuckles from an audience.

Tell stories and use rhymes to reach your audience

Telling stories of your own experiences can help you engage your audience on an emotional level. When you add a little humor to bring a story to life, your audience will relate to it more than they would to dry information.

A rhyme also has a better chance of being remembered by your audience. Not only are rhymes easy to remember but with the right touch of humor, they also become amusing. A rhyme makes it easier to remember and internalize important information.

You audience shouldn’t be able to see a pun or a joke coming from a mile away. Make sure there is an element of surprise to your humor. Catching your audience a little bit off guard is a great way to get them laughing and smiling.

Avoid these mistakes when using humor in presentations

Although many jokes and quips are funny, it’s imperative that your humor doesn’t attack or offend anyone during presentations. No matter what your intention, avoid any comments or jokes that may come off as sexist, racist, political or discriminatory in any other way.

Keep in mind that not everyone in the audience will share your views, so avoid any comment that may appear to discriminate against certain groups.

Incorporate a good dose of humor into your presentations

Humor can make any presentation more interesting and animated. The key is not to turn your presentation into a comedy show, but to inject an appropriate amount of humor into the right places.

You can find more tips for humor in presentations here .

If you have any questions about our blog or general questions about PowerPoint and presentations, feel free to contact us at [email protected] . We’d be happy to help.

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Blog Marketing How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage

How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 25, 2023

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – it’s your opportunity to make a lasting impression and captivate your audience. 

A strong presentation start acts as a beacon, cutting through the noise and instantly capturing the attention of your listeners. With so much content vying for their focus, a captivating opening ensures that your message stands out and resonates with your audience.

Whether you’re a startup business owner pitching a brilliant idea, a seasoned presenter delivering a persuasive talk or an expert sharing your experience, the start of your presentation can make all the difference. But don’t fret — I’ve got you covered with 15 electrifying ways to kickstart your presentation. 

The presentation introduction examples in this article cover everything from self-introduction to how to start a group presentation, building anticipation that leaves the audience eager to delve into the depths of your topic.

Click to jump ahead:

How to start a presentation introduction

15 ways to start a presentation and captivate your audience, common mistakes to avoid in the opening of a presentation, faqs on how to start a presentation, captivate the audience from the get-go.

Presentations can be scary, I know. But even if stage fright hits, you can always fall back on a simple strategy.

Just take a deep breath, introduce yourself and briefly explain the topic of your presentation.

To grab attention at the start, try this opening line: Hello everyone. I am so glad you could join me today. I’m very excited about today’s topic. I’m [Your Name] and I’ll be talking about [Presentation Topic]. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by [Challenge related to your topic]. Many of us might have faced challenges with [Challenge related to your topic]. Today, we’ll explore some strategies that’ll help us [Solution that you’re presenting].

Regardless of your mode of presentation , crafting an engaging introduction sets the stage for a memorable presentation.

Let’s dive into some key tips for how to start a presentation speech to help you nail the art of starting with a bang:

Understand your audience

The key to an engaging introduction is to know your audience inside out and give your audience what they want. Tailor your opening to resonate with their specific interests, needs and expectations. Consider what will captivate them and how you can make your presentation relevant to their lives or work.

Use a compelling hook

Grab the audience’s attention from the get-go with a compelling hook. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact or a gripping story, a powerful opening will immediately pique their curiosity and keep them invested in what you have to say.

State your purpose

Be crystal clear about your subject matter and the purpose of your presentation. In just a few sentences, communicate the main objectives and the value your audience will gain from listening to you. Let them know upfront what to expect and they’ll be more likely to stay engaged throughout.

Introduce yourself and your team

Give a self introduction about who you are such as your job title to establish credibility and rapport with the audience.

Some creative ways to introduce yourself in a presentation would be by sharing a brief and engaging personal story that connects to your topic or the theme of your presentation. This approach instantly makes you relatable and captures the audience’s attention.

Now, let’s talk about — how to introduce team members in a presentation. Before introducing each team member, briefly explain their role or contribution to the project or presentation. This gives the audience an understanding of their relevance and expertise.

Group presentations are also a breeze with the help of Venngage. Our in-editor collaboration tools allow you to edit presentations side by side in real-time. That way, you can seamlessly hare your design with the team for input and make sure everyone is on track. 

Maintain enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is contagious! Keep the energy levels up throughout your introduction, conveying a positive and upbeat tone. A vibrant and welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for an exciting presentation and keeps the audience eager to hear more.

Before you think about how to present a topic, think about how to design impactful slides that can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are 120+ presentation ideas , design tips, and examples to help you create an awesome slide deck for your next presentation.

Captivating your audience from the get-go is the key to a successful presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or a novice taking the stage for the first time, the opening of your presentation sets the tone for the entire talk. 

So, let’s get ready to dive into the 15 most creative ways to start a presentation. I promise you these presentation introduction ideas will captivate your audience, leaving them hanging on your every word.

Grab-attention immediately

Ask a thought-provoking question.

Get the audience’s wheels turning by throwing them a thought-provoking question right out of the gate. Make them ponder, wonder and engage their critical thinking muscles from the very start.

Share a surprising statistic or fact

Brace yourself for some wide eyes and dropped jaws! Open your presentation with a jaw-dropping statistic or a mind-blowing fact that’s directly related to your topic. Nothing captures attention like a good ol’ dose of shock and awe.

State a bold statement or challenge

Ready to shake things up? Kick off with a bold and daring statement that sets the stage for your presentation’s epic journey. Boldness has a way of making ears perk up and eyes widen in anticipation!

Engage with a poll or interactive activity

Turn the audience from passive listeners to active participants by kicking off with a fun poll or interactive activity. Get them on their feet, or rather — their fingertips, right from the start!

Venngage’s user-friendly drag-and-drop editor allows you to easily transform your slides into an interactive presentation . Create clickable buttons or navigation elements within your presentation to guide your audience to different sections or external resources. 

Enhance engagement by incorporating videos or audio clips directly into your presentation. Venngage supports video and audio embedding, which can add depth to your content.

Begin with an opening phrase that captures attention

Use opening phrases that can help you create a strong connection with your audience and make them eager to hear more about what you have to say. Remember to be confident, enthusiastic and authentic in your delivery to maximize the impact of your presentation.

Here are some effective presentation starting words and phrases that can help you grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for a captivating presentation:

• “Imagine…”
• “Picture this…”
• “Did you know that…”
• “Have you ever wondered…”
• “In this presentation, we’ll explore…”
• “Let’s dive right in and discover…”
• “I’m excited to share with you…”
• “I have a confession to make…”
• “I want to start by telling you a story…”
• “Before we begin, let’s consider…”
• “Have you ever faced the challenge of…”
• “We all know that…”
• “This is a topic close to my heart because…”
• “Over the next [minutes/hours], we’ll cover…”
• “I invite you to journey with me through…”

Build connection and credibility

Begin with a personal connection .

Share a real-life experience or a special connection to the topic at hand. This simple act of opening up creates an instant bond with the audience, turning them into your biggest cheerleaders.

Having the team share their personal experiences is also a good group presentation introduction approach. Team members can share their own stories that are related to the topic to create an emotional connection with your audience. 

Tell a relevant story

Start your presentation with a riveting story that hooks your audience and relates to your main message. Stories have a magical way of captivating hearts and minds. Organize your slides in a clear and sequential manner and use visuals that complement your narrative and evoke emotions to engage the audience.

With Venngage, you have access to a vast library of high-quality and captivating stock photography, offering thousands of options to enrich your presentations. The best part? It’s entirely free! Elevate your visual storytelling with stunning images that complement your content, captivate your audience and add a professional touch to your presentation. 

Use a powerful quote

Sometimes, all you need is some wise words to work wonders. Begin with a powerful quote from a legendary figure that perfectly fits your presentation’s theme — a dose of inspiration sets the stage for an epic journey.

Build anticipation

Provide a brief outline.

Here’s a good introduction for presentation example if you’re giving a speech at a conference. For longer presentations or conferences with multiple speakers especially, providing an outline helps the audience stay focused on the key takeaways. That way, you can better manage your time and ensure that you cover all the key points without rushing or running out of time.

Pose a problem and offer a solution

A great idea on how to start a business presentation is to start by presenting a problem and offering a well-thought-out solution. By addressing their pain points and showcasing your solution, you’ll capture their interest and set the stage for a compelling and successful presentation.

Back up your solution with data, research, or case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness. This can also be a good reporting introduction example that adds credibility to your proposal.

Preparing a pitch deck can be a daunting task but fret not. This guide on the 30+ best pitch deck tips and examples has everything you need to bring on new business partners and win new client contracts. Alternatively, you can also get started by customizing one of our professional pitch deck templates for free. 

Incite curiosity in the audience

Utilize visuals or props.

Capture your audience’s gaze by whipping out captivating visuals or props that add an exciting touch to your subject. A well-placed prop or a stunning visual can make your presentation pop like a fireworks show!

That said, you maybe wondering — how can I make my presentation more attractive.  A well-designed presentation background instantly captures the audience’s attention and creates a positive first impression. Here are 15 presentation background examples to keep the audience awake to help you get inspired. 

Use humor or wit

Sprinkle some humor and wit to spice things up. Cracking a clever joke or throwing in a witty remark can break the ice and create a positively charged atmosphere. If you’re cracking your head on how to start a group presentation, humor is a great way to start a presentation speech. 

Get your team members involved in the fun to create a collaborative and enjoyable experience for everyone. Laughter is the perfect way to break the ice and set a positive tone for your presentation!

Invoke emotion

Get those heartstrings tugging! Start with a heartfelt story or example that stirs up emotions and connects with your audience on a personal level. Emotion is the secret sauce to a memorable presentation.

Aside from getting creative with your introduction, a well-crafted and creative presentation can boost your confidence as a presenter. Browse our catalog of creative presentation templates and get started right away!

Use a dramatic pause

A great group presentation example is to start with a powerful moment of silence, like a magician about to reveal their greatest trick. After introducing your team, allow a brief moment of silence. Hold the pause for a few seconds, making it feel deliberate and purposeful. This builds anticipation and curiosity among the audience.

Pique their interest

Share a fun fact or anecdote.

Time for a little fun and games! Kick-off with a lighthearted or fascinating fact that’ll make the audience go, “Wow, really? Tell me more!” A sprinkle of amusement sets the stage for an entertaining ride.

While an introduction for a presentation sets the tone for your speech, a good slide complements your spoken words, helping the audience better understand and remember your message. Check out these 12 best presentation software for 2023 that can aid your next presentation. 

The opening moments of a presentation can make or break your entire talk. It’s your chance to grab your audience’s attention, set the tone, and lay the foundation for a successful presentation. However, there are some common pitfalls that speakers often fall into when starting their presentations. 

Starting with Apologies

It might be tempting to start with a preemptive apology, especially if you’re feeling nervous or unsure about your presentation. However, beginning with unnecessary apologies or self-deprecating remarks sets a negative tone right from the start. Instead of exuding confidence and credibility, you’re unintentionally undermining yourself and your message. 

Reading from Slides

One of the most common blunders in the opening of a PowerPoint presentation is reading directly from your slides or script. While it’s crucial to have a well-structured outline, reciting word-for-word can lead to disengagement and boredom among your audience. Maintain eye contact and connect with your listeners as you speak. Your slides should complement your words, not replace them.

Overwhelming with Information

In the excitement to impress, some presenters bombard their audience with too much information right at the beginning.

Instead of overloading the audience with a sea of data, statistics or technical details that can quickly lead to confusion and disinterest, visualize your data with the help of Venngage. Choose an infographic template that best suits the type of data you want to visualize. Venngage offers a variety of pre-designed templates for charts, graphs, infographics and more.

Ignoring the Audience

It’s easy to get caught up in the content and forget about the people in front of you. Don’t overlook the importance of acknowledging the audience and building a connection with them. Greet them warmly, make eye contact and maintain body language to show genuine interest in their presence. Engage the audience early on by asking a show of hands question or encourage audience participation. 

Lack of Clarity

Your audience should know exactly what to expect from your presentation. Starting with a vague or unclear opening leaves them guessing about the purpose and direction of your talk. Clearly communicate the topic and objectives of your presentation right from the beginning. This sets the stage for a focused and coherent message that resonates with your audience.

Simplicity makes it easier for the audience to understand and retain the information presented. Check out our gallery of simple presentation templates to keep your opening concise and relevant. 

Skipping the Hook

The opening of your presentation is the perfect opportunity to hook your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. However, some presenters overlook this crucial aspect and dive straight into the content without any intrigue. Craft an attention-grabbing hook that sparks curiosity, poses a thought-provoking question or shares an interesting fact. A compelling opening is like the key that unlocks your audience’s receptivity to the rest of your presentation.

Now that you’ve got the gist of how to introduce a presentation, further brush up your speech with these tips on how to make a persuasive presentation and how to improve your presentation skills to create an engaging presentation . 

How can I overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation?

To overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation, take deep breaths, practice beforehand, and focus on connecting with your audience rather than worrying about yourself.

How long should the opening of a presentation be?

The opening of a presentation should typically be brief, lasting around 1 to 3 minutes, to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the talk.

Should I memorize my presentation’s opening lines?

While it’s helpful to know your opening lines, it’s better to understand the key points and flow naturally to maintain authenticity and flexibility during the presentation.

Should I use slides during the opening of my presentation?

Using slides sparingly during the opening can enhance the message, but avoid overwhelming the audience with too much information early on.

How do I transition smoothly from the opening to the main content of my presentation?

Transition smoothly from the opening to the main content by providing a clear and concise outline of what’s to come, signaling the shift and maintaining a logical flow between topics.

Just as a captivating opening draws your audience in, creating a well-crafted presentation closing has the power to leave a lasting impression. Wrap up in style with these 10 ways to end a presentation .

Presenting virtually? Check out these tips on how to ace your next online presentation . 

Captivating your audience from the very beginning is crucial for a successful presentation. The first few moments of your talk can set the tone and determine whether your audience remains engaged throughout or loses interest. 

Start with a compelling opening that grabs their attention. You can use a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic or a powerful quote to pique their curiosity. Alternatively, storytelling can be a potent tool to draw them into your narrative. It’s essential to establish a personal connection early on, whether by sharing a relatable experience or expressing empathy towards their needs and interests.

Lastly, be mindful of your body language and vocal delivery. A confident and engaging speaker can captivate an audience, so make eye contact, use appropriate gestures and vary your tone to convey passion and sincerity.

In conclusion, captivating your audience from the very beginning requires thoughtful preparation, engaging content and a confident delivery. With Venngage’s customizable templates, you can adapt your presentation to suit the preferences and interests of your specific audience, ensuring maximum engagement. Go on and get started today!

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A 9 Step Guide to Using Humor in Speeches

During a presentation, small touches of humor, added to the main subject, can attract and captivate your audience, helping, including forming ideas of people who are participating.

Compelling speakers don’t tell jokes to get laughs. Instead, they use humor to illustrate their message; in this article, we will give you some tips to help you include and understand the importance of humor in your speeches.

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Entertaining Speeches: How to Give one and Examples of Topics

1. Don’t bet it all at first

Under the justification of “breaking the ice,” there are those who sketch some classic joke in the first seconds of the presentation. Unfortunately, if you are adept at this practice, red light, this strategy can lead to a scenario of perverse self-sabotage.

At the beginning of the presentation, the adrenaline levels tend to be higher, and the insecurity is latent. Because of this, if the audience’s reaction to playing is frustrating right away, all of their strategies to captivate it may be compromised.

“If the joke isn’t funny, you’ll be destabilized. Prefer to leave the more classic jokes to the middle of the presentation, when your security is already consolidated.” 

But if you are perceived as a humorous person and feel able to use humor, take your chances. If you make that decision, don’t forget that there are key moments to use humor, usually during the introduction or completion of your speech.

2. Observe and write down

Start by paying attention to the things that make you laugh; observe the world around you in search of funny moments, and in this way, you will find countless ways to use humor.

3. Be natural

One of the most important things when using good humor is to use it naturally. If you have a more severe and formal speech, making a very stripped-down speech might not go over well.

In such cases, prefer to play subtle games that can be processed quickly to go ahead with the core issue; if your speech is more informal and relaxed, let your speech flow and wait for the right moment.

4. Use Pauses and tone of voice

Rhythm, intonation, and pauses are critical elements that can make the mood take off or sink, and mastering them in a specific story requires trial and error. So don’t risk using humor in an entire audience before being sure that you will present it well, based on numerous essays. 

This combination creates emphasis on speech and greater public involvement. So you can also give people time to laugh and enjoy the moment.

5. Juggle with the negative

If you’re in a difficult situation, with something on your shirt or somehow getting the audience’s attention for something other than your story, learn how to use it to your advantage.

Reverse this situation and take advantage of your own mistakes to make people laugh. Self-mocking adverse events can help you, but you need sensitivity to do it at the right time.

“to make people laugh, you need to know how to take your pain and play with it.”

6. Consider your qualities

Humor should be naturally used in oratory, so if that’s not your speaking style, trying to force it can make the moment awkward. That’s because humor and play need to be aligned with your tone of voice, posture, and body language.

If you want to develop this skill, start by training in front of the mirror, with family and friends, until it becomes natural.

Even if humor is not a natural skill for you, you can develop it through training and practice; so if you want to have a more cheerful and relaxed speech, start working on it.

7. Take into account the culture of the public.

The joke you were preparing may be funny to your friends, but it will not always have the same reaction to your company’s speech delivery; for example, geographical and cultural differences also weigh as a mood thermometer.

The more you know about your audience, the more refined your mood can be. So, find out everything you can about demographic composition, interests, political leanings, favorite teams – absolutely everything you can get.

8. Be clear with gestures or facial expressions.

After finishing a funny comment, it is unnecessary to justify yourself with the classic phrase: “It was a joke” or the variant “prank.” Instead, according to Reinaldo Polito, the way to sharpen the content of your body expressions should make it clear that this is a joke.

The audience needs to make sure you’re not serious; according to the expert, the idea is to intensify this the lower the level of instruction of the audience.

9. Don’t run away from the context of your presentation

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A successful speech using humor depends on your ability to handle comic material in the best possible way; how often have you heard a person tell a long, complicated joke to swallow the ending and ruin the story? The same thing can happen with a short joke or even with a tirade.

Is there an ideal audience for a humorous oratory?

3 basic principles to keep in mind when using humor in speeches:.

When we have been invited to inform and instruct an audience, we may likely need/want to entertain them because in doing so, you will have more success in our main task, which is to deliver a speech.

However, we forget that humor is not the end in itself; it has to reinforce why we are in front of the audience, and our presentation has to show that we understand that.

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > How to use humor and wit in a presentation

How to use humor and wit in a presentation

There are few things that people can relate to more than humor. It’s the basis for a personal connection and it can be both unexpected and memorable, while making an impact to your subject. Consider adding humor to presentations but avoid cliched pratfalls that can backfire on you with these tips for reaching your audience.

How to find your sense of humor in your subject

Mark Twain once said, “Explaining humor is a lot like dissecting a frog: you learn a lot in the process, but in the end, you kill it.”

Tell your story with captivating presentations

Powerpoint empowers you to develop well-designed content across all your devices

The legendary humorist would have known a thing or two himself about what makes people laugh. His point, perhaps, is that humor is subjective: you have your own sense about what makes you laugh, and compared to your friends and loved ones, it may differ by levels of raunchiness, dry wit, irony, or sarcasm.

That said, you will need to tailor any humor you insert into your presentation to your audience. Bawdy jokes won’t make sense in front of an academic setting, of course. And inside jokes won’t make sense to anyone who don’t share it.

Don’t overdo it

You’re not doing a standup comedy routine, so you shouldn’t inundate every slide with jokes. Use humor like an exotic spice: Sprinkle it in every once in a while, and it’ll be more appreciated.

How to use humor in a presentation

Here are some ideas on how to use humor in various types of presentations:

• In a more formal presentation, tongue-in-cheek humor can be effective in breaking the mold of a staid topic.
• In a highly scientific presentation, highly specific jokes can reach your audience. If you’re giving a chemistry presentation and no one laughs at your jokes, keep telling them until you get a reaction. (Hey, they can’t all be winners.)
• Like in all forms of comedy, delivery is everything. Whether you’re going for a deadpan sense of humor or acting over-the-top, this is a time to consider your audience when you’re presenting.
• Wordplay is a double-edged sword: it can be clever, or it can be groan-worthy. A bad pun can always be used as a form of ironic humor, especially if it matches your own personality.

Use visual aids

Funny images and GIFs can go a long way to injecting humor as a welcome break for your audience—especially if they’re relevant to your presentation. You can differentiate topics and structures in your presentation through an image or meme (that you can easily create on Teams ), and it’s easy to insert multimedia in PowerPoint .

Don’t talk down or tease anyone

Humor is a way to relieve tension, especially if delivering less than pleasant news (such as business earnings). But punctuating negative topics with a joke can backfire. Ill-advised humor can make people feel bad, especially if you single one person out—you’re not here to roast anyone, and an ill-conceived joke can raise the attention of those around you.

When you choose to inject humor into your presentation, you are on a stage, of sorts, and you have a captive audience. This is a lot of power that can define your personality in front of peers and higher-ups.

Because humor is so subjective and you cannot please everyone with your personal tastes, it helps to play it safe. That’s why humor takes an additional level of planning on top of structuring your presentation, alleviating public speaking anxiety , and telling an argumentative or persuasive narrative. It can be done, and when done right, it can create a truly memorable experience for your audience that will reinforce your presentation. For more tips on how to drive your point home to your audience, check out Microsoft 365’s presentation tips and tricks .

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7 Ways to Use Humor in Your Presentation

The recent surge in video conferencing brought on by the COVID pandemic has provided a wealth of comedic material for social media – from bosses transforming themselves into potatoes to Saturday Night Live’s take on the ubiquitous Zoom call , and many fails and awkward moments in between.

my boss turned herself into a potato on our Microsoft teams meeting and can’t figure out how to turn the setting off, so she was just stuck like this the entire meeting pic.twitter.com/uHLgJUOsXk — Rachele with 1 L & 2 E’s but pronounced Rachel (@PettyClegg) March 30, 2020

And the memes and tweets keep coming as the video conferencing fatigue deepens. We now even have a new emoji sticker about making video calls in your underwear.

Humor, of course, is a great elixir to take the edge off during times of trouble or uncertainty. But it can be a high-risk, high-reward tool that needs to be deployed with care.

Here are seven ways to wield it.

1. Remember: You Are Not Doing Stand-up

Funny dinner guests and the co-worker who keeps fellow office mates laughing do not earn their humorous reputations by firing off dozens of one-liners or riffing on a particular subject the way top stand-up comics do. Rather, they spot the humor that exists in everyday situations and convey that through funny conversational observations.

It’s a formula that works well for most presentations – think humor, not jokes. Your audience is not expecting an open-mic night, but certainly will appreciate a speaker who can successfully deliver funny asides, amusing stories, wry comments, irresistible ironies, and memorable quips.

However, being funny simply for the sake of being funny doesn’t help you. As a presenter, the humor you use should serve your message – providing context and depth to your main points. It also is an effective tool to incorporate into your opening or close . You just don’t want your audience remembering your jokes at the expense of your key message.

Overall, the humor you use in your presentation should serve to enhance and illustrate the points you are trying to make. When used well, humor also can help you to poke fun at human foibles without sounding critical, encourage your audience to question long-standing assumptions without threatening their beliefs, and offer fresh insights into old ideas.

In his TED talk, The Happy Secret to Better Work , psychologist and bestselling author Shawn Achor successfully employed humor throughout his talk, including his opening. He enlisted a funny anecdote (it runs from about 0:10 to 3:05) to capture his audience’s attention and bring them to the very heart of his talk. During his opening, he employs a story that many of us can relate to. He offers funny asides. And, his humorous story effectively illustrates the main theme of his speech. Here it is:

2. Don’t knock your credibility

Self-effacing humor is one thing. In fact, in one study , business leaders who poked fun at themselves were seen as more trustworthy and caring by their employees. But it’s a fine line between laughing at your own expense and putting a ding in your expertise. Stay away from humor that questions your credibility or downplays the topic of your talk. You also don’t want to bring attention to your weaknesses ( “I’ve never done a virtual presentation before, so good luck to us all!” ).

3. Keep it appropriate

In real life, the jokes cast by fictitious Dunder Mifflin regional manager Michael Scott, played by Steve Carrell in the television show “The Office,” would have been a nightmare for any real-life human resources specialist. Don’t be Michael Scott. Overall, it’s best to steer clear of edgy, off-color, political, or profane humor.

If you are not a full-time comic, you might be stressed about finding inspiration for your humorous asides and anecdotes. Don’t worry, there is appropriate material all around you. The best material comes from everyday, real-life experiences you and the audience can relate to. Perhaps you had a funny exchange with a client, or your kid offered up a funny or ironic observation without realizing it. Maybe you want to recall an innocent blunder on your first day on the job, which wasn’t funny then but is hilarious now. Or, you saw a sign with a funny or contradictory saying. Think about material that doesn’t make you cringe.

If you need inspiration, comedian Brian Regan has built a nearly 25-year career on funny, wry observations about life that don’t require a parental advisory.

4. Avoid sarcasm

Sarcastic people can indeed be funny, but it’s all in the context . Inherently, sarcasm can be difficult to interpret, given you are saying one thing but actually meaning the opposite. It’s like an inside joke. It might go over well if everyone is in on it. If not, it could lead to conflict or hurt feelings.

5. Be confident

You won’t have to worry about hecklers, but your audience will sense if you are hesitant about delivering your punch line. If you are funny, play to your strengths. Deliver your funny anecdote with a confidence and ease that suggests you are having as much fun telling it as you hope your audience is having by hearing it.

If you are hesitant about sharing your own personal stories or are struggling to come up with material, you can always borrow material and pass it along – whether that’s a funny story you heard, a witty cartoon, or a famous humorous line. That fact that you know it is funny makes you humorous even if you are not the creator.

In his TED Talk Do schools kill creativity? which has been seen by more than 66 million people, Ken Robinson , an educator and bestselling author, offers a great example of how to borrow and deliver a great story. It starts around the 3:20 mark:

6. Not all humor has to be said

Unless you are talking about a super-serious subject, you can probably slip a funny slide into your deck. Perhaps you plant a quote from an unlikely source. Or, you show a prediction that has since been proven to be wildly off. The idea is to offer something unexpected. That’s what jogs your audience out of its doldrums.

7. Embrace the Silence

The success of any funny comment during an in-person presentation is gauged by the laughter you get from your audience. I’d hazard a guess that even the canniest and most confident comic might be thrown by telling a joke to a crowd on mute. If you plan on being humorous during an online presentation, and your audience can’t be seen or heard, make sure that you won’t be thrown by this lack of laughter. Deliver the punch line and move on. It keeps it from getting awkward.

In other words, deliver the humor as if you are not expecting a laugh. If there is a laugh, treat it as a delightful surprise. If there’s not, it doesn’t matter because the line you delivered carried a message that made it through anyway. It’s only when you pause, as if you’re expecting a laugh, and you don’t get one that it becomes problematic. That said, if you are doing an in-person talk (or you can hear your online audience), and you get those laughs, let them breathe. If you rumble into your next points, the audience may not hear you. Or, they may feel as if they should abruptly stop their laughter which defeats the purpose of using humor!

Ready for Success

Perhaps you are naturally funny but a little rehearsal couldn’t hurt. Test out your funny comments on a few friends or trusted colleagues. You’ll be happy to find out before you tell it if it lands as you intended. Even Jerry Seinfeld tests out his material. 

And if you are offering a virtual presentation, make sure you have a firm grip on the technology and know how to use it . You don’t want to be the potato.

• Brian Regan
• Jerry Seinfeld
• Ken Robinson
• presentation skills training
• Shawn Achor
• using humor in your presentation
• virtual presentations

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How to Use Humor in a Presentation Attention Grabber

Humor is a great way to start a presentation if you do it right. I want to be clear. I don’t mean opening with an actual joke that has a classic setup-punch line format. However, I do recommend using humor.

When you open with a joke like a comedian, you are making a high-risk but low-reward choice. You may get lucky and earn a genuine laugh but the chances of that are very low. In most cases, you’ll hear silence or maybe a nervous chuckle from a couple of people. That is not the way you want to kick off a presentation.

We’ll look at three low-risk ways to add some humor to your presentation.

First, the easiest way is by quoting somebody who is funny. As you are preparing your presentation, you’re likely to come across some humorous quotations to share. Be sure to say, “As [blank] once said . . .” as you transition into the quotation.

That will help to transport your listeners so they are focused on the quotation and the person who originally said it.

This will help listener’s hear the other person’s voice in their heads and take the attention off of you as the one performing a joke.

Take a look at the video for two more ways to use humor to open a presentation.

Originally posted at:  https://youtu.be/h6sm47j-Am4

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