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TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL

District 70, Northern Division, Area 32

Port Stephens - blue water paradise

The Humorous Speech

 

  • Introduction
    • This Educational Happening is presented so that members will be better prepared for the Humorous Speech Contest.
    These notes have been taken from other documents - author unknown.

     

  • Purpose
    • 1. This is another opportunity to improve your speaking abilities.
    2. Get experience in using humour in your speeches.

     

  • Rules
    • 1. The subject shall be selected by the contestant
    2. Avoid potentially objectionable language anecdotes and material
    3. It must be a 5-7 minute speech and be substantially original.
    4. Any quoted material must be identified during the speech.
    5. Must have a opening, body and conclusion and not a series of one liners.

  • Other Guidelines
    • 1. Keep it simple.
    Play to the lowest common denominator Don't assume that everyone's humour is as subtle and dry as your own.
    2. Keep it clean.
    Don't offend
    3. Give them permission.
    Give the audience time to have a good laugh - don't cut them off.
    4. Give yourself time.
    When preparing your speech allow extra time for laughter so you don't exceed the time limit.
    5. Break up the humour.
    Feed humour to your audience in small doses rather than trying to get one big laugh.
    6. Get laughter early.
    Try to get laughter within the first 30 seconds of the speech.
    7. Personalise it.
    Some of the best humorous speeches are based on personal experiences.
    8. Your own style.
    Use your own style don't copy someone elses.
    9. Have fun.
    Compete in a friendly and relaxed manner.

     

  • The No-No's of Humour.
    • 1. Never apologise.
    Don't apologise if the audience does not laugh or does not get the joke.
    2. Never Brag.
    Don't say "This is really going to make you laugh." "You'll really love this story." Don't announce your humour, catch people off guard.
    3. Never use a member of the audience as the butt of a joke.
    You may offend or ambarrass them and others. It is always better to put yourself down rather than others and the audience will love you for it.

    Now prepare a cracking good humorous speech and go out and lay them in the aisles. Well!, its worth a try and in any case you will learn a lot from doing it.


    -Prepared by Ian Schleter

     

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