Would you like to be funny at your next talk or presentation?
Top tip: don’t try to be funny.
Instead, simply enter the situation without ego. Observe what happens and comment on it: the surroundings, what people are doing, and what the experience is like for you. Making observations in real-time punctures the tension created by the pressure and expectation, and can be a lovely way to let laughs happen.
Stand-up comics ARE trying to be funny, but I find that the best ones aren’t just delivering a rehearsed line and pulling a face; they’re being in the moment, they’re being completely authentic, and all without fear of judgement. It’s quite a feat to pull off, and one that can only be achieved with lots of hard work.
So, for your next talk or presentation:
1. Write something you’re proud of – try it out in front of a trusted colleague and try to be in the moment. Ask for honest feedback on how you came across.
2. Re-work your material and delivery according to that feedback (the things that make sense and resonate for you – you don’t have to make all their suggested changes).
3. Try it out in front of an actual audience, and again, try to be present. Go with the flow, let the audience know what you’re thinking occasionally. Record it, and as well as watching it back (deeply unpleasant, I know, but very much worth it), ask for feedback from trusted colleagues (the same one as before and someone else). Modify your material and delivery based on the feedback on the points you feel are helpful.
4. Repeat.
The process of writing, rehearsing and practical application is mechanical and logical.
The result of spontaneity and in-the-moment connection is magical, unpredictable and very memorable.