Presentation Skills
Articles for Speakers

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To Laugh or Not to Laugh That is the Question

Tom Antion
Washington, D.C.

Some humor "experts" say that you should not laugh at your own
jokes and stories. This may work for some, but it is definitely
not my style. When I'm in front of an audience, I'm having a
great time. I'm there because I love humor and laughter and I
love sharing it with the audience. I can't help laughing
sometimes. I laugh at what I say. I laugh at what they say. I
laugh at unexpected occurrences during the presentation. That's
my style. I believe that to fully connect with an audience, you
must be accepted as one of them. If I expect them to laugh, then
I should laugh too.

Sometimes you can laugh to tell the audience it's time to laugh.
Within a matter of minutes your stage persona will be evident to
the audience. As soon as they catch onto your style and rhythm,
they will pick up on the cues you give them. When you laugh they
know it is time for them to laugh. It's almost like holding up an
applause sign. Some presenters use facial expressions or gestures
or a combination of many cues that tell the audience it's OK to
laugh.

The opposite of a laughter cue is a deadpan expression. This is a
serious expression that is contrasted with funny lines. The
contrast evokes a larger laugh than the line could get by itself.
I use this to set the audience up for some fun questions. I look
completely earnest when I say, I'm the foremost expert in the
world [pause] on dumb questions. It always gets a good laugh.

Next issue learn about bumper car transitions.

"Anyone who has ever been in one of Tom Antion's audiences would
attest that Tom clearly "practices what he preaches!" In this
informative and enjoyable book, you'll find dozens of practical
tips, tools, and techniques that will show you that "learning can
be fun!" Enjoy Wake em Up. I know you will."
Edward E. Scannell, CMP, CSP
Co-author Games Trainers Play series
Past National President, American Society of Training and Development, Meeting
Professionals International and the National Speakers Association

Note: This article is part of an eleven part series excerpted from
Tom Antion's new book, Wake em Up: How to Use Humor and Other
Professional Techniques to Create Alarmingly Good Business
Presentations. Anchor Publishing, 336 page softcover, $24.95 +
$4.00 S&H, (800) 448-6280 x 1 or FAX to (757) 431-2050 To Order Click Here