Relax, you're not about to do stand up! 

When I say "start with a joke" I don't mean knock knock... 

Just smile and let them see the side of you that enjoys a good laugh. Once I went on stage as the first speaker after we had a party the night before. Not many people were in the room this early in the morning. My opening line was "Wow, I feel really fresh and relaxed after the party last night!" 

I did a keynote on imposter syndrome I asked them to help me reach an agreement on smth - who is doing the lecture right now - my inner expert or my inner imposter... the joke went on... people laughed. 

They don't have to fall off their chairs. You don't have to have them laugh so hard they start crying... it's not about how great a joke teller you are - honour is about not taking yourself too seriously. 

Why Laughter is the Best Remedy for Public Speaking Nerves

Laughter breaks tension and builds connection with your audience. If you can get them to smile, you’ll relax too. Humor, when used appropriately, humanizes you as a speaker and makes your message more memorable.

How to Use Humor Effectively:

• Start with a light, relatable joke (avoid forced humor!).

• Use self-deprecating humor to make yourself more relatable.

• Adapt your humor to the audience and occasion.

• Share a funny anecdote from your personal experience related to the topic.

• Avoid controversial or risky jokes that could alienate the audience.

Be warned ...

If you're not funny at all .. they just forget about it and do a serious presentation instead :))

XOX

Meta Groselj

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