how to give a humorous speech

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How to Write a Funny Speech

Last Updated: April 18, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 172,409 times.

Writing a speech is already a challenge, so why bother adding humor? Successful humor will relax the audience, making them more attentive and receptive. It can break down perceived barriers between you and the audience, fostering a sense of camaraderie with the audience. Read on to learn how to use humor to your advantage when giving a speech. [1] X Research source

Choosing Your Topic

• Think about -- and then make -- a list of things you know a lot about or enjoy talking about. Single out the topics you’re knowledgeable about but also know you can be funny about. This might rule out topics that are hard to joke about, like poverty, domestic violence, etc.
• Use this list (in combination with the next step) to select a potential topic.

• What’s the general age of your audience?
• What do your audience members have in common?
• What kind of speech are they expecting to hear?
• What kind of humor are they likely to appreciate?

• If you’re writing a speech whose primary goal is to convey information or ideas, you’ll want to integrate humor while focussing on the ideas you want to convey. So draft the informative parts of your speech first, then integrate jokes and humor.
• If you’re writing a speech whose primary goal is humor -- perhaps a satire or parody -- then you’ll want the humor center stage from the beginning. Choose a topic that lends itself to your sense of humor as well as to what the audience is likely to find amusing.

Writing Your Speech

• Remember to choose a specific topic -- if your main idea/topic is too broad, you won’t do it justice in a relatively short speech. Choose something that you can describe in reasonable depth in the time allotted.
• For example, if you’re writing a humorously informative speech about early American cinema, your main idea might be, “the advent of sound in film hurt rather than helped the medium by detracting from its visual potential”. This is specific enough not to be overwhelming while still leaving you room to develop substantial supporting points.
• If, on the other hand, you’re writing a satirical speech, say, about reality television, your main idea might be, “nothing has contributed more to the cultural and intellectual richness of American society than reality television”.

Mine your own unique experiences for inspiration. "It's always good to take something that's happened in your life and make something of it comedically."

• Write down your main idea.
• Below it, write out everything that comes to mind when you think about that idea. Use whatever visual or textual brainstorming method you prefer (eg, clustering, listing, freewriting, etc.).
• Eliminate anything that’s too far away from the topic, that you don’t feel comfortable discussing, or that would require too much time and depth to cover.

• I. Introduction (where you state your main topic and the points you’ll make)
• II. Main point one
• III. Main point two
• IV. Main point three
• V. Conclusion (in which you sum up the main points, re-state your main idea, and issue a call to action from the audience, if appropriate)

• Effective hooks include humorous personal anecdotes, surprising or entertaining examples, or direct questions to the audience that invite their participation and give them a chance to laugh at themselves. [10] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
• For example, if you’re writing a speech about studying abroad, you might start by asking if anyone has ever wished they had an accent or intentionally faked one. You can then suggest they do it right and live somewhere they’ll actually have a legitimate accent.

• Err on the side of clarity over style, subtlety or artistry. Unlike a written piece, a speech is as much about delivery as it is about content, and the audience will be less attuned to the intricacies of sentence construction and more attuned to your overall message and the expressions as you give it.
• Avoid overly long and complicated sentences. Long and difficult sentences will be hard to follow. Simplify your point and/or break complicated sentences into smaller, more easily digested ideas.

• For example, a word like “incendiary” is both more vivid, specific, and aurally interesting than a word such as “controversial”. “Incendiary” communicates the idea of something explosively provocative, while “controversial” is a more general term for something that generates disagreement.

Incorporating Humor

• Consider generational differences with humor -- use references and jokes that address topical issues for that age group. For example, if you’re writing a speech about volunteering to an audience of high school students, relate the information in your speech to specific things and events relevant to teenagers. You might make a joke about volunteering versus staying home and trying to be Jimi Hendrix on Guitar Hero. Or you might pick a guitarist more recent than Jimi!
• Know what the audience members have in common. Use it when writing jokes oriented around those shared elements, which are more likely to hold the audience’s attention. Doing so is invariably a crowd-pleaser. For example, if you’re addressing teachers, you might make a humorous reference to students’ most bizarre homework excuses.
• Situational and observational humor that’s tailored to its audience is often particularly effective.

• Watch your favorite funny movie, television show, or comedian.
• Read works by your favorite humorous writers.
• Don’t hesitate to take cues from their delivery -- learn from what they do to make a joke successful. (But don’t plagiarize!)
• Pay attention when you make people around you laugh. Note the things you do or say that make people laugh and how you do it.
• If, for example, your friends can’t stop laughing when you humorously re-enact stressful situations or conversations, try to incorporate similar elements into your speech.

• Targeting particular people or groups is not only inconsiderate, it can alienate members of your audience.
• Avoid jokes that are made at the expense of one side or another in a contentious issue, like jokes about one side of a political or religious debate.
• Don’t make jokes about experiences you don’t understand. A good general rule is to write what you know. So if you, for example, have a learning disability, you might make a joke about the difficulties of dealing with standardized tests. But if you don’t have a learning disability, don’t make jokes about those who do -- you don’t share their specific experience, so you may unintentionally be making jokes about sensitive, potentially even hurtful, issues. [13] X Research source
• Also take the taste level of your audience into consideration when deciding if a joke is going to be offensive. If you’re giving a speech to a room of educated adults, you’ll probably want to avoid overly bawdy or sexual humor.

• The more relevant your jokes are to the specific matter at hand, the more likely they are to be successful with and entertaining.

• But don’t go to extremes of self-loathing, as that will have the opposite effect. The audience won’t know whether to laugh or what you’re trying to accomplish.

• Remember just what information it is you need to convey and ensure that it’s clear.
• Don't let the humor become distracting. Humor can be a great tool for enhancing the information you’re conveying, as long as it doesn’t become a larger focus than the informative content itself. [15] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

• Give yourself enough writing time so that you can go through and revise multiple times.
• The more attentive you are to the details, the more successful your speech is likely to be.

Delivering Your Speech

• Read the entire speech aloud until you’re comfortable enough with the material that you don’t need to read directly from your script but can simply use it as a prompt when needed.

• If you watch comedians and humorists closely, you’ll find that they tend to lead in to their jokes in a particular, deliberate way. Specifically, they’ll use a combination of slower speech, significant pauses, and punctuated emphasis. So when you’re leading up to a joke, cue your audience by slowing down your delivery, pausing slightly before delivering the punchline, and emphasizing key words within the punchline. [18] X Research source
• Emphasize important words, but not to the point that it becomes distracting. Practice how you would naturally speak the lines, paying attention to specific places where your tone rises, falls, or becomes more expressive. Keep those inflections in your speech and play them up enough to be animated, but stop short of being continually exaggerated, which will likely distract the audience from the content of the speech itself.
• Watch and listen to speeches you admire. Pay attention to how the speaker manipulates their tone and pacing to enhance the speech and try to apply those same techniques to your own speech.

• It can be somewhat uncomfortable to watch or listen to yourself, but doing so will help improve your presentation enough to be worth the momentary discomfort.

• Think of being somewhat theatrical, you want your gestures to be visible and distinct from a distance. Favor several broad gestures over a series of small ones. [20] X Research source

• Allow yourself to feel nervous. Accept that you’re going to feel that way and decide not to worry about it.
• The more confidently you act, the more confident you’ll eventually feel.
• You have a chance to share your humor and ideas with an interested audience -- enjoy it!

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-publicspeaking/chapter/humor-in-public-speaking/
• ↑ http://www.drmichellemazur.com/2013/04/speech-topic.html
• ↑ http://www.write-out-loud.com/how-to-use-humor-effectively.html
• ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-preparation-3-outline-examples/
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/speeches/
• ↑ http://writetodone.com/how-to-write-funny/
• ↑ http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/How_to_add_humor_to_your_speechwithout_being_a_com_47538.aspx

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100 Public-Speaking Jokes to Add Humor to Your Next Speech

So, if you are looking to add humor to your presentation, one of the best ways is to insert self-deprecating humor in the form of funny stories. A good story from your own personal experience will be easier to insert into your speech. The story will also create more of a shared experience with your audience. For details about how to use stories to add humor to your speech , click here.

With that being said, though, sometimes, you just need to get a quick laugh out of your audience. And good jokes can be a great way to lighten the mood. We’ve organized the post into four categories of public-speaking jokes.

100 Public Speaking Jokes to Add Humor to Your Next Speech.

• Public-Speaking Jokes .
• One-Liners about Public Speaking and Presenting .
• Funny Public Speaking Quotes .
• Dad Jokes that You Can Use as Presentation Icebreakers .

Public-Speaking Jokes for Your Next Presentation to Add a Little Fun.

Between you and I, telling jokes in front of an audience is pretty risky. But sometimes, just getting the audience to laugh right from the start can lighten the mood. Here are a few jokes about public speaking that you can use when you are public speaking.

Jokes about Being Nervous and the Fear of Public Speaking

• Why did the public speaker hire a pitching coach? Because he needed to improve his delivery!
• I used to think I was afraid of public speaking, but just now, I realized I was actually afraid of audiences.
• A public speaker asked the audience, “How many of you are afraid of public speaking?” About half the audience raised their hands. The speaker replied, “Don’t worry, I used to be too. In fact, there was a 50/50 chance that I’d canceled today’s talk!”
• My wife was nervous about public speaking. So, I told her she should embrace her mistake to add a little humor to her delivery. She gave me a hug. Then she laughed.
• Public speaking tip: Imagine the audience naked. But not if you’re giving a eulogy.

Funny Jokes about Presentation Challenges.

Okay, funny may be a little overexaggerated, but corny can work too. Here are a few jokes about challenges that can come up in a presentation.

• Why did the PowerPoint presentation go to therapy? It had too many issues with transitions.
• I was going to tell a time-traveling joke during my speech, but you didn’t like it.
• I asked the librarian if there were any books on how to overcome the fear of public speaking. She whispered, “They’re in the self-help section, but you might have to speak up to find them.”
• I used to be a baker before I became a public speaker. I kneaded the dough, and now I need the audience!
• Why did the public speaker become a gardener? Because he knew how to plant ideas and watch them grow!

These Jokes Are about Audience Interaction.

• I asked the audience if anyone had experience with public speaking. A cricket in the corner started chirping.
• The best way to become a confident public speaker is to imagine the audience in their underwear. Unless you’re speaking at a nudist colony.
• I told my wife I was going to give a speech on procrastination. She said, “Maybe next time.”
• How do you make a tissue dance during a speech? You put a little boogie in it!
• Why did the extroverted computer become a public speaker? Because it had great social networking skills!

Public Speaking Jokes about Presentation Themes.

These funny (or corny) jokes are about the process of public speaking. You can easily use one of these if you start with… “Before I actually start my presentation…” then add the joke.

• I asked my friend if he had any advice for public speaking. He said, “Yes, just imagine the audience is full of cats. They don’t care what you’re saying, but they’ll pay attention if you have treats.”
• How do you organize a fantastic space-themed presentation? You planet!
• Why did the public speaker bring a ladder to the presentation? To reach new heights in communication!
• My friend tried to give a speech on patience, but the audience left before he finished. It seems they didn’t have the patience for it.
• Why did the microphone apply for a job in public speaking? Because it wanted to be heard at work!

A Few Random Public Speaking Jokes (Use with Caution.)

These last few public speaking jokes are a little more tricky. You’d want to save these only for the right type of crowd.

• I used to be afraid of public speaking, but then I realized it’s just talking in front of people. Now I’m terrified of public listening.
• What’s a public speaker’s favorite kind of fish? The articulate!
• I told my friend I was giving a speech about a famous chicken. He asked, “Is it poultry in motion?”
• I was going to make a joke about public speaking, but I figured it would be better in front of a live audience.
• Why did the scarecrow become a great public speaker? He was outstanding in his field!

Remember, just adding a joke or two to a speech won’t win over every audience. For help becoming a confident and effective presenter, we invite you to attend one of our 2-Day Fearless Presentations ® Classes . Click here for details.

Here Are a Few Public Speaking One-Liners to Get Your Audience Laughing.

You’ll have a much easier time just adding a funny one-liner every now and then. When you tell a joke, you typically have to get your audience to respond. And, in some cases, the audience will finish your joke.

So a well-placed one-liner will often get you a quick chuckle without as much risk. Here are a few that we organized into five different categories.

These One-Liners Are Related to Audience Interaction (Or Audience Reactions.)

• “I’m not saying I’m a great public speaker, but I did once get a standing ovation… because I tripped over the microphone cord.”
• “I asked my audience if they had any questions after my speech. One person raised their hand and asked, ‘When does the torture end?'”
• “Public speaking is easy. It’s like riding a bike. Except the bike is on fire, you’re on fire, everything is on fire, and you’re in hell.”
• “I used to be afraid of public speaking until I realized every audience is just a bunch of people hoping you don’t notice them.”
• “I gave a speech on procrastination. The audience is still waiting for the punchline.”

Here Are a Few about Speech Techniques and Styles.

• “I asked the audience if they knew the definition of a will. Apparently, ‘a dead giveaway’ wasn’t the right answer.”
• “I don’t have a fear of public speaking; I have a fear of public not listening.”
• “Why don’t public speakers ever get lost? Because they always find their way to the lectern.”
• “I used to be a mime, but I couldn’t stay silent about it. Now I’m a public speaker.”
• “I told the audience I’d be speaking off the cuff. Turns out, my cuff was more interesting than my speech.”

That’s Ironic! One Liners about Humor and Irony in Speech

• “I used to be a public speaker at a mime convention. Needless to say, my speeches were a big hit.”
• “I asked the audience if they could define irony. They said, ‘Sure, it’s like goldy and bronzy, but made of iron.'”
• “Public speaking is a lot like a roller coaster. It’s terrifying, and I always feel like I’m going to lose my lunch.”
• “I used to be a motivational speaker, but then I lost my train of thought. Now I’m just a ‘meh’-tivational speaker.”
• “Why did the public speaker bring a ladder to the speech? To reach the high points, of course!”

These One-Liners Are about Speech Topics and Delivery.

• “I told the audience I’m going to talk about time travel. They’re still waiting for my future self to arrive.”
• “I tried to give a speech on humility, but everyone said I was the best at it.”
• “Why did the public speaker get an award? Because he was outstanding in his field of expertise – corn farming.”
• “I asked the crowd if they liked my tie. They said, ‘It’s not the tie, it’s what you’re saying that’s knot working.'”
• “I tried to make a speech about sleep, but I dozed off during my own presentation.”

Funny One-Liners Related to the Challenges of Public Speaking.

• “I asked the audience for silence during my speech. Apparently, their laughter didn’t get the memo.”
• (If your audience won’t give you feedback.) “Dialogue is like a parachute – it only works when it’s open.”
• (If you happen to break wind because of nervousness.) “I’m not a nervous public speaker. I just have a very expressive colon.”
• “I told my wife I’m writing a book on public speaking. She told me to speak louder.”
• “Why did the PowerPoint file go to therapy? It had too many issues with transitions.”

Funny Motivational Quotes Related to Public Speaking.

A really good way to add humor to any speech is to insert a funny quote from a famous person. These funny motivational quotes are very easy to insert. In fact, you can add them to your speech introduction right at the start. That will lighten the tension in the room and get your audience laughing.

Here are a few that always hit home!

Funny Quotes About Preparation and Delivery of Speech.

• “The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.” – George Jessel
• “It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” – Mark Twain
• “Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
• “A good speech should be like a woman’s skirt; long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest.” – Winston Churchill
• “The best way to sound like you know what you’re talking about is to know what you’re talking about.” – Author Unknown

Quotes Related to Adding Humor to Your Speech.

If you are looking for a famous quote specifically about adding humor to a speech, try one of these.

• “The first time I spoke in the West, the agents and organizers looked at me and said, ‘Oh, my God, she’s funny.’ And I thought, ‘Oh, my God, I’ve been funny all my life, but I never knew it.'” – Maya Angelou
• “If you can’t make it good, at least make it look good.” – Bill Gates
• “I have as much authority as the Pope. I just don’t have as many people who believe it.” – George Carlin
• “The trouble with talking too fast is you may say something you haven’t thought of yet.” – Ann Landers
• “I used to be a good communicator, but then I realized I was talking to myself.” – Author Unknown

Here Are a Few Quotes About Creativity and Writing.

• “I’m writing a book. I’ve got the page numbers done.” – Steven Wright
• “I used to play piano by ear, but now I use my hands.” – Steven Wright
• “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” – Douglas Adams
• “I don’t need time. What I need is a deadline.” – Duke Ellington
• “I can’t understand why I flunked American history. When I was a kid, my father took me to all the historic spots. Every time I refused to get out of the car.” – W.C. Fields

The Funny Quotes Can Help You Make Your Point Better.

Like the last group, these funny quotes aren’t about public speaking. But you will likely be able to use them if you are delivering an informative speech.

• “The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself.” – Oscar Wilde
• “I have never been in a situation where having a sense of humor and a giving spirit didn’t lead to a better result.” – Ed Catmull
• “The best way to convince a fool that he is wrong is to let him have his way.” – Josh Billings
• “I like to talk about my obsession with food. I love to eat. I’m not a ‘foodie,’ but I do love to eat.” – Miranda Kerr
• “I failed public speaking in college the first time and made a ‘D’ in the second class. It was horrible.” – John Grisham

These Last Funny Quotes Didn’t Fit the Other Categories. (LOL!)

These last quotes didn’t really fit in any of the other categories. But they are pretty funny. If you can find a way to insert them into your speech, you’re sure to get a laugh or two.

• “It’s hard to be serious when you’re surrounded by balloons.” – Jerry Seinfeld
• “I have six locks on my door, all in a row. When I go out, I lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.” – Elayne Boosler
• “The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.” – Willie Nelson
• “I used to be a heavy gambler. But now I just make mental bets. That’s how I lost my mind.” – Steve Allen

Dad Jokes that You Can Use as Presentation Icebreakers.

Years ago, I taught a leadership class for his team. And at the start of every session, he stood up in front of the group and told a corny Dad joke. The jokes were cringy. But whether the audience laughed or turned up their nose, they all smiled. Over the next few years, I noticed that Ron’s employee turnover was almost zero. It was unheard of in his industry.

It turns out that his team absolutely loved him. He made a tough job much more fun to come to. So, I changed my tune about Dad jokes. Here are a few that you can use to start your next speech or meeting.

Food Public Speaking Jokes

• What do you call fake spaghetti? An impasta.
• Did you hear about the cheese factory explosion? There was nothing left but de-brie.
• What do you call a fish wearing a crown? A kingfish.
• Why did the chicken go to the seance? To talk to the other side.
• What did the grape say when it got stepped on? Nothing, it just let out a little wine.

Science and Technology Jokes.

• Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.
• I told my computer I needed a break, and now it won’t stop sending me vacation ads.
• Did you hear about the guy who invented Lifesavers? He made a mint.
• How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together!
• What did one wall say to the other wall? I’ll meet you at the corner!

Academic Jokes for a Presentation.

• Why did the math book look sad? Because it had too many problems.
• Did you hear about the mathematician who’s afraid of negative numbers? He’ll stop at nothing to avoid them.
• What do you call a factory that makes good products? A satisfactory.
• I only know 25 letters of the alphabet. I don’t know y.
• I used to have a job at a calendar factory, but I got fired because I took a couple of days off.

Spooky Jokes

• Why did the skeleton go to the seance? To talk to the other side.
• Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts.
• What did the big flower say to the little flower? “Hi, bud!”
• I went to buy some camouflage pants, but I couldn’t find any.
• What did one hat say to the other hat? Stay here, I’m going on ahead.

Miscellaneous Jokes

• I only know how to make holy water. I boil the hell out of it.
• Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one.
• Why did the bicycle fall over? It was two-tired.
• What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? Supplies!
• What did the snowman with a six-pack say? An abdominal snowman!

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How to be funny in a speech (when you’re not that funny in real life).

by Kolarele Sonaike

According to a Hertfordshire University study , this is the funniest joke in the world.

“Two hunters are out in the woods when  one of them collapses. He doesn’t seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator says, “Calm down. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence; then a gun shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says, “OK, now what?”

Hmm. OK, once you’ve finished laughing, picked yourself up from the floor and wiped away those tears of laughter, lets examine the subject of humour.

There is no lonelier place on the planet, than on stage after a bad joke.

It is possibly the single most painful experience for any public speaker.

Comedians know this, which is why they work so hard at their craft. Comedians aren’t funny in real life. Like any other profession, funny is what they do, not what they are. Comedians work and struggle just like the rest of us to be good at their jobs. Ellen, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock – all the greatest comics write, rewrite and rehearse their routines with incredible care, diligence and attention to detail. They try out material for months, sometimes years in advance, on audiences – sifting out the stuff that doesn’t work, and doubling down on the lines that do.

(Getty Images)

So why, oh why, do so many of us as public speakers always assume that we can just shoehorn a couple of lame one liners (found on the internet) into a barely rehearsed speech, and get big laughs from our audience? This is guaranteed to fail every time, reminding us of the words of writer, Quentin Crisp:

if at first you don’t succeed, failure may be your style – Quentin Crisp

( If you’re pushed for time, you can download the Free Checklist of this article:  Dos & Donts of giving funny speeches )

Being funny in a speech is hard to pull off. But like most hard things, with a little study, much practice, and a healthy dose of chutzpah, anyone can do it. So lets examine the anatomy of a joke in the next section helpfully called “Anatomy of a Joke”

Anatomy of a Joke

All comedy, whether a one liner, long anecdote, or even an entire movie, is basically comprised of two parts: The Set Up and the Pay Off (also known as The Punchline).

With the Set Up, you are setting the scene by giving the audience all the information they need to know so that they will be amused by the Pay Off.

1) Set Up: Knock Knock. Who’s there? Dozen. Dozen who?

2) Set Up: In the movie “Some like it hot” eccentric millionaire, Osgood Fielding III, spends the whole movie chasing Tony Curtis’ character, Jerry (dressed in drag pretending to be a woman).

3) Set Up: Dr Evil (Austin Powers) has been cryogenically frozen for 30 years, so when he meets his evil colleagues, he lays out his plan to extort the world for a huge sum of money.

4) Set Up (in the world’s funniest joke) The hunter dies in the woods and his panicking friend calls the emergency services.

The mistake that most public speakers make that leads to them giving unfunny speeches, is to concentrate all their effort almost entirely on finding that Pay Off, asking themselves ‘what’s the funny line that I can say here?’ Whereas the key to humour is to focus on creating a compelling Set Up so that the right Pay Off just reveals itself.

To create a great  Set Up:

1) Take a subject (ideally one with which you are very familiar)

2) Examine it from all angles looking for the surprising contradictions and unexpected anomalies within the subject.

3) Work out how you can exaggerate those contradictions and anomalies almost to the point of a humorous absurdity. Can you connect one seemingly unconnected topic with another? Can you take a particular approach that will highlight these funny contradictions?

The humour lies in those unexpected findings and exaggeration that are nevertheless real. It’s why you find yourself muttering ‘that’s so true’ through your tears of laughter when listening to a hilarious comedian nail her routine. It’s why a Best Man’s speech works best when it skates on the edge of decency by revealing just enough of the groom’s true nature to the audience (and the Bride).

When you work hard on your Set Up, the Pay Off comes pretty easily because the punchline that ties it altogether seems to reveal itself.

1) Pay Off: Doz-anybody want to let me in?

2) Pay Off: (Some like it hot) Tony Curtis finally comes clean and declares to millionaire Osgood,”I’m a man!” To which Osgood simply replies “Well, nobody’s perfect”

3) Pay Off: (Austin Powers) Dr Evil demands…. 1 Million Dollars

4) Pay Off: (The funniest joke in the world) The friend shoots his collapsed hunter friend.

A very effective method of creating a compelling Set Up is to use a hook or theme that drives the narrative forward.

A great example is the ‘Shit’ sketch by Finnish comedian, Ismo Leikola .  In this hilarious skit, he talks about how he always though there was just one definition or meaning of the word ‘shit’.  But when he went to the US, he realised there were many more meanings like ‘you ain’t shit’, ‘I don’t give a shit’, ‘leave my shit alone’. Because he had found a great hook for the narrative, finding the humour was quite easy.

So, when you’re giving a speech about a serious subject like ‘How the Financial Markets work’, but you want to introduce a little humour to ease the way, consider what are the eccentricities of the financial markets? What parts make little sense if you stand back and look at it? What would your 8 year old son or your 80 year old grandmother make of the way traders?

Or giving a presentation at a small business forum, what eccentricities do entrepreneurs have? What challenges do they all face that you can highlight in a funny way? What mistake does nearly every small business make, which no one admits do, but every one knows?

This is where you’ll find your humour – in the careful analysis of the contradictions within your subject . Once you tap into that zone, a whole new world will open up and the Pay Offs will almost trip off your tongue.

Finally, a few dos and donts to send you on your way

maria bamford (Getty Images)

1) Don’t tell them you are going to be funny.

Anytime I receive an an email with the subject line: “This is funny”, I delete it. It never is. If you’re going to be funny, then be funny.  Don’t announce it.

2) Do have a purpose

As one of the greatest and funniest public speakers, the late Sir Peter Ustinov reminds us

 Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious – Sir Peter Ustinov

Don’t make jokes just for the sake of making joke. Stay focused on the reason you are giving your speech, and use humour to help achieve that objective.

3) Don’t copy. Adapt.

The best jokes are original. Your own material, born of your own experience will always be superior to something copied off jokes.com.

But originality can be hard. So, if you do have to use someone else’s material, approach it like Amy Winehouse covering the song ‘Valerie’ originally by the Zutons (bet you hadnt even heard of the Zuton’s version), and not like a teenage X Factor contestant doing yet another cover of Whitney Houston’s ‘I will always love you’ (which itself was a cover of Dolly Parton’s original song).

Put your own spin on it. Make it your own and it will feel fresh.

4) Do tailor your jokes to your audience

What works for a university fraternity will probably not work for an accountant’s convention. Lawyers love a good naughty joke (it makes us feel dangerous), but you should probably avoid sexist jokes if you’re presenting to the Women’s Institute.

5) Don’t take yourself too seriously

If you can make jokes at your own expense, you’ve got a far better chance of making your audience laugh, than if you are joking about someone else.

Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century – And Barry Humphries

And when it comes to your delivery, you want to use your voice to help paint a picture of your ideas in the minds of your audience. Treat it as a song or melody you are singing to your audience. The things you want to think about are:

• timing – uses pauses and speed variation to build interest
• use your body to amplify and reflect your words
• give your voice dynamism i.e. intonation, pitch, volume
• commit (don’t do things half hearted)

Go forth, and be funny!

(Grab the full Checklist of 12 Dos & Donts for giving a funny speech )

Kolarele Sonaike

p.s. Grab your slot for a 1 hour communication skills coaching call with me. It’s free and pretty transformative. Click here to book your slot.

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300 Funny Speech Topics to Tickle Some Funny Bones!

Funny speech topics are usually difficult to turn up with. Yet, presenting this kind of speech might put you in trouble if you do not decide on the topic properly.

Better research on the topics motivating starting point. You will be happy to see smiles and laughter on your audience’s faces when you share the funny speech.

Besides, presenting a speech is challenging, and adding humor makes your speech interesting. Successful humor will entertain the listener.

It can break down professed barriers between you and the audience. This article gives some ways to use humor to your advantage while delivering the speech.

To jump to the funny 270 speech topic section, click here . And, to jump to funny speech videos, click here .

A funny speech recommends a joyful response from the audience from the start of the speech. Here every tone and gesture prognosis the significance with the audience.

The general belief and preference appear from the funny speech topic you choose. This type of speech also helps to differentiate you from others in a similar area.

• Persuasive Speech Topics
• Informative Speech Topics
• Argumentative Speech Topics

Indeed, public speech is full of fun usually when humor is added to them. The main usage of humor is to convince the audience with your overview. This can move a long way convincing your solution is the correct one.

For most people, delivering a speech can be like sitting on the cactus plant. It is a great responsibility and with intense pressure.

Due to nervousness, we do not desire to deliver a speech in front of a crowd of audiences.

A speech helps to communicate with an audience allowing them to understand a specific side of a topic. The language, volume, confidence, and body language matter while delivering the speech.

Adding a little humor both in your speech and topic will help to cut the stress. The article deals with funny speech topic ideas for every type of speaker. Relevant to the age group of your audience, better select the topic and carry out the proper research.

Table of Contents

1. Research and find the topic

2. consider and understand your audience, 3. decide the type of speech you are going to deliver, 4. decide your ideas and goal, 5. think about your main points, 6. deliver the speech clearly and understandably, 7. use vivid and particular adjective, 8. get inspired, 9. record the speech you practice, persuasive funny speech topics, informative funny speech topics, impromptu funny speech topics, funny speech videos, how to deliver an effective funny speech.

While deciding on the topic, think about the quality of your speech. It should not only depend on the topic you choose.

Better think about and make a list of the things you enjoy talking about the most. Point out the topics which you understand better and can be funny at the same time.

This might exclude some topics which are difficult to deliver a funny speech. Such topics are poverty, funeral, domestic violence, and much more. Better make proper use of the list and decide on the prospective topic.

Before working on the speech, remember who you are going to deliver the speech. It will be better if you consider and understand your audience. Here are some questions to think about:

• What is the common age of your listener?
• What does your audience have in general?
• What kind of speech do they desire to hear?
• What kind of funny speech did they expect to appreciate?

There are two types of speech. They are humorously informative and humorous speeches. You have to choose among them

A humorously informative speech delivers the information to the audience making them laugh. Besides, a firmly humorous speech aims to make the audience laugh.

Suppose, you are delivering a speech whose main aim is to deliver information or ideas. Here, you might desire to integrate humor while thinking about the ideas you want to deliver. Better draft the revealing part of your speech initially, then include jokes and humor.

After you decide on the topic, you have to focus on the main points of the speech. Think about the key message you desire to get across.

Do not forget to select a particular topic. If the foremost topic is extremely wide, your speech might not be fruitful. These types of speech are hard to complete in a short time.

Think about the main points and use the devising procedure to turn up prospective points. This helps to discuss and support your main idea. Get rid of anything that does not match the topic. Better do not speak on the points that you do not feel comfortable talking about. You can also pick up your strongest points and choose which ones to comprise.

Most of us get 25% of what we learn by hearing . Since your audiences listen to your speech, make sure your language is clear and simple. Unlike writing, speech deals with delivering speaking on the relevant topic.

Here, the audience will be less agreed with the details of sentence structure. They will be more agreed to your complete message.

Also, pay more attention to the expressions while presenting the speech. Avoid too long and complicated sentences. Since these types of sentences will be difficult to follow.

Clear and direct sentence structures are improved the way you express words. These words should be as vivid as possible. The more expressive a word is, the fewer needed to converse a similar concept.

It is much east to talk about humor when you are in a humorous mood. It is much east to talk about humor when you are in a humorous mood. So, earlier than presenting the funny speech, be inspired by the things you find humorous and entertaining.

You can also:

• Make some time for funny movies, television shows, or comedians.
• Read the work done by your favourite entertaining writers.
• Focus more when you make people round you laugh. Note the things you do or say that entertains people and the way you do it.

It is better to video record when you practice the speech. Doing this allows you to observe and tweak both your vocal and physical performance.

But if you are unable to take video, and audio recording can be useful as well.

Observe or listen to the recording to look for the points where the speech lags or where your tone goes down.

Assure you are not presenting too quickly or too slow. Make sure you do not jiggle or say “um” excessively. It can be uncomfortable to listen to yourself. Yet, doing this helps to improve your presentation.

270 Funny Speech Topics 

Find here the list of funny speech topics. Read the topic and make sure you practice more for a good result.

• Why you should never participate in a food challenge
• Describing a yo-yo to an alien
• Practical guide to a toothache
• How do I fire my boss?
• Breakup insurance policy: A must have
• Life should come with a soundtrack
• A petition for comfortable lingerie.
• How to Kill Your Goldfish
• How to Lose the Guy of Your Dreams
• Bad pick up lines are better than good pick up lines.
• Sometimes I talk to myself because I need intelligent conversation
• If failures are a stepping stone, I’ve built myself a ladder to heaven
• Never start a diet on a Monday
• Netflix is a hobby
• My birthday should be a national holiday
• Shoes tell a lot about a person: Crocs for all!
• Why braces are cool
• The Strangest Person I Ever Met –
• Eating things you don’t like
• Children’s Nursery Rhymes: The real meaning behind them
• Internet dating: The best way to find love
•  Why the Barbie Doll is an icon
• Why Mom knows best
• A man’s right to wear skirts
• If I were the Lord of Misrule…
• Mistaken identity: Why I am commonly confused with a movie star.
• Is the ‘Force’ with you?
• My best chat-up lines
• The worst chat-up lines ever
• Why I prefer dogs over people
• Homer Simpson for President
• How to Flunk Out of College
• Why Good Girls Love Bad Boys
• Shifting the blame: the only way to handle difficult situations
• Talk Shows: Airing Our Dirty Laundry
• Taylor Swift: A Role Model For Today’s Youth
• Jared, the Subway Guy: His Rise to the Top
• Bollywood movies and Illuminati
• We Are the People Our Parents Warned us About
• Everything I Needed to Know in Life, I Learned in Kindergarten
• Guaranteed Ways to Ruin Your Credit
• Blaming your dog for things
• Blaming your horoscope for why things went wrong
• Protection from Zombies
• People with mediocre talents have success and high talented people haven’t.
• How teachers spend their time when they are not teaching.
• Coffee tastes bitter, but we want it anyway.
• Are the final exams in schools rigged?
• Why are Dads so weird?
• Reasons why I love doing nothing around the house.
• Internet surfing is a workout.
• Every child should get a cootie shot.
• The funniest amusement parks.
• How to deny reality.
• Wine/beer/cocktail of the month.
• Why I don’t want to be a millionaire.
• When I resign, I will …
• For her/him who doesn’t have to do it, nothing is impossible.
• Once a month, the school should allow kids to host a food fight.
• Short guys are closer to your heart.
• Halloween shouldn’t be the only holiday when we get to wear costumes.
• My younger/elder sibling(s) should treat me like a king/queen.
• Men should never wear skinny jeans.
• Why older women do not want to admit their age.
• Why women say they hate sports.
• Why casino players actually are sad people.
• Why smart people don’t know they have the wrong ideas.
• Women marry much younger men.
• What if plants had feelings?
• Your guide to life.
• Who runs the world? No really, who’s in charge?
• Eating flowers is possible.
• Happy puppies make humans happy.
• Urban running acrobatics.
• Personal bloopers are great funny topics for a speech.
• What women really say when they talk to men.
• Answers on the meaning of life.
• A true story that isn’t true in the end.
• How to pass the blame like a pro
• Why men like action and women like romance movies.
• Five requirements to be called a bestie by girlfriends.
• Why rose is the best flowers’ fragrance many women like.
• The power of foot reading
• Chasing idle dreams is a good habit.
• Rare speed limits and the reasons why.
• What women really say when they talk to men?
• In a fight between superheroes, who will win the battle?
• Life with Harry Potter.
• Calorie counts should be listed on all foods.
• Cleaning your room is overrated.
• Why men are proud of themselves.
• Ways to remember birthdays.
• My most profitable mistake.
• How to find funny speech topics in 24 hours.
• How to bunk college
• How to do make up like a joker
• Why is cheating not included in the course curriculum?
• What to do on a desert island.
• Things to do in the traffic jam.
• How to cope with troubles at a family reunion.
• Why I don’t need money or cash.
• The Ten Commandments in a restaurant boys and girls room.
• Why people look like their dogs.
• Top 5 bad business slogans.
• How lazy students still survive and succeed in life.
• Why my – any fun speech topic – looks cooler than the … of my neighbor.
• Why you need to lie.
•  What do teachers do off duty?
• A guide to efficient lazyness
• How to juggle
• How to carve a pumpkin
• How to catwalk
• How to apply face paint
• Offending your parents: The proper way to do it.
• Why exercise is a scam
• What to say on a first date
• What not to say on a first date
•      How to sell yourself: A guide to proper prostitution
• How to survive a blind date
• How to survive as an incompetent person
• How to cheat at Monopoly
• The 3 biggest lies at school
• How you can tell when you’re drunk
• Why the chicken crossed the road: An analysis
• Questions not to ask people
• The worst jokes ever
• The best jokes ever
• The art of making cereal
• How to give your dog a pill
• How to cheat at poker
• How to dance the twist
• What to do with cold custard
• What Not to Say on a Date
• What Not to Wear on a Date
• Divorce: The escape you’ve been seeking
• How to Screw up a Job Interview
• How to Ruin a Good Thing
• How to Fail at Dieting
• How to Change a Baby’s Diaper (Use a doll)
• How to Succeed in College Without Attending Class
• How to Get Out of A Speeding Ticket
• How to Survive on Minimum Wage
• America’s Dumbest Criminals
• Celebrities Behaving Badly
• An Idiot’s Guide to Cooking Frozen Dinners
• Is this a sign? Learning sign language.
• Get Rich Quick
• Marketing tactics and why they work
• How to Succeed as a Freeloader
• How to Catch a Cheater
• Mastering the art of passive aggressiveness
• Napoleon Dynamite: An American Hero
• American Idol
• The McDonald’s Diet
• Adam Sandler
• Best Excuses For Missing Work
• How to Cheat on a Test
• Unique uses for duct tape
• Fun with super glue
• Quote Shakespeare like a pro
• Yodel like a professional
• Eating well on $5.00 a day
• My apology for global warming
• How to grow grits for fun and profit
• Getting over your fear of speech making
• Plausible conspiracy theories
• Thanksgiving dinner in three easy steps
• How to be a charming host at any event.
• The art of being unbearable
• 10 ways to irritate a telemarketer.
• 10 ways to freak out your roommate.
• What are dentists truly after?
• How to drive the baby-sitter crazy.
• How to cheat poker the nice way.
• How to Lose the Guy of your dreams
• The secret to a successful Thanksgiving dinner
• Tips for merging two households.
• Why modern art is a scam.
• Do’s and Don’ts for a first pregnancy
• Five ways to keep a boring conversation going at a cocktail party.
• Bare funny facts about men.
• Funny facts about women.
• Small things to appreciate for a happy life.
• How to perform a convincing fake laugh.
• Crazy rules men wish women knew. 
• How to give your dog or cat a pill.
• How to determine you are addicted to the Internet.
• How to throw a paper airplane in class.
• What really happened to the toothfairy.
• Ten things you’ve learned from your pet.
• How to become a rat and make a fortune.
• 10 ways to order pizzas.
• Why do rock stars break their guitars on stage?
• The secret behind the most popular tattoos.
• Worst birthday presents ever.
• Why must I clean my room every day
• What magicians don’t want you to know: Magic’s biggest secrets.
• A handy list of excuses to get out of doing things
• How to learn from your parent’s mistakes.
• How to get – more – Valentine’s Day cards next year.
• How to turn the Academy Awards ceremony into funny event
• Why do most mainstream songs make no sense at all?
• What you can’t say in public.
• Making a mud pack facial
• Tips for buying gifts everybody wants.
• Disney theme songs to suit your life.
• Unexpected disasters that can happen.
• Ten fun things to do during an exam.
• Ten ways to order a pizza.
• What are your dreams trying to tell you?
• Worst marriage counseling advice.
• Interesting ancient remedies
• How to get fired in three easy steps.
• How to not promote your products online.
• Do all pop songs sound the same?
• Three elements to creating the next catchy hit.
• Odd foods that you have to try.
• Is tiktok a legitimate career?
• Cheating: The proper way to do it
• If I ruled the World…
• My most effective hangover cure
• My Most Embarrassing Moment
• Are white lies ok?
• How I ran away from home
• Unhappily Ever After
• Funny job applicant stories.
• Being the older child and depression: Coincidence?
• Why the youngest child deserves her own holiday!
• Which celebrity would you like to meet and why?
•      How I choose friends.
• The one time I made my parents proud
• Humor or intelligence: What is the preferred trait?
• Favourite cartoon characters
• My American Idol audition
• A ghost that you want to hang out with
• Last day at school/college
• The party that went wrong
• The joke that backfired
• If I had a time machine
• Out of the Mouth of a Child
• Speech topics are tough
• Funny Names to call your tutors
• Are uniforms necessary?
• My first day at school
• My worst nightmare…
• My best April Fool’s prank
• Funniest Childhood Memory
• My worst day ever
• The perfect television advertisement
• How I ruined a good date.
• How real love is different from movies?
• Caught in a Compromising Position
• Tales From Scribbles on the Bathroom Wall
• A Time I Got Arrested
• My 15 Minutes of Fame
• The end justifies the means
• Your most hated household chore
• Cancel all the seasons other than summer.
• Men behaving badly
• Women behaving badly
• Practical Jokes
• April Fool’s Day
• The Bogeyman
• Blind Dates
• Demonstrate tasting wine in a humorous way.
• If I was my boss, then …
• Funny computer terms and phrases.
• Funny holidays in other countries.
• My most embarrassing moment
• The strangest thing I’ve ever met anyone
• Procrastinators unite! ..Tomorrow?
• Funny first date experiences.
• What I don’t understand about fashion.
• My motto: I´m flexible by indecision
• How I choose friends.
• The time I Ran Away From Home.
• Worst present I’ve ever gotten
• Unusual incidents.
• Does the perfect man exist?
• Crazy things to do in the supermarket.

The guide and topics for humorous speech should get you started with your funny speech. Let me know what you think about this article by commenting below.

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

414 Funny and Humorous Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative, Impromptu]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Funny and humorous speech topics –  for anyone who wants to talk about silly foolish, casual odd, infrequent rare, bizarre weird, aberrant uncommon, strange or crazy fun subjects. Modify the onliners for the best tailormade results of course!

In this article:

Informative

List of funny and humorous speech topics.

• Boys gossip more than girls do.
• Should Trix stop its discrimination and make them for everyone?
• Blame your horoscope for why things went wrong
• Why you should never take on a food challenge
• Breakup insurance policy should be invented
• Which came first: the chicken or the egg?
• Why men shouldn’t wear skinny jeans
• Vegetables have feelings – stop carrot cruelty
• Camping: the fun and the not so fun
• Why kids should make jokes in class
• Why lying well can be helpful
• Why I should marry Cameron Diaz
• When nothing goes left, go right
• Grown-ups are weird species
• Blame your dog for things
• Why getting lost is the best advice someone could give you
• The reason grass appears greener on the other side is because it is probably fake.
• In order to become old and wise, you must first be young and stupid.
• Yes, you should write that down, because you will forget.
• We can lie but our facial expressions can’t.
• Life should come with background music.
• Chocolate never asks stupid questions.
• Sometimes when you need expert advice you should just have a chat with yourself.
• In order to understand what life is all about you should hang out with a three year old.
• The most dangerous animal out there is a silent woman.
• We don’t mean to interrupt people’s conversations, it’s just that we remember random things and get really excited.
• Wouldn’t it be great to have a six-month vacation twice a year?
• Nothing sucks more than when you are in the middle of an argument and realize that you are wrong.
• When you get older you will regret not taking all those naps as a child.
• I sometimes feel that the internet could do with a sarcasm font.
• Some of the bad decisions are necessary so you can have great stories to tell.
• Sometimes you will need to keep a contact number on your phone so that you can avoid their nuisance calls.
• How many times is it appropriate to say “excuse me”, before you give up and nod instead?
• A woman’s “I will be ready in 5 minutes” is the same as a man’s “I will be home in 5 minutes”.
• “We will see” means it’s probably not going to happen.
• Adults these days can barely do Math without using a calculator but are always claiming to have X amount of problems.
• Being an adult is not an easy task.
• Life feels very much like a test I didn’t study for.
• You are not weird; you are just a limited edition.
• There is no need to sugar coat everything, we can’t all be Willy Wonka.
• Not everyone will like you and that is okay because not everyone has good taste.
• Most people make mistakes five or six times, just to be sure.
• Be happy, it drives people crazy!
• Before you marry someone you should see how they react to slow internet.
• Alcohol clearly increases the size of the send button.
• We all need a day in which we can be just as useless as the ‘g’ in lasagne.
• Those who say they slept like a baby have obviously never had a baby.
• No, underarm farts are not an impressive party trick.
• Why do we panic when our phones fall but laugh when our friends do?
• Why do we remember all the things we forgot to do once we are in bed?
• Stop telling people that your baby is 28 months old!
• Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life.
• Why people calculate how many hours of sleep they will get.
• What is it with men and remote control buttons?
• Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.
• It is probably wise to keep your Mom off of Facebook.
• Clowns are scary and this is why.
• The true list of Christmas gifts I would like to give my family.
• Why Mondays should be banned.
• It is not okay to be 30 and still live with your parents.
• Men gossip more than women.
• Stop bragging about being at the gym – nobody cares!
• We can lie to the world, but not to ourselves.
• You should never start your diet on a Monday.
• By plans I mean I want to stay home and watch Netflix.
• Why you should smile and wave when someone insults you.
• If you are going to be two-faced at least make one of them pretty.
• Some people truly believe that they know everything, do they think their name is google?
• I wish the world would shock me by saying something intelligent.
• Women shouldn’t treat their faces like a colouring book.
• Some people are so fake, that Barbie is starting to get jealous.
• You are always entitled to your own incorrect opinion.
• Do people expect us to take notes when they tell us what to do?
• Just because it fits it doesn’t mean that it actually fits.
• It’s okay, you can explain yourself out of compromising positions.
• Auto correct could ruin your life.
• Some people are all bark but no bite.
• Why read the book when you can just watch the movie?
• Growing old is mandatory but growing up is completely optional.
• Money does talk and it usually likes to say ‘bye-bye’.
• The good news is that if today is the worst day of your life, then you know that tomorrow will be better.
• Some of the best people out there are crazy.
• Common sense is a flower that does not grow in everyone’s garden.
• Sometimes you just need to take a nap and get over it.
• Daddy is the boss until Mommy gets home.
• To avoid trouble, you must always cut a toddler’s sandwich in the correct shape.
• People often lie on a first date so that they can secure the second one.
• Why wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.
• Yes, actually you can have your cake and eat it too!
• You should never be the party pooper.
• Disney movies are great until they all start singing.
• “Too busy” is just a myth.
• Teenagers need to remember that not that long ago they use to beg their mothers to watch them poop.
• Wouldn’t it be great if when we took a long nap people would be proud of us like they are when kids do?
• You know it is going to be a long day when your partner is upset about something you did in their dream.
• Sometimes our greatest accomplishment is to just keep quiet.
• Why Math feels like Mental Abuse To Humans.
• You need to marry the person who gives you the same feeling you get when you see food coming at a restaurant.
• Touch a pregnant belly at your own risk.
• If you mess with the bull you will get the horns.
• Why exactly did ‘that’s cool’ become ‘that’s hot’?
• People must stop randomly using the word ‘random’ for everything.
• How not wearing any makeup makes people think you are sick these days.
• LOL is usually what people reply with when they have nothing else to say.
• Why exactly is it called a crush?
• If Cinderella’s shoe fit perfectly in the end, why did it fall off in the first place?
• The only reason why we should want to go back in time is to repeat the fun parts.
• When we start to question if a word even exists.
• Before Facebook I had a life.
• Smile while you still have teeth.
• Why laughter is the best medicine.
• Three reasons why … (fill in your favorite cheerleader team here) will win the Superbowl this year.
• Fainting for high school is pretty common and often not a sign of something serious.
• Why rose is the best flowers’ fragrance many women like.
• Girls under 12 should not be allowed to wear makeup.
• Wendy’s / Burger King / McDonald’s (choose your fast food restaurant) has the best service and consumer complaint codes of conduct.
• My favorite Agent 007 James Bond is … (fill in the actor / actress of your choice here. Or do choose another movie hero for alternative humorous persuasive speech topics)
• Design your own How Cool Are You test and persuade your audience to take it.
• Seven signs that she is a real bitch type, and ways how to handle her.
• Five requirements to be called a bestie by girlfriends.
• Three symptoms that show you are definitely addicted to online quizzes.
• Fingerprints are unique for every human.
• Diet or regular drinks: it doesn’t matter at all what you drink.
• We should adapt the Chinese Calender / National Calendar of India.
• We should print small fun items on our coins that symbolizes our nation.
• What you should wear / not wear when giving a prom speech.
• Presidential running mates are politicians who were not able to reach the top themselves.
• How to get – more – Valentine Day cards next year.
• Nomen est omen (latin for name is omen) occurs more often than you think.
• Kung fu training skills should be mandatory for college and high school sports girls and women teachers.
• Vampires and ghosts are only historical legend figures, nevertheless they have much impact on our society when it comes to superstition.
• Thirteen is a lucky number.
• Why there are so many kangaroo, wombats, sheep and koalas in Australia.
• Why Rumpulstilskin is my favorite fairy tale.
• People prefer a clean shaven face instead of a beard or mustache.
• Dating someone who is much older than you are is the only way to date.
• Love at first sight really does exist.
• Lady Gaga has beaten Britney Spears.
• Men like action and women like romantic movies.
• Boyfriends must act romantic.
• (fill in the title of the song of your choice) is the funniest song ever.
• The Human cannonball stunt should be an entertainment event at our next campus event.
• Jay Leno is funny because he has good joke writers.
• Having a third arm is better than a third leg.
• Leather belts with a large buckle look good on guys.
• Experiencing the thrill of a Space Shuttle trip is too expensive.
• Why it’s a good idea to always google a person before you meet her or him for the first time.
• Ten ways to use Twitter with fun public speaking purposes in a maximum of 140 characters.
• Why many students rather text a friend than call her/him.
• Bingo competitions keep grandmas off the streets.
• Don’t take life too seriously – and yourself 🙂
• How to get rid of boring blind dates.
• Blaming your dog for everything that goes wrong is an old way-out.
• 99% percent of the blonds are not stupid at all.
• How to annoy the passenger next to you on a flight.
• The beneficial effects of smoking.
• Some phrases you use to be funny but actually turn out to be boring.
• Jerry Springer ruined America
• Dessert should always be served before dinner
• Golf and Poker: Two things that should never be televised
• Personal things you should always keep to yourself
• Department stores shouldn’t be allowed to sell ugly clothing
• Why you should leave the marriage counseling tips to the marriage counselors
• Facebook is ruining lives every day
• Why the perfect husband just doesn’t exist
• Pigs have better manners than most men
• Rain: It really does have a smell
• Women are much better at handling pain than men
• Why famous people must have a crew of makeup artists and hair stylists following them around all day
• Why Subway is a total rip off
• Totally useless professions
• If only men spent as much time working on their relationships as they do focusing on sports
• Parent fails
• Why everyone wants a pet monkey
• What happens in high school doesn’t really matter all that much

Once you have chosen a topic, you will need to compose the speech structure. This sample of outline will help you getting started. The example topic is: “How to convince the teacher that a household pet ate your homework.”

Start the talk by introducing yourself. For example, “Good Morning, my name is ____.” Then, go for the “gold.” Hit the audience with a statement or question that will grab their attention immediately. Another example: “Who remembers using the excuse that my dog ate my term paper?”

The body of the speech: Three points Hopefully, with the audience waiting with baited breath, the time is ripe to hit them with three good reasons for them to listen to, and agree with, what is being said.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

• Your sister’s pet hamster died, and she needed a small piece of paper to wrap the body in and used your homework paper.
• Your brother was making bedding for his pet gerbil and ran out of newspaper to cut into strips and used your term paper instead.
• Your new dog has been trained to pee on newspaper on the floor, and your homework papers had slipped off the kitchen counter, and, well….

Closing argument More than three points can be made, if indicated. But at least three points should always be used. To close your argument, summarize and end with a strong reason why the audience should agree with you. For example, “With the number and variety of pets available today, one does not have to use the family dog all the time as an excuse for not doing one’s homework.”

Reverse thinking and applying jokes are possible instruments for inventing lots of amusing and droll funny topic for persuasive speech tips and more expanded funny different from standard or daily norm hints and clues for rationalistic speeches.

• How to make fun every day in life.
• The unusual and abnormal working of Murphy’s Law – if anything can go wrong, it will go wrong.
• Chasing idle dreams is a good habit.
• Unexpected disasters that can happen.
• Absurd and laughable job applicant stories.
• How I choose friends far away and maintain those relationships.
• People with mediocre talents have success and high talented people haven’t.
• Why my – any funny speech topics – looks cooler than the… of my neighbour.
• Rare speed limits and the reasons why.
• When I resign, I will …
• My fantasy jokes and humor multiplier x factor
• My motto: I’m flexible by indecision.
• Ways to remember birthdays on the presents you got.
• For her / him who doesn’t have to do it, nothing is impossible.
• How to give your dog or cat a pill.
• Why men are proud of themselves.
• How to cheat poker the nice way.
• Why I don’t want to be a millionaire.
• Eating flowers is possible.
• How to determine you are addicted to the Internet.
• Wine / beer / cocktail of the month.
• How to be a charming host at any event.
• Demonstrate tasting wine in a waggish way.
• If I was my boss, then …
• Happy puppies make humans happy.
• How to deny reality.
• Ten fun things to do during exams.
• Urban running acrobatics.
• 10 ways to order pizzas and make the Italian food restaurant owner crazy.
• Your guides to life are angels.
• How to throw a paper airplane in class.
• Ten things you’ve learned from your pet.
• Personal bloopers are great funny topics for a speech.
• My most profitable mistake.
• Funny computer terms and phrases.
• What women really say when they talk to men.
• Answers on the meaning of life.
• Funny holidays in other countries.
• How foreigners must sound when speaking to natives in their language
• Card games that hardly require any skill
• What my dog would tell me if he could talk
• What the popular kids are like 15 years after graduation
• Words that are hard to say while drunk
• The best cures for a hangover
• The truth about bromance
• Where did swear words come from?
• If our children had to deal with the computers we had back in the day…
• The worst nicknames you’ve been given
• A time when you were glad you were you
• The male brain vs. the female brain
• What to do if you’re being hit on by a complete weirdo
• The advantages of being a woman
• The advantages of being a man
• The things women go through just to look pretty
• If men had a menstrual cycle
• Does anyone ever clean public restrooms?
• How one dog had 101 Dalmatian puppies
• How to create a new word that other people will actually use
• How to boil water
• How to get fired in less than 24 hours
• How to create monsters out of your children
• How to train your cat to be like a dog
• How to be remembered in high school
• How to make lemonade out of lemons (figuratively)
• The art of pretending to listen when your spouse is talking
• If women had mute buttons
• If men were more emotional than women
• Why babies act very similar to drunk adults
• What to do if you burn the turkey at Thanksgiving
• The ugliest fashions of today
• The newest slang terms and what they really mean
• What men really think about women
• What women really think about men
• My worst road rage stories
• PMS: Because men have it too
• The dumbest thing I ever did while drunk
• As a kid, I thought I knew it all. Boy, was I wrong
• A day at Spencer’s
• So, what do people really think when they see your 1,001 selfies?
• Best pranks to use on your spouse
• Why kids are lucky they are cute
• The best and only way to make your kids leave you alone
• Why I could never be a doctor
• When baby is left with dad all day…
• How incompetent people manage to make it through the day
• Review the challenge to find mentally strange funny speech topics in 24 hours.
• Women marry much younger men.
• Bare funny facts about men.
• Funny facts about women.
• Rules men wish women knew.
• How to become a rat and make a fortune.
• Funny first date experiences.
• A true story that ain’t be true in the end …
• Unusual incidents.
• Helpful pinball strategies.
• Reveal the real names of celebrities.
• Extreme golf courses around the world.
• How to cope with a Feng Shui consultant.
• Hidden subliminal messages in songs.
• Funny names, name meaning or nomen est omen.
• Top 5 most stupid questions and answers.
• Clean jokes that are safe for the whole family.
• Optical illusions in art, also called trompe-loeil.
• Fun houseplants in your home.
• How to decorate a really weird Thanksgiving table.
• Time capsules you like to find.
• How to discover who send you a Valentine card.
• Moving Christmas lights that drive your neighbours crazy.
• Criteria for a childproof X-mas tree.
• How to attract hundreds of birds in record time.
• Unique nativity scene figures.
• Strange New Year resolutions.
• Cliches, figures and any text to speech that should be banned.
• What dreams mean.
• What to do on a desert island.
• Top 5 bad business slogans.
• What I like to invent for mankind.
• How to pretend to be a good international exchange student.
• What to write in a message in a bottle if you’re trapped on an island.
• Things to do in a traffic jam.
• Kids should get more pocket money.
• What do I have to do to receive free chicken?
• Imagine your life as a grandpa / grandma
• How to be lazy like a pro
• What teachers do when they’re not teaching
• Ten ways to annoy your parents
• Being the oldest/youngest sibling
• How to feed your dog your homework
• If video game characters were real
• Why did the duck cross the road?
• How to looks smarter than you are
• A narrow escape from trouble
• It was an unusual friendship
• Eating things you don’t like
• Fear of 12th grade
• Getting water from a rock
• Zombie protection
• 20 weird-sounding words and what they mean
• The worst holiday ever
• If you ruled the world
• Fun with super glue
• How to catch a cold
• Short girl problems.
• I am not anti-social, I am just selectively social.
• Things only people that wear glasses can relate to.
• How not to get a date.
• What not to say on a first date.
• A snoring partner costs you a few years of sleep in a lifetime.
• What we can learn from animals when they are looking for food.
• Why people look like their dogs.
• Three ways to write the best gift card for birthday parties.
• Five ways to keep going a boring conversation at a cocktail party.
• How to act like you are an earth-friendly person.
• Tricks to remember names when you forget them all the time.
• Ways to live on the cheap spending as little money as you can.
• How to drive unwanted visitors crazy by painting a psychedelic wall mural.
• Women want bright-colored, funny and worthless goodies as a gift.
• Do’s and don’ts when visiting a new mother and her little newborn crying out loud baby.
• Being rude is the only way to get off telemarketers.
• Tips to take toll high ways or bridges without paying a penny.
• Let others pay your holiday trips with the perfect collect call strategy.
• Decorating your college apartment with a low budget according to the latest furniture fashion trends.
• How to handle well-meaning people you do not like and try to avoid by all means.
• Effective optical cleaning methods for your home shortly before your parents arrive.
• The ten commandments in a restaurant boys and girls room.
• How to drive the baby-sitter crazy in one hour.
• Tips for choosing a practical lunch box, and above all a cool one.
• Behaving requirements in a chique restaurant when having a dinner with your parents.
• Ways to re-use stickers that are not sticky anymore.
• Odd shaped ice cubes in a snap in the coller fridge at home.
• Three fun games to play at beach without a ball.
• Sleeping a night in the backyard with a friend.
• The funniest amusement parks you have been in your life.
• How to design your own personal placemat.
• How to be the perfect gentleman or lady.
• 10 things you better not say in court.
• Fun things to do on the first day of class or the last day of the high school season.
• Words that are hard to say when you’re drunk.
• The advantages women think of being a man.
• Humorous names you can laugh about.
• Why women say they hate sports.
• The 3 biggest lies on the work floor.
• New York City driving rules explained.
• Inappropriate Christmas gifts.
• 10 ways to irritate a telemarketer.
• What are the signs you have had enough to drink.
• 10 ways to freak out your roommate with special dorm room supplies.
• How to train a cat, or dog or other pet to show fun tricks.
• How to make pictures of a new puppy.
• Why nerds rule our society and not creative artists.
• Why you shouldn’t give marriage advice or marriage counseling tips.
• How to reach your goals with humor.
• The story of the perfect husband.
• Gift wrapping tips for men.
• How to prepare fancy meals using only frozen dinners
• Why men are so terrible at wrapping gifts
• If you want to know the truth about yourself, have a kid
• Why Donald Trump doesn’t invest more money into his hair
• Funny things kids say  that adults couldn’t get away with saying
• The dumbest things American criminals have done
• Topics that aren’t meant to be discussed in public
• My guiltiest pleasures revealed
• Things you shouldn’t say while on a date
• How to confuse a telemarketer
• Things no one really knows how to do/say
• If I ever met Will Ferrell
• The dumb things my cat/dog/pet does almost daily
• How to pull off taking a “sick day” after your sports team loses miserably
• The meaning behind some nursery rhymes
• The dumbest thing I’ve ever done
• The cool way to clean up doggy doo-doo
• My thoughts about Napoleon Dynamite
• How to find the penny your baby just swallowed
• The weirdest names celebrity parents have given their children
• Why you should never call the number on the bathroom stall
• The most embarrassing thing I ever wore
• What to do if your blind date is a horrible failure
• Surefire ways to get out of a speeding ticket
• The difference between Taylor Swift and Kanye West

Many writers have joked about speaking without a script in front of groups or answering questions without any preparation. They are right.

Think about it: when your professor asks you to  prepare  an impromptu; well, it seems to be a contradictio in terminis, a funny contrast in terms.

More than you presume. Why don’t you study these task verbs and prepare yourself better than the rest in your class? In general, the more convincing and relaxed a motivational speaker performs without a text to speech, the more she or he has anticipated at home. And that’s often the case.

• Analyse –> Examine closely pros and cons of dating by means of a sugar daddy website. Do write with humor, otherwise choose other good funny impromptu speech topics.
• Argue –> Provide evidence that something is in and not out in fashion.
• Assess –> Determine the value of a Moon property certificate. Yes, they really exist in the real and also virtual world. And people tend to pay for it too 🙂
• Compare –> Discuss the quality of a being humble instead of yelling a way through life.
• Contrast –> Differences between women and men in dating habits.
• Criticize –> Judge the daily television weather forecast.
• Define –> Make clear what The Meaning of Life is, according to Monty Python Brian in the movie The Holy Grail.
• Describe –> List the do’s and don’ts for a man during a romantic dinner for two.
• Discuss –> The against of a fantasy resume at LinkedIn.
• Enumerate –> Present the steps to simple life.
• Evaluate –> The usefulness of uselessness homework assignments. One of the favorite persuasive speech topics of my daughter 🙂
• Explain –> Make clear why we do fart, and why it’s healthy.
• Illustrate –> What does illustrate mean in the context of a funny impromptu speech topics assignment?
• Interpret –> The value of horse racing stats for gamblers.
• Justify –> The end justify the means no matter how unethical or immoral, ahum 🙂
• Outline –> How to make a funny cartoon character of your professor or public speaking instructor step-by-step.
• Prove –> Inventing a time machine is possible …
• Review –> Describe critically a hangover the day after you had a party.
• Summarize –> Principles of funny tv advertising commercials.
• Trace –> The effective step-by-step method to make studying a bit more fun.

104 Environmental Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

10 Salutatorian Speech Ideas Multi-Functional

23 thoughts on “414 Funny and Humorous Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative, Impromptu]”

Just blame the youngest

Tall girl Problems

Why road trips are better with boy and not girls

troubles of being the youngest sibling/child!

Trouble being the oldest sibling/having a younger one

why you should do zumba with morgan from morgans zumba fittness ( MZF )

how covid-19 affected the world

Adults don’t understand kids

Why you should read those emails from your royal Nigerian Prince!

What if all the conspiracy theories that many people believed in were actually true

Why kids should go to boarding school

How can you hear yourself think?

Why 2020’s official flag should be a mask

The troubles of high school : should we care?

Thes are great topics who wrote them

The Friday the 13th theory.

i have a great speech thanks to you and i know heaps others that have them to so tthank you

things I don’t understand

OMG THANKS I NOW I HAVE SPEECH THATS DUE TOMMOROW AND I HAVE IDEAS THANKS TO YOU LIFE SAVERS!!!!! 🙂

What you would do if your best friend committed a crime.

Why we procrastinate and make things harder for ourselves.

why taylor swift is the music industry

nomen est omen is not-

nomen means name est means is omen means sign

((i’m a latin student))

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100+ Funny Speech Topics

“One loses everything when one loses his sense of humor” – Ayn Rand.

People with a cool sense of humor will always be the center of attraction. They are the center of parties. They are the ones in the spotlight. The thing about boring people is that no one really likes to be with them and everyone is looking for an excuse to get out. Everyone is trying to get out and it is as if there is this big circle around them that has a neon sign that says, “Warning, boring person. Stay away.” Being funny is more than just being a smooth talker. It means you are the smartest person in the room. To have a good sense of humor, you need to be able to think ahead. You need to be able to think what others cannot think.

Needless to say that you need to be real quick. Of course, these people with an amazing sense of humor are always liked. What is not to like about them? They are witty, they are fast, they have this aroma of astonishing personality around them.

Tips to deliver a funny speech

1. have a solid content.

Well, you cant say a knock-knock joke and expect the world to laugh hurting their stomach. You need to have solid content. Until and unless you really have something amazing, you are not going to deliver something amazing.

2. Body Language

Body languages play a massive role when it comes to delivering funny speeches. Your eyes need to coordinate what you speak and so do your hands. Body languge has a massive role in funny speeches.

3. Fluctuate the pitch of your voice

Don’t be monotonous. Make your voice hit the crests, make it hit the trough. This is what will keep people more engaged and make the speech look more spontaneous. No one is there to listen to the news. So, crank it up a notch a bit, let it go highs, and let it go lows. 

4. Give more emphasis to the best points

Let’s be honest here, all the points you speak in the speeches are not going to be gold standard ones. Make sure you know what your punch line is and give maximum time to hammer that point home.

5. Make sure you are delivering the speeches as the environment demands

If I am delivering a speech to an elderly population, I would not go with the latest trends of technologies or anything they are not acquainted with.

If the population is new and more of an outgoing one, then I’d probably not quote the happenings of the 14 th  century. It is critical to know the audience and adjust your speech likewise.

6. Make sure that your start and ends are of the gold standard

A solid start gives you a grip and the attention of the crowd as well as the judges. It helps you make a proper foundation for the speech.

The ending is what serves as the desert. It is what you will be remembered for in the eyes of both the audience and the judges.

7. Beat them with confidence

Speak with confidence as if the entire world is listening. Have a commanding voice. Don’t speak like you’re just another person. Confidence comes from preparation and having solid content. Make sure you have them both.

8. Don’t make it look like a rehearsed speech

If you are a newbie, then chances are that the speech looks like a well-rehearsed and practiced one (may appear like a person reading the news). Strictly avoid that. Use jokes and change of tone to combat it.

9. Eye Contacts

This is not new. If you don’t speak by making eye contact, then you don’t become commanding enough. If you can’t give them the vibe that you are someone, even with the best speech you are not going to win.

10. Have stories in your speech

People love stories. They love the imagination and fascination the story brings. So, it might come in handy to include a couple of stories and a few experiences of your own. This gets the audience engaged.

Funny and Persuasive Speech Topics

1. The upside of having a bad memory.

2. Why you should never take life too seriously.

3. Why comic books are actually good for you.

4. How to be a master procrastinator.

5. How to make the perfect paper airplane.

6. Why Pirates are actually the good guys.

7. Why you should always root for the underdog.

8. How to be a couch potato and still stay in shape.

9. The benefits of sleeping in on the weekends.

10. Why napping is actually good for you.

11. How to make the perfect snowball.

12. How to have a conversation with a cat.

13. How to survive a zombie apocalypse.

14. Why unicorns are actually real.

15. How to catch a leprechaun.

16. Why you should never wake a sleeping dragon.

17. The benefits of eating junk food.

18. How to make the perfect fort.

19. Why you should always believe in magic.

20. How to turn a frog into a prince.

21. How to make a wish come true.

22. The importance of always being yourself.

23. How to make the perfect snowman.

24. How to catch Santa Claus.

25. How to get out of doing chores.

26. How to make a boring day fun.

27. How to trick your parents into letting you do what you want.

28. The benefits of eating dessert first.

29. Why you should never give up on your dreams.

30. How to be happy no matter what.

Funny but Informative Speech Topics

1. How to become rich without winning the lottery.

2. How to be popular without being a Kardashian.

3. The history of the world’s most controversial emoji.

4. Why pandas are actually really lazy animals.

5. How to make the perfect PB&J sandwich.

6. The science behind why we love cats.

7. Why dogs are actually man’s best friend.

8. The benefits of sleeping in on the weekends.

9. How to make the perfect scrambled eggs.

10. Why you should never trust a duck.

11. How to get over your fear of public speaking.

12. The pros and cons of being a morning person.

13. Why you should always trust your gut instinct.

14. How to make the perfect cup of tea.

15. Why you should never work with children or animals.

16. The benefits of a healthy diet.

17. How to get over your ex.

18. Why you should never take relationship advice from your friends.

19. The pros and cons of social media.

20. How to deal with haters.

21. The art of the perfect selfie.

22. How to be a successful student.

23. The benefits of exercise.

24. How to make new friends.

25. The importance of a positive attitude.

26. How to deal with failure.

27. The keys to happiness.

28. How to be a successful entrepreneur.

29. The difference between men and women.

30. How to be a good listener.

31. The importance of communication in relationships.

32. The importance of body language.

Impromptu, Funny Speech Topics

1. The worst that can happen when you mix food and love.

2. How to be a good liar without getting caught.

3. The benefits of being a know-it-all.

4. Why we should all learn to do the moonwalk like Michael Jackson.

5. How to beat procrastination once and for all.

6. How to make a really bad first impression.

7. The art of people watching and what you can learn from it.

8. The joys of being single and why it’s better than being in a relationship.

9. Why we love reality TV even though we know it’s trash.

10. How to be a master of procrastination.

11. The merits of being a shopaholic and why it’s good for the economy.

12. How to be popular without even trying.

13. Why being an introvert is actually awesome.

14. How to make small talk interesting (or at least bearable).

15. How to be a great wingman/wingwoman.

16. The art of being a hermit and why it’s underrated.

17. Why we love to hate on celebrities even though we secretly admire them.

18. How to be a great kisser (based on extensive research, of course).

19. The benefits of being a couch potato.

20. How to be a master of flirting without even trying.

21. The art of the prank and why it’s so satisfying.

22. Why being lazy is actually awesome.

23. The joys of sleep and why we can’t live without it.

24. How to make the perfect cup of coffee (or tea, depending on your preference).

25. The benefits of daydreaming and why it’s good for you.

26. How to be a great procrastinator.

27. The joys of being single and why it’s better than being in a relationship.

28. Why we love reality TV even though we know it’s trash.

29. How to be popular without even trying.

30. The best way to avoid getting sick during the winter season.

31. How to get over your ex in just a few days.

32. The worst pick-up lines that you have ever heard.

33. The most embarrassing moments of your life.

34. How to deal with a difficult boss or co-worker.

35. Why you should never break up with someone via text message.

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6 Ways to Guarantee Laughs During Your Next Speech

We’ve all been there. The spotlight is on you, you’ve set up the perfect joke, you nail the punchline, and… crickets .

It’s never fun to feel like your humor isn’t reading as funny to the audience. That’s why I’m here to teach you my six greatest tips and tricks on how to make a speech funny, or your (metaphorical) money back.

See Related:  Best MC Jokes For A Conference

#1: Tell Relatable Stories

If there’s one thing we learned from Seinfeld , it’s that the everyday is funny . Use this to your advantage in your speech!

Audiences laugh when they see their own experience reflected onstage. Add relatable humor to your speech with these ideas:

Turn Frustration Into Comedy

What got on your nerves this morning? It was something. I know it was. You know it was. We all know it was.

And you know what? I bet it was funny and would be great for your master of ceremonies speech .

Let me guess…

Did your family member turn on a bright light while you were still asleep? Speech material.

Did one of your friends cut you off on the way to work, causing your chai latte to spill on your brand-new pants? Speech material.

Were you (yet again) not Caller #5 and didn’t win your radio station’s giveaway for tickets to John Mayer’s Sob Rock Tour? (I’m terribly sorry – but speech material.)

These sorts of situations may get on your nerves in the moment, but I promise that, when transformed into a joke told with the right spirit, they will be funny and make the audience laugh.

The main idea when writing your funny speech is to shift your own perspective from frustrated to amused.

#2: Use Your Physicality to Communicate

Humor isn’t just about the words you say. A major part of making a good joke and creating a funny speech is using your body language to tell the story.

What do I mean? Well , think about your favorite comedians .

From Ali Wong to John Mulaney, comedians each have their own way of using their bodies to add humor to the funny stories they tell. It’s like a secret, other skill that is so ingrained in their performances, you may not notice it at first.

Every great comic uses gestures and physicality to deliver their material and engage audiences.

Act as characters

In your speech, maybe you’re telling a funny anecdote about a parent-teacher conference you had with your son’s kindergarten teacher. Instead of just speaking about the event, make people laugh by playing it out for the audience!

Go ahead, embody the teacher and her proper, stiff posture. Show guests how utterly ridiculous it looked when you sat down in a tiny chair made to fit a five year-old because the teacher didn’t have an adult-sized chair for you to use.

I can hear the laughter already!

No need to overdo it

Remember, your shifts in body language don’t need to be hyperbolic. During speeches, even the slightest, most intentional changes will go a long way in helping the audience understand your story audibly and visually.

#3: Deliver Originality

Humorous speeches are based in truth . The best way to ground your speeches in truth is to use your own material!

This may seem simple, but it cannot be overstated: if you’ve heard the joke before, I promise your audience has too.

Personalize Your Funny Speech to the Event

It can be tough to create a humorous message that will pull lots of laughter out of your audience! But with practice, I promise you’ll become a pro – just like a regular ol’ event emcee . 

The best way to stay funny, original, and on-task is to remember the primary goal of the event :

What is the goal of the event?

Is it to help new students feel comfortable at a large university? To raise money for a local grassroots nonprofit?

Once you understand what the client hopes to achieve through these events (and, therefore, your speeches), you can begin adding humor that focuses on those particular subjects.

Here’s an example :

If I’m making a humorous speech with the goal of exciting the crowd before a 5K Fun Run begins, I might make a self-deprecating joke about the utter irony of putting the words “fun” and “run” next to each other – lighthearted, relatable for many, and sure to ease some runners’ nerves when they hear it.

Got Writer’s Block?

It happens to the best of us!

Here are some writing prompts to get your creativity, word play, and humor flowing:

• Write about something that made you laugh out loud recently.
• Write about the silliest message you’ve ever received over phone, text, or email.
• Write about the most memorable slip-up you’ve ever made in public.
• Write about a few people who make you laugh – what about them is so funny to you?
• If you are the punch line, write the joke.

Bonus:  What Does An Event Host Do?

#4: Structure Your Jokes

Look, not everything can be funny to everyone (and if you discover the magical meme that is the exception to that rule, please send it to me ASAP).

However, you can do yourself a favor by structuring your comedy with intentionality.

Not Sure How to Structure Your Jokes?

Here are the main categories into which most jokes fall:

We touched on the main points of anecdotal jokes at the beginning – they just involve telling a funny story from your own life!

An incident while baking holiday cookies ? A mix-up that surprised you while picking your child up from school? The sound of a squeaking chair at a very inopportune moment?

As the speaker, your humorous stories are all fair game!

You guessed it – one-liners are jokes told in just one sentence. Deliver one-liners smartly and you will have the room in stitches.

Observational

I mentioned Seinfeld earlier – that show is a classic example of observational humor! Observational jokes comment on the absurdity of everyday experiences and are great to add to your speeches.

A recent example of observational humor in television would be Abbott Elementary . Each episode tells a story about the everyday joys and frustrations that can come with working at a public elementary school in Philadelphia – and finds a way to create humor and heart in every moment.

Topical humor pokes fun at current events, be it the news, celebrity culture, or the latest Tik Tok trend. A dash of topical humor, when used appropriately, can grab your audience’s attention and be an asset to your funny speech.

However, you must stay aware of the client’s needs. If they prefer that politics and pop culture stay out of your presentation for fear of rubbing an audience member the wrong way, you must respect this. In fact, it can be safer to stay away from topical humor unless you know you have the right audience for it.

Self-Deprecating

Self-deprecating jokes are all about finding humor in your own flaws. It’s great to be able to laugh at yourself, but be careful not to use so much self-deprecating humor that it makes your audience feel uncomfortable.

#5: Tone Is Your Friend

In the same vein as physicality, your voice is an incredibly effective tool for making folks laugh.

What Do I Mean?

Say you’re telling an anecdotal joke about your niece’s sixth birthday party. Sure, you could use your everyday intonation to “play” the various roles at the party. But…

Wouldn’t it be funnier to give each character a distinct intonation?

Your six year-old niece’s high-pitched, bell-like voice. Your brother’s gruff, Midwestern tone. The angelic, sing-song-y sound of the actor playing a Disney princess to entertain the kids.

Each character in the story is another opportunity for creativity, and for laughs.

Let’s Take a Tip from Actors

Even when you’re not playing a character other than yourself, your voice is still an incredibly useful instrument. Why?

Your voice is the audience’s guide.

Softness versus loudness. Lightning-quick speech versus indulgent slowness. Serious versus playful.

Whenever you speak, you make a million little choices . Be intentional about those, because your audience is (quite literally) taking your cue!

Convey Confidence

Delivery is everything. If a speaker or corporate emcee can deliver your presentation with a strong sense of confidence, the audience will feel safe to let loose and laugh. But this takes practice!

I feel disappointed when a speaker exudes insecurity. Try your best to put yourself in the audience’s shoes – wouldn’t you prefer to watch someone with great command of the room and confidence in their presentation?

I know I would!

#6: Bring People Together

Your audience is full of different people – many of whom you don’t know, and who will find different things humorous. Here are some tips for making everyone feel comfortable and ready to laugh:

Speak to Universal Experiences

It is important to do your absolute best not to ostracize anyone in the audience. Your client has hired you to help everyone feel comfortable. So, what is the best way to go about doing this in a diverse society?

When writing your speech, focus on humor that is a testament to the human experience , so that most people will relate to it. Adults, kids, everyone!

I don’t mean to be vague – the opposite, in fact. Specificity is funny.

Here are some examples:

There are certain human experiences with which every single person can identify:

• Talk about a time when you felt embarrassed as a teenager .
• Make a joke about an insecurity you had growing up, and still have to this day.
• Surprise the audience with a weird dream you had recently.
• Keep guests laughing with anecdotes about lessons you’ve learned the hard way.

Balance Listening and Speaking

Okay, okay, I know you’re giving a speech – that sort of implies that you’re talking. But listening is an equally important factor in your delivery of a hilarious speech.

It can be scary, but practice including pauses in your speech. Depending on the joke, the audience may need a few seconds to digest it before they begin laughing. Sometimes, your silence is the most entertaining part – if allowed, the audience will often fill that silence with laughter.

And, Scene!

As I’ve said before, humor is subjective – that will always be the case.

If you haven’t been getting the laughs you’ve hoped for, please talk kindly to yourself. Creating a humorous speech that appeals to many people takes lots of practice – you will get there!

Keep Reading:  How To Host A Networking Event

Adam Christing  has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000  company meetings ,  special events ,  gala celebrations , and more. He is the  author of several books  and founder of  CleanComedians.com .   For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on  Instagram ,  Facebook ,  Pinterest ,  LinkedIn , and  YouTube .

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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.

Highly Recommended Articles:

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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The happiness when receiving a call marking the job interview gives rise to endless anxiety. After all, it’s only a few minutes to prove your worth, impress the recruiter and seize the opportunity. However, to do well at the job interview, you need to think about what you will say, how you will present yourself,…

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An easy guide to all 15 types of speech, how can i have a successful speech using humor.

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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A Guide To Using Humor In Your Speech

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking

Charlie Chaplin said, “A Day Without Laughter Is A Day Wasted.” These words couldn’t stand truer for the day when you’re going to be delivering a speech. 

And yet many, many speakers are apprehensive of using humour in their speech. To add that ‘creative kick’, they choose instead to go with the relatively safer options of telling a quote, or a story, or sometimes chose to omit this bout of creativity altogether. 

Their apprehension isn’t wrong. 

A badly phrased or timed joke can kill the mood. However, an apt and well-timed joke can catapulate an audience’s interest in both; the speech and the speaker.

Adding humour to your speech can make your audience feel more relaxed and comfortable, and makes it easier for them to formulate a personal connection with you. This will, in turn, make it more likely that they will remember you and your speech in the future.  

In fact, many great public speakers understand that humour is not just an added ingredient to make a speech intriguing–it has now become a necessary one. 

This is why it’s imperative that you get over your humor apprehension and start adding it to your speeches. And how do you do I do that, you ask? 

Well, we’re here to help you! 

Importance Of Adding Humor To A Speech

1. makes you bond with the audience.

One of the most important elements that makes a great speaker is their ability to relate to and bond with their audience. If the audience can relate to you, if they feel a connection with you, then till will remember you–and your speech.

Humor is a great way of achieving this. A speaker who uses humor effectively is more human, more real, more like one of them , to the audience. Jokes put the audience at ease and make them more comfortable with you, and make it more likely that they will remember you for a long time.

2. Makes Them Remember You

One of the most difficult feats for a speaker to achieve is to not be forgettable. You want the audience to remember you long after you’ve finished speaking, and not forget about what you said the moment you get off of the stage.

Adding humor to your speech will make it more likely that they will remember you for a long time. A well placed joke is often easier to remember than a long or complicated point. Moreover, they might also repeat your joke to someone else, thereby increasing the reach that you have.

3. Gives The Audience A Break

If you speaking for a long time without offering the audience any relief, then chances are, they’re going to be dozing off before you reach even a quarter of your speech.

Humor prevents this by giving the audience a break from the monotony of continuous talk. It gives them a moment to refresh themselves, to chuckle and think about something other than your speech for a moment. When the moment ends and you slip back into the main topic, chances are, your audience will listen to you with renewed and prolonged interest instead of dozing off.

4. Makes It Easier To Get Across A Point

Not only does humor provide the audience a reprieve from much dreaded monotony, but it also makes it easier for them to grasp the points that you’re trying to make.

This is because humor simplifies things for the audience. As the speaker, you’re already well-versed in the topic you wish to deliver. However, your audience is perhaps not–at least, not till your level. Thus, by incorporating jokes that elaborate on principal points in your speech, you can make it easier for your audience to grasp what you’re trying to say.

5. Makes The Audience Feel At Home

Humor breaks the ice in the room, and there are few things that will warm up your audience not only to you but to each other as well than a shared laugh. Especially if you’re addressing an unfamiliar group, it’s imperative that you make them feel comfortable with you and the venue.

Cracking a joke at the beginning of your speech is one of the best ways of doing this. This will make sure that the audience is comfortable right from the beginning of your speech, and it will make it more likely for them to be receptive and interested in what you’re going to be saying for the rest of the event.

The Do’s and Don’t’s Of Making The Audience Laugh

Making someone laugh is no easy feat. And making an entire group of people is even more difficult.

But it’s not impossible –not if you keep in mind a few basic tips. And no, you don’t need to be a professional comedian or even a natural-born one to be able to successfully employ humor in your speech. What you need is the willingness to step out of your comfort zone, and to practice, practice, practice.

The Don’ts Of Making Audience Laugh

Don’t make it too complicated.

This is a very common mistake that most speakers make, especially if humor isn’t something that comes to them naturally. They make their jokes too complicated or too specific, thereby confusing the audience.

If your audience doesn’t understand the joke, they’re not going to laugh at it, period. You want the joke to be simple enough to be grasped by most of your audience. Keep the complex stuff for your speech–and even then, it’s best to be familiar with and mindful of your audience’s level.

Remember that the joke is directed towards the audience and not you. Therefore, it is imperative that while you’re thinking of the joke, you keep your audience in your mind.

Don’t Use Too Many Jokes

While it’s important to sprinkle your speech with jokes, the keyword here is sprinkle . Don’t dump an entire handful of them over it. Use humor aptly, and you will attain all the benefits associated with it.

However, if you use too much of it or simply use it too often, then then it’s going to have the opposite effect. That is, your audience is more likely going to groan at your joke rather than laugh at it. The best way to avoid this to only use humor when it feels natural to do so. That is, don’t just add a joke because you’re unsure what to say, but rather add a joke where you’re sure it will work.

Don’t Tell Them You’re Going To Say Something Funny 

Seriously, don’t. 

One of the biggest mistakes that a person can make before telling a joke is telling the audience that they’re going to be telling a joke. It sounds about as awkward as the three tellings did in the previous sentence. 

This is because it raises your audience’s expectations. Unless and until your story is something that will have them rolling on the floor in laughter, they’re going to be disappointed. Not only this, but it makes you look bad as a speaker, and it also takes away the element of spontaneity from the joke or speech. 

So, next time you want to tell a joke…

…just tell it.  

Don’t Use Controversial Topics 

How often has it happened that you have an amazing opinion of a speaker…

…and then it all goes downhill when they tell a joke. 

Remember that your audience is diverse and has diverse beliefs and opinions. Some topics–like religion, race, and gender–are bound to invite controversial reactions in the audience. 

You don’t want to alienate your audience. Rather, you want them to feel like they belong.

So, the next time you’re giving a speech, don’t use controversial topics. 

The Do’s Of Making The Audience Laugh

Do perfect the delivery.

Once you’re done with practice, then comes the next, and the most important, step: delivering the speech to an audience. Delivering an awesome joke that you’ve practiced a hundred times and being met with crickets for response is embarrassing. To avoid that, the first thing you must do is practice your delivery.

Don’t read your jokes off of a piece of paper. That’s simply terrible. You need to practice your jokes until they’re naturally woven into your speech and you can recite them from memory. Deliver your humor in a conversational way, and not like you’ve spent hours memorizing it. Keep in mind the “Rule Of Three” i.e if you haven’t delivered your punch line by the third line of your joke…it’s too long.

For more information on how to deliver your speech, check out our article on Body Language & It’s Contribution To The Process Of Communication .

Do Make Sure The Joke Has A Point

Remember that you’re not on stage for a stand-up comedy show but to deliver a speech. Don’t just add a random joke, no matter how funny or relatable it is. You need to make sure the joke you’re making is relevant to the topic in hand, and elaborates or simplifies it in some way.

If your joke isn’t relevant to the topic in hand, the audience might find it funny, yes. But they will most likely also end up confused about the point you’re trying to make, and thus lose track of the main speech that you’re there to deliver.

Be Appropriate

Lastly, while delivering the joke, it’s imperative that you deliver it in an appropriate manner and in a way that you don’t end up offending your audience’s sentiments.

To do this, make sure that you look up what your audience is likely going to be composed of beforehand. Search about their likes and dislikes, things familiar and unfamiliar to them. Most importantly, however, it is important to educate yourself and keep yourself updated about what’s happening in the world on a regular basis, and not just before your speech.

If you do end up accidentally saying something that you shouldn’t have, it’s best to apologize. Remember that saying sorry doesn’t make you a smaller person–quite the opposite, really.

Do Incorporate Pauses 

You don’t want to rush through your joke in one breath, and then plunge straight into your subject matter. Your audience needs time to comprehend the joke: otherwise, they won’t laugh.

So, make sure to have appropriate breaks between and within jokes. It’s especially important to pause both before and after delivering the punch line. This is to give your audience the chance to formulate an opinion, which you will then subvert with the punch-line, and also to increase their anticipation level. Pausing after the punch-line is imperative to give them a chance to process your joke, especially if it’s a bit complex. 

Do Make Sure It’s Relevant 

Don’t use humor that doesn’t drive forward and expand on your main point. You don’t want to randomly dive into a story about your encounter with a ninja…unless your speech has to do something with encounters. Or ninjas (in which case, may I attend it?). 

The point is, use relevant humor. This will make sure that your audience doesn’t get confused about the point of your speech, and that they don’t lose out on important stuff that you’re saying because they’re trying to figure out how your joke fits into what they’ve been led to believe they’re there to hear. 

How To Add Humour To A Speech (Even If You’re Not A Comedian)

1. using anecdotes .

“Last summer, I visited a Yoga Retreat in the middle of nowhere…”

Many people feel more comfortable sharing their stories than slipping in a well-timed jab in the middle of their speech. Then why not combine both, and make it a funny story? The best and easiest way of employing natural humor in your speech is by drawing on your personal experience. 

Think about that embarrassing moment that was definitely not funny at the time, but you can now think back on chuckling to yourself. Or, if you’re not comfortable sharing something about yourself, think of a funny story that someone else told you. You can even use experiences common to most people–like having a little kid to take care of or college professors to tackle. 

Don’t worry about people having heard it before. 

Sometimes a good cliche is exactly what people need. 

If you need more help with using storytelling in your speech, check out our article on 9 Storytelling Approaches For Your Next Speech Or Presentation.

Here’s an example of incorporating anecdotes in your speech. As you watch the video, keep an eye on how the speakers phrase the story, their body language, and their facial expressions. Try to incorporate the same in your speech.

2. Surprising The Audience 

A perfectionist walked into a bar…apparently, the bar wasn’t set high enough.

Who doesn’t like surprises (except my mother)? 

And who doesn’t like jokes (except my father)?

Combine both elements, and your audience is in for a treat! 

And no, by surprise, I don’t mean you have to literally surprise them. 

Humour tends to naturally pop up when your perfection about what someone is going to say next is off the mark. The dissonance between sentences can be annoying, yes. But if done right, it can win you that surprised dose of laughter that you’re vying for.

And how do you surprise your audience? 

The best way of doing this is by using a set up and punch-lines. 

A set-up builds your audience’s expectations for a particular outcome. The punchline reveals the surprise and upturns the audience’s expectations. However, one key factor to keep note of while delivering your punch line is to keep it at the end of your sentence. 

This is because if you keep it in the middle, most people will be too focused on what you’re going to say to make deeper sense of what you’re actually saying right now. Also, words spoken at the end of a sentence or paragraph tend to have a greater impact–which is exactly what you want your punchline to do.  

Following is an example of excellent punch-line delivery. Make note of how the speaker says his punch lines. Notice how he pauses before delivering the line, the way he waits for the audience’s reaction, and the way he phrases the punch-lines to increase its impact.

3. Add Shock Value By Playing With Words 

Does anyone need an Ark? I Noah guy.

Phrases with dual meanings can be interpreted in more than one way, and if you use them in an appropriate way, can garner a good laugh from the audience. In such phrases, while the first meaning is apparent, the deeper intonation is something that might take a couple of seconds to click . 

However, once it does–especially if your timing was great–then it might have the audience chuckling for a while. The easiest way of adding dual meanings to your speech is by using the set-up and punch-line method mentioned above. Use the setting to suggest one meaning, and then when the punchline rolls around, use it to insinuate an entirely different meaning. 

And the deeper intonation doesn’t have to be something cliche, either: you can make it something profound, or a sentence with more underlying depth or impact than the initial, seemingly silly, one.

You can also add puns to your joke. A pun is a grammatical effect that uses two words or expressions that sound similar or the same, but have two very different meanings. Normally in a pun, the first meaning is quite reasonable, while the second one might be less sensible or humorous in some way. 

Forr example, “Santa Clause – patron saint of grammar.” 

However, while playing with words, a key factor to keep in mind is to not go for cheap laughs at the expense of particular people or groups. This might have the opposite effect and entirely put off your audience.

In the following video, the speaker not only makes amazing use of puns, but also surprises the audience. In the beginning, it doesn’t appear that he’s going to be able to have the judges rolling in laughter–but that’s exactly what happens! Notice the way he uses the words, and the way he plays with them to make the audience laugh.

4. Adding Self-Depreciating Humor 

The only time I’m funny is when I insult myself

Audience tends to react positively to speakers who are self-depreciating–and by self-depreciating, I don’t mean self-loathing , no. 

I’m talking about self-depreciating humor–which is light-hearted humour at the expense of the speaker. 

This is because self-depreciating humour can make you seem more real or grounded to the audience. It also makes it easier for them to connect with you. When they laugh at your jokes, they’re not laughing at you but with you: they recognize some part of themselves in what you’re saying i.e they relate to you. 

It’s an extremely cathartic and fun experience. 

However, be careful not to overdo it. 

Remember, you’re trying to make the audience laugh , not to make them feel bad for you. 

This speech is an excellent example of how you can use self-depreciating humor without giving the audience the impression that you’re trying to make them feel sorry for you. Watch how the speaker uses self-depreciating humor skillfully, and while writing your speech, use his technique.

5. Use Audio-Visual Effects

Using audio-visual effects will not only make your presentation more engaging, but it will also add a kick of uniqueness to it. 

Using audio-visual effects to amplify the humour in your speech is a great idea because it will provide the audience a reprieve from the monotony of listening to a speaker for long stretches of time. 

You can add visual elements in many ways. If you’re displaying a presentation, you can add a meme or two into the slides. You can also show a short funny clip or a GIF. 

Audio effects can be timed beforehand and cued in during critical elements of your speech. For instance, you can add a funny audio during a punch-line, or while you’re delivering an anecdote. 

Done right, this will grab your audience’s attention, and make them re-focus on your presentation. 

In the following speech, the speaker makes outstanding use of audio-visual elements to make his speech stand out. Keep your eye on the screen behind him, and notice how he uses images and illustrations to make the experience more appealing for the audience.

6. Use Slapstick To Add Humor The Old-Fashioned Way

Slapstick comedy is easier said than done. However, if you do manage to pull it off,  it will provide a powerful kick and add more dimension to your presentation. 

Slapstick will also make you more real and relatable to the audience. It might be overused, however, it will add a burst of warmth and nostalgia to the audience’s experience. I understand that acting is not everyone’s forte, and not everyone will be comfortable enacting a comic play.

But I’m not asking you to turn into Charlie Chaplin. You don’t need to enact an entire funny scene or play. 

Even a small snippet of a scene, if done correctly, will do the trick.

All you need to do is get out of your comfort zone and practice!

This video is a classic example of how slapstick comedy doesn’t necessarily have to be boring. While the comic element in your speech doesn’t need to be as long, you can incorporate the technique used in your own.

7. Use Audience-Oriented Humor

What’s a comedian’s least favorite drink?  Answer: booze

Since your audience is the one that’s going to be listening to your speech–and your jokes–it only makes sense that you use humor that will be understood and cherished by them.

Your humor should be directed towards and specific to your audience. That is, you need to change the kind of humor you’ll evoke and the type of jokes you’ll use based on what your audience comprises of.

For instance, if your audience is comprised of college-goers, your humor must incorporate subjects and experiences that are familiar to them. If your audience is mostly working people over forty years, then you’ll need to make tweaks to your planned jokes so that the humor is more relatable to them.

So, before you sit down and begin planning your jokes, make sure you’re familiar with your audience’s taste and preferences. After all, no matter how good or well-timed the joke, if they don’t understand it, they won’t laugh at it.

In the following example, comedian Ellen DeGeneres uses humor that is easily understood by her audience, thus evoking much laughter. It’s one of the most entertaining Oscar opening speeches, and for good reason! Notice how he keeps the audience engaged and calls out a few members to make things interesting.

8. Take Inspiration From Real Life

While it’s important to have your jokes prepared beforehand, a secret ingredient that’ll take the humor level of your speech to the next level is by keeping a lookout for anything funny happening around you as you’re giving the speech.

That is, you need to pay attention if there’s anything that your audience is doing which can be turned into an impromptu joke. Say, someone, yawning. Or, a funny reaction that someone gives to your speech.

You can frame these events in a funny way and point them out while speaking. You can even directly address an audience member by asking them a funny question or simply asking if they agree with a humorous comment that you’ve made.

The key is to add a dose of spontaneous and life to your presentation. More often than not, it is these unscripted moments that will linger in your audience’s mind rather than the ones you’ve painstakingly timed beforehand.

The following example is a great way through which you can make impromptu comedy not feel forced to the audience. As you watch it, notice how the speaker is on his feet, the way he delivers his jokes, as well as the subject matter of the jokes.

9. Using Props

Another great way of adding humor to a speech is by using props! This is a fun way to add a touch of uniqueness to your speech and to re-focus your audience’s attention on something other than you and the stage.

There are many different types of props which you can use. You can use puppets, suitcases, a table…anything you can think of, really! However, make sure that just like your jokes, the prop is relevant to the topic in hand. Don’t just use a prop simply for the sake of using one, or else it will take away from your speech instead of adding anything to it.

Using props can seem tough, but it doesn’t have to be so! The following video is a great example of how you can use props to make your speech more lively, funny, as well as entertaining to watch!

10. You Don’t Have To Be Perfect

Nobody’s perfect. I’m nobody… So I’m perfect.

Lastly, remember that you’re not trying to win a stand-up contest. You don’t need to be the best comedian in the world or even the funniest person in the room. You’re there to deliver a speech. You’re there to share with the audience your knowledge and your experiences, and the audience is there to receive them.

It’s okay if you mess up. It’s alright if the audience doesn’t laugh at one joke. It doesn’t matter if you messed up a punch-line.

What matters is that you’re there, and you did it! You gave your best.

Humorous Ted Talk Speech Examples

1. inside the mind of a master procrastinator.

This speech is no doubt one of the funniest Ted Talks I’ve ever come across, and for good reason!

Takeaway: A major reason for this is the speaker’s use of imagery and cartoons to add a dose of entertaining audio-visual elements to the speech. He neither overdoes it with the visuals nor does he underuse them. His speech structure and the punch timing don’t hurt, either. As you watch it, keep a lookout for these things, and try to incorporate audio-visuals in your speech in a similar way.

2. A Highly Scientific Taxonomy Of Haters

This is another great Ted Talk in which the speaker uses humor in a creative way to get across their point.

Takeaway: This is an example of how your humor doesn’t necessarily have to be slapstick or obvious. It also shows how humor doesn’t need to be a filler in a speech: it’s not merely there to entertain. Rather, you can use humor to add more dimensions to your speech and to make it easier for your audience to grasp otherwise difficult concepts.

3. The Happy Secret To Better Work

Another great Ted Talk was delivered by psychologist Shawn Achor, in which he argues that happiness actually leads to more productivity.

Takeaway: This is a great Ted Talk if you’re a professional looking for how to deliver your message to the audience using humor as a medium. Notice how the speaker keeps the audience laughing and in a good mood as he delivers his speech.

Notice the speaker’s body language, and how he smiles often to make a connection with his audience. He isn’t a professional comedian, but he doesn’t let that fact hinder his speech in any way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. how do i add humor to the beginning (or the end) of a speech .

There are many ways using which you can add humor to the opening of your speech. 

You could start off by telling a funny story. This can be your personal experience, or just something imaginary. A funny story is a great way to begin your speech, because not only does a story capture your audience’s attention right off the bat, but the added element of humor elevates your audience’s mood. This will ensure that they have a favorable opinion of you–and the rest of the speech! 

For the ending, too, you could use a shorter version of a story. Or, another way of adding humor to the beginning or ending of a speech is the good old fashioned way: tell a joke. 

If it’s the ending, you could go with a joke that loops into or makes a reference to something that you’ve said before. If you’re starting off, start with something unique and fresh! 

Q. How Do I Add Humor To A Serious Speech 

So, what if your speech topic isn’t something light? What if you’re delivering a serious speech? Can you still add humor to it? 

The answer: Yes. 

Adding humor to a serious speech will give your audience a chance to breathe & to take a break from the heavy subject matter.

However, you need to make sure that the humor doesn’t seem forced or out of place. It should flow with your speech, and not feel like an external constituent that you’ve added simply because you have to.

You can still use the different ways of adding humor to a speech that we’ve mentioned above. However, make sure that you add them at appropriate time intervals, and that they expand upon what you’re trying to get across. Also, try not to use too many jokes, or bunch them all together, as this will affect the overall tone of your speech. 

 Q3. How Do I Find My Unique Sense Of Humor 

It’s important to have your own unique sense of humor, not just in everyday life, but during speeches as well. This will make sure that your jokes aren’t bland and overused, and that the humor in your speech feels natural and not forced. 

You can’t just wake up one day and discover what kind of humor fits you. You need to put in time and effort in real life to find your own personal touch. 

One way of doing this is by delving into humorous content. So, watch that stand up comedy show or YouTube video, or read that hilarious book you’ve been wanting to. You need to learn what you find funny, and what type of content makes you chuckle.

Then, try incorporating them into everyday life situations, or simply practice by yourself first before moving onto other people. It’s important to be considerate of your audience and make sure that your jokes aren’t offensive, yes. But don’t change your natural style to cater to other people–you will never be able to stand out or find your own voice this way.

Q4. What If My Audience Doesn’t Laugh? 

A speaker’s worst fear: they tell a joke to an auditorium full of people, and there’s pin drop silence (or, well, so it feels). 

However, don’t despair if the audience doesn’t laugh at your joke.

Pause for a little bit. Give them time. It could be that they haven’t yet understood it. 

If there’s still no reaction, don’t lose heart. 

It’s important to not let your audience control your emotions. Remember that your goal is not laughter but to get across your point. Take a deep breath, and continue on with your speech. Don’t let embarrassment make you skip the rest of your jokes. Tell them as you were going to–just because they didn’t laugh at one joke doesn’t mean they’re not going to laugh at others.

If you feel like understanding was a problem, then you can make little tweaks to your delivery or the content matter to make it easier for your audience to grasp the joke. You could even prepare a witty response to such a scenario in advance, and use it if the situation does arise.

To sum up, adding humor to your speech is imperative not just to liven it up, but also to make it easier for the audience to understand it and to cement your speech in their mind for years to come. While adding humor to your speech might seem like a daunting task at first, by using the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can easily train yourself to use humor easily as well as effectively in your future talks!

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510 Funny Speech Topics & Informative, Persuasive Ideas

• Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
• Icon Page 4018 words
• Icon Clock 18 min read

Funny speech topics revolve around entertaining themes that provoke laughter and amusement. They often include anecdotal tales, parodies, satires, and personal comic experiences that can humanize the speaker, bringing a relatable touch. Topics may range from humorous perspectives on everyday life to playful takes on societal norms, trending pop culture, or even absurd, hypothetical scenarios. Using humor, the speaker can delve into subject matters that would otherwise seem mundane or generic, transforming them into hilarious narratives or poignant commentary. The aim is to inspire laughter while creating an engaging and memorable experience for the listeners. In turn, successful funny speech topics not only tell jokes but also convey a message or a lesson wrapped in humor, making communication effective and enjoyable.

Best Fun Speech Topics

• Evolution of Animation in the 21st Century
• Impacts of Virtual Reality on Human Perception
• Dark Matter: The Unsolved Mystery of the Universe
• Astonishing Advances in Bionic Technologies
• Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Cultures of the World
• Intriguing Intersections of Science and Religion
• Food as Art: The World of Culinary Creativity
• Influence of Hip-Hop Culture on Fashion Trends
• Polar Bears: Survival Tactics in Extreme Conditions
• Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizes Healthcare Delivery
• Comic Books: Powerful Platforms for Social Commentary
• Rise of Plant-Based Diets: Pros and Cons
• Deep-Sea Creatures and Their Bizarre Adaptations
• Space Tourism: The Dawn of a New Era
• Mysterious Phenomenon of Crop Circles Explained
• Blockchain Technology Redefines Financial Transactions
• Cryptids: Chasing Legends in Modern Folklore
• Futuristic Architecture: Innovations for Sustainable Cities
• Mind-Bending Mysteries of the Human Brain
• Walking the Tightrope: Balancing Work and Play
• Cultivating Happiness: The Science Behind Positive Psychology
• Sustainable Fashion: Revolution in the Apparel Industry
• Fascinating World of Bio-Luminescent Organisms
• Time Capsules: Messages for Future Generations
• Unraveling the Secret Language of Dolphins
• Living Off-Grid: A Lifestyle Without Technology
• Coffee Culture: Global Variations and Traditions

Easy Fun Speech Topics

• Magic of Mushrooms: Fungi’s Role in Ecosystems
• Living on Mars: Future of Space Colonization
• Influence of Memes on Popular Culture
• Color Psychology: Effects on Human Behavior
• Unheard Languages: The World’s Least Known Tongues
• Secrets of the Deep Jungle: Uncharted Wildlife
• Dream Interpretation: Unlocking the Subconscious Mind
• Insects: Underappreciated Heroes of Biodiversity
• Longevity: Unraveling the Secrets of Blue Zones
• Tea Ceremonies: Rituals Around the World
• Ghost Towns: Stories of Abandoned Places
• Pioneering Women in the Field of Science
• Resilience: Understanding Human Adaptability in Adversity
• Robotics: Future of Automation in Daily Life
• Gastronomy: The Science Behind Delicious Food
• Public Art: Catalysts for Urban Renewal
• Urban Farming: Greening the Concrete Jungle
• Wildlife Photography: Capturing Nature’s Wonders
• Augmented Reality: Changing the Face of Entertainment
• The Intriguing History of Cryptography
• Unusual Sports From Around the Globe
• Quantum Computing: The Future of Technology
• Bird Migration: A Stunning Global Journey
• Harnessing the Power of Solar Energy

Interesting Fun Speech Topics

• Demystifying the Illusion Art of Street Performers
• Life Under Ice: Exploring Antarctica’s Ecosystem
• Making Music With Unconventional Instruments
• Volcanoes: Nature’s Spectacular Fireworks
• Secret World of Spies: Espionage Through the Ages
• Tattoos: Body Art Across Cultures and Histories
• Culinary Adventures: Exotic Foods of the World
• Pyramids: The Mysteries of Ancient Architecture
• Butterflies: Nature’s Flying Masterpieces
• Bioluminescence: The Science of Living Light
• Forest Bathing: The Healing Power of Nature
• Battle of the Browsers: Evolution of Internet Surfing
• Therapeutic Effect of Pets on Human Health
• Life’s Extremities: Organisms in the Hottest and Coldest Places
• Exploring the Mysterious World of Dreams
• Impact of Social Media on Modern Politics
• The Fascinating Science of Forensics
• Space Junk: The Growing Problem Above Us
• Incredible Inventions that Changed the World
• Ice Cream: A Global Love Affair With a Cold Treat
• Unusual Pets: Exotic Animal Companions
• Nanotechnology: The Small Scale That Changes Everything
• Transforming Waste Into Art: Upcycling Innovations
• Taboos: Social Constraints and Cultural Differences

Funny Speech Topics for High School

• Secret Life of Cafeteria Food: An Investigation
• Emojis as the New Universal Language
• Why Will Robots Never Win the Comedy Club?
• Aliens Among Us: Spotting Extraterrestrial Classmates
• Prom Disasters: A Comical Analysis
• Embarrassing Incidents During Virtual Classes
• How to Survive Zombie Teachers
• Sock Puppets: A Fashion Statement?
• Homework Myths: Why Aliens Really Stole My Assignment?
• The Art of Effective Procrastination
• Toilet Paper Fashion Show: A Roll of Style
• Hilarious Truths About Being a High School Mascot
• Pranks Gone Wrong: Cautionary Tales
• The Unbelievable Adventures of My Imaginary Pet
• Gym Class Hero: A Tale of Triumphant Failure
• Bathroom Graffiti: Hidden Messages or Art Masterpieces?
• Teachers’ Lounge Secrets: A Comedic Exploration
• Navigating Hallways: An Epic Journey
• Invention Mishaps: Comical Attempts at Genius
• Epic Battle: Vending Machines vs. Students
• Uncovering the Mystery of the Lost Pens
• Bizarre Moments in High School Sports
• Lockers: A Tale of Lost and Found Treasures
• Dances With Textbooks: An Academic Ballet

Funny Speech Topics for College Students

• Misinterpretations of Common English Idioms
• Professors’ Funniest In-Class Blunders
• The Great Cafeteria Food Mystery
• Dorm Room Disasters: What Not to Do?
• Campus Squirrel Shenanigans: Stories from the Quad
• Social Media Fails: A Compilation of Epic Proportions
• Late-Night Study Sessions: The Unrevealed Truth
• Athletic Mascots: Their Untold Backstories
• College Pranks: Our Most Epic Tales
• Unusual Courses Offered at Universities
• Sporting Events: When Cheering Becomes Excessive?
• Survival Tactics for 8 AM Classes
• Craziest Things Found in Library Books
• Thriving on Instant Noodles: The Ultimate Guide
• College Students’ Most Innovative Excuses
• Unspoken Rules of Dorm Life
• Unforgettable Stories from Fraternity Parties
• Fashion Disasters: Trends That Should Not Have Happened
• Campus Statues: Their Funniest Vandalisms
• Unintentionally Hilarious Academic Papers
• Textbooks: Where to Find the Hidden Humor
• Relationship Drama: Love at the Time of Finals
• Thrift Store Treasures: Student Style Edition
• Misadventures in Public Speaking Classes
• Acquiring Cooking Skills: Tales of Trial and Error
• Overheard Conversations on Campus

Funny Speech Topics for University Students

• Professor Ratings: The Hilarious Reality
• Memorable Moments from Student Elections
• Foreign Language Class Bloopers
• Strange Traditions at Colleges Around the World
• Scavenger Hunts: Unforgettable Campus Adventures
• Intramural Sports: The Hilariously Unathletic Side
• Bizarre Local Restaurants Near Campuses
• Navigating Awkward Roommate Situations
• Unconventional Stress-Relief Tactics During Finals
• Off-Campus Housing Horrors: Lessons Learned
• Lab Experiments Gone Wrong: Science Mishaps
• Extracurricular Clubs: The Weird, the Wacky, and the Wonderful
• Parody of Famous Speeches: A Creative Interpretation
• Artistic Impressions of College Life
• Road Trips: Misadventures and Unanticipated Detours
• Best Practices for Procrastination: Tales From the Experts
• Celebrating Birthdays: The Unique College Way
• When Spell-Check Fails: Hilarious Typos in Assignments
• The Odyssey of Lost-and-Found Items
• Unusual Majors: Discovering Unique Areas of Study
• Evolution of Student Slang: A Historical Journey
• Nightmares of Online Classes: Technical Glitches and Beyond
• Trying New Sports: Hilarious Outcomes
• Coffee Addicts: Unusual Tales of Dependency

Presentation Funny Speech Topics

• The Art of Magic and Illusion
• The Power of Protest Songs in Social Movements
• Understanding the Mysteries of Black Holes
• History’s Most Famous Heists
• The Evolution of Video Games
• The Future of Drone Technology
• Mysterious World of the Giant Squid
• The Ancient Art of Storytelling
• The Unseen World of Microorganisms
• The Influence of Weather on Mood and Behavior
• The Emergence of Cryptocurrency: A New Financial Era
• Mysteries and Legends of the Bermuda Triangle
• Graffiti: A Colorful Form of Urban Expression
• The Role of Bees in the Global Ecosystem
• Treasure Hunting: Exploring the World of Metal Detecting
• The Marvelous World of Miniature Art
• Understanding Our Universe: The Role of Telescopes
• The Resurgence of Vinyl Records
• Futuristic Medicine: The Promise of Gene Therapy
• Exploring the Depths: The Art of Scuba Diving
• Cinematic Magic: Behind-the-Scenes of Filmmaking
• Salamanders: Masters of Regeneration

Argumentative Funny Speech Topics

• Penguins as Skilled Business Executives: A Chilly Proposition
• Transforming Deserts Into Giant Sandboxes: A Drought of Fun
• Banning Broccoli: A Vegetable Revolt
• Living Underwater: Mermaid Lifestyle for Humans
• Food Fights as Mediation Tactics: A Messy Resolution
• The World Dominated by Squirrels: A Nutty Hypothesis
• Mandatory Unicorn Riding Lessons in Schools: A Fantasy-Turned Reality
• Baking Cookies on Mars: A Crispy Outer Space Venture
• Allowing Toys to Vote: A Child’s Perspective
• Adopting Trolls for Bridge Security: A Mythical Proposal
• Elephants as Household Pets: The Bigger, the Better
• Turning the Moon into a Giant Billboard: An Astronomical Advertisement
• Professional Pillow Fighting: Establishing a Soft Sport
• Balloons as an Alternative Transport System: The Lighter Side of Commute
• Gummy Bears for Breakfast: A Sticky Situation
• Clouds as Cotton Candy: A Sweet Metaphor
• Appointing Dogs as Mail Carriers: A Furry Delivery
• Socks as Currency: A Footwear Revolution
• Gorillas as Gym Trainers: A Beastly Approach
• Flying Carpets for Daily Commute: A Magical Solution
• Owning a Pet Griffin: A Mythical Guide
• A World Without Mirrors: Beauty in the Unknown
• Turning Skyscrapers into Giant Slides: A Quick Descent
• Slippers as the Official Footwear: A Cozy Proposal

Persuasive Funny Speech Topics

• Ghosts as Roommates: A Spooky Co-Living
• Bubbles for Stress Relief: The Soapier, the Better
• Octopuses as Kitchen Assistants: Eight Times the Help
• Wearing Pajamas to Work: A Comfortable Transition
• Proving Pigs Can Fly: An Uplifting Analysis
• Fairies as Electricians: A Magical Power Source
• Toilet Paper as a Form of Art: A Roll in Creativity
• Using Roller Skates for Efficient Office Movement
• Wizards as School Teachers: A Magical Curriculum
• Rainbows as the New Fashion Trend: A Colorful Spin
• Dragons as Eco-Friendly Transport: A Fiery Proposition
• Building Tree Houses for Adults: A Wooden Haven
• Using Shampoo as a Drink: A Bubbly Brew
• Living in a World Ruled by Children: A Tiny Transition
• Giants as Construction Workers: A Massive Proposal
• Allowing Ice Cream for Breakfast: A Frosty Start to the Day
• Lollipops as a Solution to World Peace: A Sweet Strategy
• Cows as Lawn Mowers: An Eco-Friendly Trim
• Turning Every Day into Halloween: A Permanent Trick or Treat
• Owls as Night Watchmen: A Hoot of a Job
• Using Fairy Dust for Instant Cleaning: A Magical Solution
• Living Life According to Fortune Cookies: A Crunchy Future
• Using Dreams as Television Shows: A Surreal Entertainment
• Swapping Houses With Celebrities: A Starry Proposal

Informative Funny Speech Topics

• Amusing Evolution of Breakfast Cereal Mascots
• Unbelievable Animal Misconceptions: Debunking Fallacies
• Light-Hearted Journey through Dance Move History
• Wacky World of Pun-Infused Jokes: Linguistic Delights
• Marvelous Art of Comedic Improvisation
• Surprising Science Behind Laughter: Unveiling Mechanics
• Quirky Origins of Bizarre Phobias and Irrational Fears
• Giggle-Inducing Secrets of Memes and Internet Hilarity
• Unusual Traditions From Across the Globe: An Amusing Exploration
• Bizarre and Hilarious World of Parody Music: Weird Al Yankovic
• Entertaining Experiences With TV Sitcom Moments
• Unexpected Side of Stand-Up Comedy: Tales From the Stage
• Peculiar Habits of Eccentric Geniuses Throughout History
• Whimsical Artistry of Cartoons: Doodles to Masterpieces
• Hysterical History of Practical Jokes and Hilarious Pranks
• Curious World of Competitive Air Guitar: A Musical Farce
• Playful Science of April Fools’ Day: Deconstructing Hoaxes
• Comical Evolution of Internet Slang and Abbreviations
• Side-Splitting Stories of Famous Comedy Duos
• Hilarious Trials and Tribulations of Becoming a Stand-Up Comedian
• Witty Wonders of Satire: Journey into Irony
• Amusing Art of Nonsense Poetry: Crafting Rhymes That Baffle
• Laughable History of Ridiculous Inventions
• Silly Secrets of Clowning: Balloons, Makeup, and Slapstick
• Laugh-Out-Loud Chronicles of Classic Comedy Films

Public Funny Speech Topics

• Hilarious Insights on Parenting: Nurturing Little Laughter Machines
• The Quirks of Online Dating: Searching for Love in a Swipe-Right World
• Laughing Our Way Through Office Politics: Surviving the Cubicle Jungle
• Side-Splitting Travel Mishaps: Adventures in Lost Luggage and Missed Flights
• Comedy in the Kitchen: Mastering Culinary Catastrophes With a Smile
• Chuckles in the Classroom: How to Survive Teachers With a Sense of Humor?
• Unforgettable Wedding Disasters: I Do’s, Oops, and Hilarity Ensues
• The Ups and Downs of DIY Projects: When Your Home Improvement Dreams Become Comedy Acts?
• Roaring With Laughter: Taming Wild Pets and Their Mischievous Antics
• Laughing Out Loud at Awkward Family Gatherings: Lessons in Love and Laughter
• Finding Humor in Fitness Fails: Embracing the Gym Life With a Big Smile
• From Catwalk to Cat Fails: Unveiling the Comical Side of Fashion
• Guffaws and Gags in the Gaming World: Mastering Virtual Adventures With a Sense of Humor
• The Chronicles of Awkward Social Encounters: Turning Red Faces Into Belly Laughs
• The Comedy of First Dates: Awkward Moments, Epic Fails, and Endless Laughter
• Laughter Therapy: How Humor Can Heal and Unwind Our Daily Stress?
• Stand-Up Comedy Survival Guide: Making People Laugh Without Breaking a Sweat
• The Comedy of Technology Fails: Embracing Glitches and Technical Difficulties
• Chuckles and Chaos in Traffic Jams: The Commuter’s Guide to Keeping Sane
• The Hilarity of Pet Ownership: Furry Friends and Their Unpredictable Antics
• The Funny Side of Exercise: Turning Sweating Into Smiles
• Comedy in the Corporate World: Breaking the Ice and Building Bridges With Humor
• Navigating Awkward Conversations With Grace and Wit: Turning Tension Into Laughter
• Laughing Through Financial Woes: Finding Humor in Money Matters
• The Jokes on Us: A Light-Hearted Look at Everyday Blunders and Mistakes
• The Power of Puns: Unleashing Wordplay for Maximum Chuckles

Motivational Funny Speech Topics

• Unleashing the Hilarious Power of Positive Thinking
• Embracing Laughter: The Key to Unlocking Success
• Climbing the Humorous Mountain of Personal Growth
• Mastering the Art of Juggling Life’s Challenges
• Roaring With Confidence: The Funny Path to Self-Discovery
• Laughing Your Way to the Top: Success With a Smile
• Embracing Imperfection: Finding Joy in the Quirks
• The Comedic Journey of Overcoming Obstacles
• Hilarious Strategies for Boosting Productivity
• Sparking Creativity With a Side of Humor
• Finding Balance Through Belly-Laughter
• The Humorous Path to Self-Motivation
• Chuckles and Triumphs: Laughing Your Way to Victory
• Hurdling Barriers with a Comic Twist
• The Funny Fuel for Reaching New Heights
• Embracing Failure: The Comedic Road to Success
• The Power of Hilarity in Building Resilience
• Laughing in the Face of Fear: Conquering Challenges With Humor
• From Giggles to Greatness: Unleashing Your Full Potential
• Harnessing the Joyful Energy of Funny Inspirations
• The Laughter Workout: Flexing Funny Muscles for Success
• Poking Fun at Procrastination: Proven Techniques to Get Things Done
• Quirky Confidence: Embracing Your Unique Awesomeness
• Tickling the Funny Bone of Creativity

Demonstration Funny Speech Topics

• Unforgettable Adventures: Skydiving With a Hilarious Jester
• The Hysterical Science of Flatulence
• An Outrageous Guide to Wild Pillow Fights
• Training Your Pet Octopus to Perform a Comedic Dance Routine
• The Art of Pranking: Mastering Classic Gags and Tricks
• Laughter Therapy: The Professional Tickling Revolution
• The Epic Clash: Socks vs. Sandals Showdown
• Conversing With Inanimate Objects: The Absurdity Unveiled
• Finding Humor in Unconventional Sports: The Comedy Olympics
• The Secret Life of Pigeons: Tales From the Avian Comedy Club
• The Great Breakfast Rebellion: Pancake Mayhem
• The Smiling Deception: Navigating Awkward Social Encounters
• Exploring the World of Corny Dad Jokes
• The Musical Bathroom: Singing Showers and Dancing Toothbrushes
• Embracing Your Inner Clown: Lessons From the Circus Academy
• Awkward Dance Moves: The Science Behind the Laughter
• The Adventures of the Superhero Sock: A One-Footed Comedy Crusade
• Animal Impersonations: Unleashing the Inner Beast
• Surviving as a Stand-Up Comedian’s Heckler: Trials and Tribulations
• The Comedy of Mistakes: Embracing Fails and Blunders
• Rubber Chicken Chronicles: A Life Less Ordinary
• Laughing at Yourself: The Unexpected Benefits
• The Mime’s Handbook: A Quirky Guide to Silence and Gestures
• Conversations With Plants: Unveiling the Botanical Comedy Scene
• The Prankster Gnome’s Unbelievable Journey
• The Science of Laughter: Making an Entire Room Snort

Humorous Speeches Ideas

• Laughing Lessons: How to Master the Art of Hilarity?
• Roaring Robots: When Artificial Intelligence Tells Jokes?
• Tummy Troubles: A Comedic Exploration of Digestive Disasters
• Hilarious Hobbies: Unconventional Pastimes for a Good Laugh
• Fumbling Fiascos: Tales of Awkward Moments and Misadventures
• Giggle Gurus: Seeking Wisdom From Professional Comedians
• Pranks and Pandemonium: Navigating the Fine Line of Practical Jokes
• Jovial Jargon: Decoding the Language of Comedy
• Comedy Cuisine: Spice Up Your Cooking With Laughter
• Witty Wonders: Unraveling the Science Behind Humor
• Tickling the Ivories: The Musical Side of Comedy
• Mischievous Memoirs: Tales of Childhood Mischief and Mayhem
• Chuckle Chronicles: Memorable Moments from Stand-Up Comedy History
• Side-Splitting Surprises: Unexpected Laughter in Everyday Life
• Hilarity on Wheels: A Humorous Journey Through Transportation Woes
• Light-Hearted Learning: Lessons in Laughter From the Classroom
• Silly Superheroes: Unveiling the Comedic Side of Caped Crusaders
• Laughing Legends: Iconic Figures Who Defined Comedy
• Giggling Geography: Discovering the Funniest Places on Earth
• Quirky Quotations: Unearthing the Wittiest Lines in Literature
• Laughable Laws: Exploring Bizarre Legalities Around the World
• Hysterical History: Forgotten Tales of Laughter From the Past
• Jokes on Screen: A Cinematic Celebration of Comedy
• Stand-Up Secrets: Behind the Scenes of a Comedian’s Routine
• Comedy and Crime: When Humor Collides With the Law?
• Hilarious Health: The Benefits of Laughter for Well-Being
• Comic Conundrums: Solving Riddles and Puzzles With Humor

Comedy Speeches

• Hilarious Adventures of a Rubber Duck
• The Absurdity of Unicycling Hippos
• Laughing Through Life’s Little Mishaps
• Peculiarities of Pogo Stick Races
• Mirthful Mayhem: Clowns vs. Monkeys
• Tickling the Funny Bone: Stand-Up Comedy Secrets
• Chuckles and Chortles: An Ode to Silly Walks
• The Unforgettable Fiasco of a Synchronized Swimming Competition
• The Quirks and Quips of a Penguin Convention
• Rib-Tickling Antics of Mischievous Kittens
• Guffaws and Giggles: Exploring the World of Prank Calls
• Comedic Capers of a Salsa-Dancing Granny
• The Hilarity of Accidental Gymnastics
• Laughing in the Rain: Umbrella Etiquette Lessons
• The Side-Splitting Saga of a Talking Parrot
• Unraveling the Wacky World of Competitive Pie Eating
• Giggle Factory: Behind the Scenes of a Comedy Club
• The Comedy of Errors in a Haunted House
• Belly Laughs and Slapstick: A Study in Physical Comedy
• The Wonders of Juggling Chainsaws (Safely, of course!)
• Hysterical High Jinks at a Toy Store
• The Hilarious Misadventures of a Bungling Magician
• Finding Humor in Traffic Jams: Car Horn Orchestra
• Quizzical Quacks: A Duckling’s Stand-Up Routine
• The Amusing Art of Balloon Animal Sculpting

Improvised Speeches

• Benefits of Engaging in Outdoor Physical Activities for Mental Well-Being
• Enhancing Creativity Through Music, Art, and Expression
• Significance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Development
• Exploring the Potential of Renewable Energy Sources for Sustainability
• Promoting Gender Equality in Educational Institutions
• The Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Connections and Relationships
• Implementing Sustainable Practices for a Greener Future
• Embracing Cultural Diversity in a Globalized Society
• Fostering Collaborative Teamwork in the Modern Work Environment
• Promoting Mental Health Awareness and Support in Educational Settings
• Strategies for Effective Time Management in the Digital Era
• The Influence of Literature on Society and Personal Development
• Nurturing an Entrepreneurial Mindset for Innovation and Success
• The Importance of Critical Thinking in Decision-Making Processes
• Addressing Cybersecurity Threats in the Digital Age
• Strategies for Building Resilience in Times of Change and Uncertainty
• Encouraging Volunteerism and Active Community Engagement
• Promoting Financial Literacy for Personal Economic Stability
• Exploring the Potential of Virtual Reality in Enhancing Learning Experiences
• Enhancing Global Cooperation for Effective Climate Change Mitigation
• The Influence of Music on Mood Regulation and Emotional Well-Being
• Strategies for Effective Conflict Resolution in Personal and Professional Relationships
• Leveraging Technology for Inclusive and Accessible Education
• Overcoming Stereotypes and Bias for a More Inclusive Society

Parody Speeches

• Hilarious Ways to Conquer the Couch Potato Syndrome
• Whimsical Strategies for Mastering the Art of Procrastination
• Unconventional Techniques to Achieve World Peace Through Sarcasm
• Outrageously Effective Methods for Becoming an Unrivaled Internet Troll
• Amusing Secrets to Transforming Into a Highly Successful Underachiever
• Comical Approaches to Becoming a Professional Overthinker
• Ridiculous Steps to Becoming a Champion in the Sport of Napping
• Satirical Techniques for Acquiring an Advanced Degree in Procrastination
• Laughable Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse (Without Breaking a Sweat)
• Absurd Strategies for Outsmarting Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life
• Hysterical Tips for Mastering the Skill of Talking Nonstop About Nothing
• Ironic Secrets to Becoming an Unstoppable Expert at Misplacing Things
• Parodic Methods for Achieving a Perfectly Mediocre Work-Life Balance
• Tongue-in-Cheek Approaches to Becoming a Social Media Influencer Overnight
• Mocking Steps for Achieving an Exemplary Level of Cluelessness
• Sarcastic Techniques for Becoming the Ultimate Pro at Avoiding Responsibilities
• Comedic Strategies for Turning a Hobby Into an Unprofitable Business
• Farce-Based Approaches for Finding Your Zen in a World Full of Chaos
• Witty Methods for Becoming a Highly Unskilled Chess Grandmaster
• Satirical Tips for Mastering the Art of Being Politically Incorrect
• Laughable Ways to Perfect the Skill of Procrastinating Procrastination
• Parodic Techniques for Becoming a Not-So-Superhero
• Mocking Steps to Attain Unparalleled Levels of Awkwardness
• Ironic Strategies for Surviving an Alien Invasion Using Only Sarcasm
• Hilarious Approaches to Becoming an Expert at Misinterpreting Instructions

Funny Short Speeches Topics

• Adventures in Sock Pairing: The Unsung Hero’s Quest
• Surviving the Grocery Store: Mission Impossible Edition
• Vegetables: Nature’s Tiny Comedians
• Life Hacks for Lazy Living: An Unmotivated Guide
• Misadventures in DIY: When Craft Projects Attack?
• Decoding Cats: Understanding the Furry Enigmas
• Fashion Faux Pas: The Hilarious Horrors of Style
• Joyful Journey Through Jungle Gyms: Playground Perils
• Bizarre Baking Blunders: Tales From the Kitchen
• Pigeons: The Unappreciated Comedians of the Bird World
• Dogs’ Dramas: The Hidden Soap Operas in Pet Parks
• Houseplants: Silent Saboteurs of Home Decor
• Dancing Disasters: My Life as a Two-Left-Footed Dynamo
• Parenting Paradoxes: Navigating Through Toddlers’ Logic
• Adventures in the World of Online Dating: Swipes, Likes, and Misfires
• Caffeine Chronicles: When Coffee Becomes a Lifeline?
• Gym Fails: The Secret Life of Exercise Equipment
• Hunting for the Remote: A Living Room Odyssey
• Commuter Chronicles: Tales From Public Transit
• Office Pranks: The Art of Workplace Shenanigans
• Food-Fight Fiascos: A Tribute to School Cafeterias
• Sneakers: Tales of Unruly Footwear and Their Laces
• Awkward Elevator Encounters: A Study in Silences
• Parking Lot Perils: An Ode to Parallel Parking

Funny Speech Topics for 1-3 Minutes

• Unexpected Outcomes of Eating Super Hot Chili Peppers
• The Unbelievable Adventures of My Sleepwalking Dog
• Bizarre Incidents in the Supermarket Aisles
• Reimagining Traffic Lights: The Rainbow of Chaos
• Impersonating Vegetables: Lessons From a Carrot
• Deciphering Teenager Text Messages: An Insider’s Guide
• Invasion of Socks: The Everlasting Mystery of the Missing Pair
• Failed Attempts at Becoming a Yoga Master
• Alien Abductions: My Hamster’s Story
• Extreme Sports for Couch Potatoes: Remote Control Relay
• Surprising Insights: The Secret Life of Refrigerators
• Battle of Wills: Training the Untrainable Cat
• Hilarious Misadventures on My First Camping Trip
• Navigating the Perils of DIY Haircuts
• The Comical Mishaps of Online Dating
• Introducing the World’s Laziest Superheroes
• Life According to Toddlers: The Wisdom and Wackiness
• Spontaneous Combustion of Common Kitchen Disasters
• Funny Lessons From My First Job Interview
• The Intriguing Dilemma of the Forever Singing Parrot
• Uncovering the Reality Behind Perfect Instagram Lives
• Captivating Chronicles of a Terrible Cook

Funny Speech Topics for 4-6 Minutes

• Astonishing Adventures of an Amateur Acrobat
• Bizarre Encounters With Extraterrestrial Fast Food
• Curious Chronicles of Coffee Connoisseurs
• Unraveling the Mysteries of a Procrastinator’s Brain
• Peculiarities in the Evolution of Parenting Styles
• Socks: The Great Domesticated Disappearance
• Pets Who Believe They Are People: An Investigation
• Misadventures of a Meticulous Meal Planner
• Intriguing Incidents Involving Imaginary Friends
• Hilarious History of Hairdos and Hair Don’ts
• Trials and Tribulations of a Toddler Teacher
• Unique Use of Umbrellas in Unexpected Situations
• Navigating the Treacherous Terrain of Teenage Trends
• Wacky World of Whistle-Blowers at Work
• Frenzied Fiascos of Family Road Trips
• Entertaining Escapades of an Online Shopaholic
• Remarkable Revelations Regarding the Tooth Fairy
• Puzzling Popularity of Pineapple Pizza
• Laughter Lessons From Llamas in Love
• Daring Deeds of a Drama Queen’s Dog
• Comical Confessions of a Closeted Comic Book Collector

Funny Speech Topics for 7-10 Minutes

• Discovering the Art of Sock Puppetry
• Underwater Basket Weaving: Future Olympic Event?
• Decoding the Language of Houseplants
• Training Squirrels: The Next Big Thing in Pet Ownership?
• Unraveling the Mystery of Missing Socks
• Navigating the Grocery Store: A Survival Guide
• Implementing Teleportation in Everyday Chores
• Investigating the Secret Lives of Pets
• Demystifying the Art of Sleeping With Eyes Open
• Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse With a Rubber Duck
• Inventing New Sandwich Fillings: An Epicurean Experiment
• Decoding Cats’ Meows: A Comprehensive Study
• Unmasking the Truth: Santa Claus in the Off-Season
• Harnessing the Power of Yawns: A Groundbreaking Discovery
• Reinventing the Wheel: Silly Suggestions for Transportation
• Dissecting Cartoon Logic: A Humorous Deconstruction
• Superheroes’ Day Off: Unseen Adventures
• Elucidating the Complexity of Comic Book Collection
• Concocting Unusual Pizza Toppings: A Gastronomic Adventure
• Procrastination Olympics: Gold Medal Techniques
• Comprehending the Intricacies of a Dog’s Bark
• Reinterpreting Fairytales in Modern Times: A Hilarious Twist

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

372 Commemorative Speech Topics & Good Ideas

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Funny speeches: how to use humor in public speaking.

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Humor can be hazardous to the health of public speakers. Most speakers want to be funny, but you’ve got to do humor well, or it falls flat and that’s worse than no humor at all. Here I provide a guide for avoiding the worst mistakes of traditional one-liners and cheap irony, replacing them instead with ironic and witty humor that works and wins audiences over to your side. And, if you insist on using one-liners, I show you how to ‘sell’ them successfully.

Traditional jokes with punch lines are the hardest to pull off

Let’s start with an example of a funny speech by Emily Levine.

Emily Levine is a self-proclaimed trickster and a very funny person. She’s Harvard-trained and still manages to be hilarious. Emily’s humor is all about finding the contradictions in modern life that we’ve stopped noticing. Things like the following sign in a beauty salon: Ears pierced while you wait.

Just imagine the alternative. I’ll leave my ears hear until 5. I’ve got a couple of errands to run. But I’ll be back to pick them up. What? I couldn’t hear you.

Trickster humor is all about finding those sorts of contradictions and pointing them out. Also about crossing boundaries that are normally left intact. If there were an Olympics in martyrdom, my grandmother would have lost on purpose…

Check out Emily and learn from her. She’s a comedian in the classic sense — she tells jokes. That’s very hard to do. As you watch the talk, note how she ‘sells’ her jokes with her body. When she talks about not hanging up on telemarketers, because Emily Post says itŠs rude, she devises another strategy. After the telemarketer has delivered about half his pitch, she says, “I interrupted with, ‘You sound really sexy’. He hung up on me!” She says the ‘really sexy’ line with a husky voice, and sells the punch line with a pelvic stance. The tone of voice and the posture are essential to the humor.

So, if you’re determined to attempt traditional comedy in your speeches, then practice selling the jokes with your body language and voice. You’re got to be 100 percent committed to the joke — body and all. And then you’ve got to have a back up plan for recovery. Study tapes of Jon Stewart , or any other of the late night comedians — he is the master of what to do when the first joke goes flat. Often his comebacks and reactions are funnier than the original line.

Beyond that, look for the contradictions. That’s where the humor is, and the punch lines. Traditional humor is all about setting up expectations and then violating them, crossing the boundaries of expectation. And finding connections where no one else sees them.

Irony is the humor of the era

If you don’t want to risk throwing out punch lines, consider irony. At its worst, irony is a cheap, easy way to get a chuckle and avoid making a commitment. At its best, irony is a memorable way for the alienated to comment on the ‘in crowd’, the powerless to bring down the powerful, and the hip to skewer the not-so-hip. John Hodgman provides a brilliant example of wonderful irony on TED.com. Check it out for how to do irony well.

Hodgman begins by talking about Enrico Fermi the brilliant Italian physicist, and aliens. The kind that come in space ships and land in the Nevada desert, that is. Hodgman says, “Isn’t it strange that he only asked for one thing? A gift of two healthy sperm whales? That’s not true, but it is strange.”

There are 3 rules for making irony memorable rather than cheap.

Rule Number One. Create an overarching story that is different from what you’re apparently talking about. This narrative misdirection enables you to take an ironical (because distant) stance toward your real topic. There’s considerable wit in what Hodgman does, but the predominant mode is ironical. “The aliens might be very far away,” he says, in explaining why we haven’t seen them yet, “Even on other planets.” He brilliantly illustrates the first rule of great irony by providing an overall narrative that is different from what he is apparently talking about. Hodgman’s apparent narrative is all about his (non) encounters with aliens, but his real narrative is all about how he, a nerd, found love, got married, and remains in love today.

It’s a very sweet story, told with delicacy and tact — and irony. Most cheap irony lacks the meta-narrative that gives a good story its structure. Cheap irony is usually just a pot shot at something the narrator doesn’t like but can’t do much about.

Rule Number Two. The second rule of great irony is that something important has to be at stake. In Hodgman’s case, it’s love. He is traveling in Portugal with the girl who becomes his wife, and she goes off on her own to check out a beach. She’s a long time coming back to the hotel, and Hodgman realizes how alone he is in the universe. As he says, “I could not call her on a cell phone because the aliens had not given us that technology yet.”

But what’s at stake can be anything important that the speaker-narrator cares about. Cheap irony has nothing behind it — no alternative that it is proposing. Powerful irony points to a better way.

Rule Number Three. The third rule of irony is that its viewpoint has to run counter to the one held by those currently in power. Again, in Hodgman’s case, the predominant viewpoint is that nerds can’t find love. After all, it’s the Prom Kings and Queens that get love, right? Hodgman quietly and ironically insists on the contrary, that nerds can find love, too. “Even though we are married, I love her and wait for her still,° he says, perhaps the best last (ironical) line of a love story in recent years.

Wit is the humor that creates charm and impresses with intelligence

I have three suggestions for how you can achieve wit, but first begin by watching J. J. Abrams, the TV and movie producer and director of hits like MI-3 , Lost , and the new Star Trek . The talk is witty, as is the man. This TED.com talk is also full of insights into creativity that will stick with you once the wit has worked its charm and moved on.

First Suggestion: Don’t try too hard. Wit flows from passion for the subject. If you feel strongly about something, you will find wit in the subject and you will share it with your audience. Unless of course you’re a corporate accountant who’s idea of fun is a late night with a multi-celled spreadsheet.

That said, one of the wittier speakers I’ve heard was a lecturer on accounting, who used the Wells Fargo company as his example, back in the day when it had to account for losses of the strong box because of marauding Indians. His passion for the subject of accounting led him to this witty way to explain an otherwise dreary subject.

Second Suggestion: Wit is all about upending expectations. The wit is in the surprise. J.J. shows a clip from the “Lost” pilot episode, with a downed aircraft and lots of gore and mayhem, with very impressive special effects. He says, “Ten years ago if we wanted to do that, we would have had to kill a stunt man… Take Two would have been a bitch.” You’re not quite sure where he’s going, but the second sentence is witty because it is surprising.

Third Suggestion: To be witty, take the subject, but not yourself, seriously. Wit begins with yourself, with self-deprecation. It’s one reason why the British are so much better at it, culturally speaking, than Americans. The British are expert self-deprecators, probably because they have to put up with more pomposity in the form of 2,000, rather than 200, years of tradition and history. But when pressed, we can do it too. J. J. Abrams says, of filming Mission Impossible III , that his favorite scene is the one that involves shooting a dangerous drug up Tom Cruise’s nose. He says, “I quickly learned that there are three things you don’t want to do. Number two is hurt Tom’s nose.” The scene, which you should now go back and watch again, actually has Tom Cruise’s hand shooting the dart-filled gun up his own nose (because he knew how hard to push).

That’s the magic of the movies. And that’s wit.

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Funny Speech Topics to Make Your Audience Laugh

Who among us hasn’t been caught off-guard during a speech, struggling to think of something to say, grasping desperately for words to fill the silence?

Whether it’s during a school presentation, a sales pitch, or a TED talk , great public speaking relies on having interesting materials to work with — and that often involves humor. After all, nothing captures people’s attention or puts them at ease like a well-crafted joke!

Today, we’re going to help you get your creative juices flowing and make sure there’s never a dull moment in any of your speeches.

We’ve compiled some of the funniest speech topics to make your audience laugh, starting from the harmless to the outrageous. Whether you’re looking for something light and unassuming or a joke guaranteed to get a chuckle, this list has it all!

So without further ado, let’s dive right in and make sure your next talking points are both memorable and hilarious.

Quick Answer to Key Question

Some funny speech topics could include humorous takes on current events, jokes about popular celebrities, lighthearted observations, and satirical examples of everyday scenarios. The possibilities for humorous content are truly endless – use your imagination to come up with something unique!

What is a Funny Speech?

A funny speech is a lighthearted presentation that focuses on making the audience laugh. It can be delivered as either an informative, persuasive, or entertaining talk, with humorous remarks and jokes to recognize the comic elements in life.

To this end, it often features playful humor, irony, exaggeration, and even farce , but within an appropriate context. As such, funny speeches can help break up tension and serve as a refreshing break from more serious topics .

However, there are drawbacks to using humor in public speaking. First of all, being funny can be difficult, so speakers must cultivate their natural wit and observe trends and topics that may lead to amusing content.

Additionally, though an audience may seem receptive to lightheartedness upfront, it could become easily offended if jokes cross lines of decency. As such, a speaker must judge the energy of the room and deliver material that will evoke laughter without overwhelming their listeners’ sense of propriety.

Ultimately, presenting a funny speech requires finesse and skill. But when done successfully, it can create lasting memories for both speaker and audience alike. With these considerations in mind, let us now transition into the next section which explores ideas for humorous speech topics.

Ideas for Humorous Speech Topics

Humorous speech topics can be great ice breakers at an event or just an entertaining way to pass the time. Whether you are giving a speech in front of your peers or random strangers, you will want to come up with material that is witty, entertaining, and guaranteed to get a laugh or two. Here are some ideas for humorous topics to consider: 1. Discuss why cats are smarter than dogs 2. Compare life before and after cell phones3. Debate whether cake or ice cream is better 4. Talk about the pros and cons of going to bed late versus getting up early 5. Examine the ridiculousness of certain trends 6. Discuss why people overreact when a mistake is made 7. Share your thoughts about extreme diets 8. Laugh about the difficulty of parallel parking 9. Analyze why some people rebel against instructions 10. Debate which reality TV show is the most absurd No matter which topic you choose to discuss, make sure to focus on enjoying yourself and showcasing your humorous side.

While it’s important to focus on making others laugh, it is also essential that you have fun along with them, as this will help create a more authentic and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone in attendance. Now that you have some ideas for humorous speech topics, let’s move on to discussing events.

Talking About Events

Talking about events often brings out the most laughter in an audience.

Whether it’s discussing a current hot button issue or rehashing a comical blunder that happened to a friend, addressing funny topics related to events can be endlessly entertaining.

Though there are some topics that might be deemed too sensitive to address, such as politics or religious issues , many current and past events offer plenty of moments that make for interesting storytelling opportunities.

For example, humorous angles on the latest celebrity news or an analysis behind why sports teams make questionable decisions can be met with laughter and applause.

Similarly, gossiping about relationships or peculiar situations among friends provides plenty of material for comedic discourse. As long as a speaker is able to keep their dialogue respectful, making light of recent happenings often serves as great source material for humor.

That being said, even if the topic being addressed is objectively lighthearted, being mindful of how sensitive it may come off to some members of the audience is important.

When necessary, debaters should employ tact when approaching certain subjects and always strive to treat any individuals involved with respect in their presentations.

Kept within healthy limits, talking about events can be quite amusing and engaging – it can bring out not only laughter but positive conversations between family, friends and participants alike.

Leading into the next section now: Personal topics also provide an abundance of funny speech topics that will surely strike a chord with any group.

Personal Topics

When it comes to comedy, the personal touch can make all the difference. Taking your speech topic from something close to home such as family, work or hobbies can often result in an entertaining and relatable topic.

Whether you choose to do a light-hearted take on a serious issue or bravely share some embarrassing stories, there’s sure to be something funny within your own experience.

For instance, exploring the “family dynamic” is often a great place to start. Even in the tightest of families, the occasional funny moment can emerge. Tell a story about an occasion where everyone was struggling to act their best and you had a laugh at their expense.

Or explore how certain family members are always found in the center of attention (even if they don’t intend to be). If done in good taste and with respect, poking fun at your family can result in some sincere laughs from both yourself and your audience.

These topics provide an opportunity for self-deprecating humor and bring a unique perspective on life that others may find both humorous and intriguing.

Personal insights into everyday struggles, misunderstandings or awkward moments can lead to topics that are surprisingly relatable. You will find that what you feel is ordinary can actually be extraordinary in someone else’s eyes.

Keep in mind, though, that when taking this approach, it is important to never offend anyone with your comments or jokes. Embrace embarrassment but never belittle any individuals or groups who are part of your stories or experiences

By leaning into those funny moments – whether they involve yourself or others – they can become powerful tools that make your speech memorable and enjoyable. Now let’s move onto telling funny stories – which also has its own unique set of advantages!

Personal topics can make comedy writing unique and relatable. Telling stories involving family and funny moments can provide entertainment while being respectful. Touching on ordinary struggles and awkward situations can lead to humor while still avoiding offending anyone directly. Humorously embracing embarrassment will help make speeches memorable.

Telling Funny Stories

Telling funny stories is an effective way to make your audience laugh, as stories are usually much more relatable than jokes.

People of all ages will often enjoy hearing a clever anecdote that they can relate to or that paints a vivid picture in their mind. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when telling a funny story as part of your speech.

First, it is important to remember that time is limited. Try to select anecdotes that have a clear beginning, middle, and end that are not too long-winded or complicated. Make sure the story you choose conveys your point while making it entertaining.

One debate between comedians and public speakers is whether stories should be made up or true. On the one hand, factual stories can be full of fascinating nuances and details and may appeal to some audiences.

True stories allow you to fully describe an experience for the audience’s enjoyment or gain a better understanding of the person telling it.

On the other hand, comedic opinions often say that made-up stories can be even funnier than real events if they present a creative spin on life. Whichever route you choose, always try to turn your story into a humble brag!

No matter which type of story you tell, ensure that it fits in with your overall message, as this helps tie it together for the listener. With any luck your humor will land with the crowd and keep them engaged until you reach the conclusion.

To help prepare for delivering such an important section of your presentation, let’s move on to looking at some useful tips for Writing and Delivering a Funny Speech.

Tips for Writing and Delivering a Funny Speech

Writing and delivering a funny speech can be a rewarding experience, especially if you can make your audience roar with laughter. However, crafting an effective comedic monologue takes skill, confidence and sometimes a bit of trial and error. To help you get started, here are some tips for writing and delivering a funny speech: 1. Understand Your Audience – Study your audience to determine what kind of humor they will respond to. For example, family-friendly jokes will play better at a dinner table than a corporate conference room. Adjust your standards accordingly to ensure the best outcome. 2. Know What Not to Do – A true professional comedian knows what not to say or do during their performance. Avoid vulgar language, off-color jokes and controversial topics that may offend certain members of your audience. Also, it’s important to know how far is too far when making fun of yourself or colleagues. 3. Write Your Speech First – Write out the speech first before even attempting to deliver it in front of others. This will give you more control over the timing and pacing of key punch lines for optimum effect¹. It also eliminates any confusion about the order you want to deliver your jokes in front of an audience. 4. Rehearse – Even if you have written the speech beforehand, practice multiple times until you are comfortable delivering it in public or private settings. Know which visual aids (if any) will engage your audience during key points in the speech. 5. Have Fun – When delivering a funny speech, don’t take yourself too seriously! Relax, have fun and let your personality shine through while you tell your story or jokes³. Then enjoy the applause after each punch line lands! Ultimately, writing and delivering a funny speech requires knowledge, skill and dedication—but done right, it can be very rewarding! Now let’s move on to addressing how we can use humor appropriately in our speeches…

Use Humor Appropriately

When giving a speech, it is important to use humor appropriately. Too much humor can actually dilute the impact of an otherwise persuasive message.

Adding bits of humor throughout the presentation will keep an audience engaged and help make your points easier to remember. But if you attempt too many jokes during your speech, it can be distracting for listeners and actually work against your intended message.

Adopting a humorous persona or mocking people who disagree with you can be dangerous because members of your audience may take offense. It is recommended to base humor on personal experiences or stories that you know your audience can relate to in order to ensure the best response.

Likewise, comedian Jerry Seinfeld suggests avoiding overt political material in your speech–which should come as no surprise considering how polarizing politics has become these days.

Overall, it is important to strike the right balance when adding humor to a speech. Humor should be used sparingly and should stay away from controversial topics unless done skillfully; otherwise, it can backfire instead of unifying your audience or making a strong point. With this in mind, let’s look at some examples of humorous speech topics next.

Examples of Humorous Speech Topics

When it comes to funny speeches, it’s important to find a topic that resonates with your audience. If you can make an audience laugh, the speech will be remembered for years to come. While humor may differ from culture to culture, there are some topics that remain universally funny. Here are a few examples: • The Pros and Cons of Dating an Alien • How to Create an App That Makes Doing Laundry Easier • A Practical Guide To Quitting Your Job and Becoming an Astronaut • Surviving a Zombie Invasion Without Looking Too Silly • How To Be The Life Of Any Party By Creating Inventive Dances • A Tour Of Local Haunted Locations These humorous speech topics could also be used as the basis for some light-hearted debate, offering the opportunity to explore both sides of a comedic argument. Ultimately, with each topic, the possibilities and potentials of making a crowd laugh are endless!

It is clear from looking at the speech topics discussed in this article that humor can be found everywhere and used in a variety of forms. A funny speech does not have to contain jokes or stand up comedy, but can simply use wit, wordplay and well-timed delivery to draw attention and elicit laughter from an audience.

When preparing a funny speech, it is important to consider the topic carefully and ensure that it is appropriate for the context. Some people may find certain topics offensive or inappropriate depending on their preferences, so these should be avoided when giving a humorous speech.

The topics presented in this article cover a wide range of perspectives and provide ample opportunity for crafting an entertaining and memorable speech. If crafting your own material is not something you feel comfortable with, there are many sources available on the internet which provide ready-made humor suitable for speeches.

Ultimately, whatever speech topic you choose, the most important thing is that it resonates with your audience and makes them laugh!

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions with Detailed Explanations

What are some tips for delivering a funny speech.

1. Start by rehearsing your speech – make sure you know it word for word and practice delivering it with the right tone of voice and body language . Rehearsing will also help you memorize what to say if you get nervous during the performance. 2. Keep your audience in mind when choosing your topic. Make jokes and references that your audience will appreciate and understand – don’t try too hard to be funny if others won’t get the joke. 3. Come up with creative ways to capture your audience’s attention from the start – tell stories, anecdotes, or jokes that pique their interest and connect to your overall message. 4. Stay away from crude humour or off-color remarks if they aren’t appropriate for the situation. Make sure whatever jokes you make are lighthearted and not offensive or hurtful to anyone in the room. 5. Have fun! If you come across as too serious or uptight, no one will laugh at your jokes. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate or bring enthusiasm when delivering your speech – it will make it much more entertaining.

What topics are suitable for a funny speech?

Some excellent topics for a funny speech include: 1. Inexplicable Mishaps – Stories about your funniest mistakes, blunders, and bumbles! 2. Unusual Occupations – Share the details of your weirdest job or wackiest hobby. 3. Unforeseen Consequences – Talk about decisions you regret and the hilarious results that followed. 4. Random Animal Facts – Insert some hilarious animal trivia from around the world into your speech. 5. Dumb Criminals – Discuss the most foolish criminals and their failed attempts at avoiding justice. 6. Childhood Memories – Recount humorous moments from your childhood to brighten the mood of your audience. 7. Bad Jokes – Use classic puns, tongue-twisters, and one-liners to get the crowd laughing. 8. Comical Slogans – Talk about corporate catchphrases that are humorous in unintended ways! 9. Upcycled Language – Create new words or tweak old ones to give them a funny spin and make people chuckle! 10. Cultural Commentaries – Discuss deficiencies and absurdities in popular culture that can spark a good laugh from your listeners!

What types of funny speeches would be suitable for different audiences?

When determining which type of funny speech would be suitable for different audiences, it’s important to consider several factors. For instance, the age, gender, interests, and background of the audience will all play a role in deciding on a topic.

For example, if your audience is mainly composed of young students or professionals in their 20s and 30s, you might want to focus on topics that are relevant to their experiences such as relationships, technology, popular culture, and current events. You could also make jokes about self-deprecating humour, sarcasm, and irony.

If the audience is made up of mostly seniors or retirees, you may want to focus on topics like nostalgia, family stories, and observations about retirement. You can use human interest stories and light-hearted anecdotes to make them laugh.

For college audiences with various backgrounds and interests, you’ll want to focus on topics such as sports rivalries, differences between generations or cultures , or even absurdist humour.

Organizing a funny speech around a common experience that everyone in the room can relate to will help ensure it resonates with the whole audience. Doing some research beforehand can provide lots of inspiration for appropriate funny speech topics that are sure to make your audience laugh!

Saro's Corner

• Clubs & Contests
• Manual Speeches
• Communication Tips

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Humorous speech writing techniques.

• I was always an outstanding student in my class. Yes, dear friends... my teacher always makes me to stand outside of the classroom. 
• Almost everyone looked up to me in my college, because I was the tallest guy in the class 
• Once upon a time, I used to have a small face to wash and lots of hair to comb. Today, I've more face to wash, and less hair to comb 
• Some day, I thought I'll be like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I worked out really hard... and finally, after several failed attempts I did become like Arnold. Wait wait wait... not like the Arnold in his 20s, but like the Arnold in his 60s. 
• Chennai looks like Venice during rainy seasons. And you would need a boat, not a car. 
• I got a new Credit Card to my wife. She spent so much in a month, that she got into the Master Card Hall of Fame. 
• I was looking for a perfect better half. But, I wasn't lucky. The ones who looked like Aishwarya Rai, hadn't crossed 10th grade and the ones who had completed Ph.D looked like a 40 year old. 
• My friend is like a radio... if she starts talking she wouldn't stop. The only difference between her and the radio is, she doesn't even give commercial breaks in between.  
• Who said finding God is difficult, try searching for a plumber on a weekend.
• The moment I told my friend that I am going to get married, he said "Congratulations on the termination of your isolation and may I express an appreciation of your determination to end the desperation and frustration" 

• A man was hit by a coke can, but he wasn't injured at all... because it was a "soft" drink.
• If you are talking about your mom and wife, you can say Behind every successful man, there is a woman... and behind every unsuccessful man, there is two. 
 
• If one door closes and another one opens, probably your house is haunted
• The classic joke "Take my wife ... PLEASE !

"
• As you all might know, I’m a very organized person. Immediately after the marriage, I wanted to prepare myself for a successful married life. The first thing that I did was I bought the book “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus”. I read the book page by page, line by line, word after word. After reading the book, I thought I’ve mastered the art of “understanding a women”. I thought I had learned all the tricks to keep my wife happy. A few months into the marriage, I realized “Men are from Mars, my wife is not from Venus”.
 
• A warning label on a baby stroller: "Remove child before folding". 

• My boss said "Have a good day"... and I went home
• I went to the grocery shop... and I saw this sign on the glass door "Open the door before entering"
• Judges in contests are always consistent. They are consistently punctual, consistently sincere and consistently pick the most undeserving person as the winner. 
• The best part of getting married in Las Vegas is you'll get everything that you need at one place - music, flowers and divorce document

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• / Six Rules of Humor

Six Rules of Humor

I have been fortunate to win the Humorous Speech Contest twice (for District 11, covering Indiana and northwestern Kentucky) and along the way I’ve learned some important lessons about making audiences laugh. My improvement hasn’t come easy—the journey to becoming an effective humorous speaker is the result of a lot of practice. It’s the direct result of at-tending weekly club meetings, volunteering for speaking roles to test my use of humor, and signing up each year to compete in my club’s Humorous Speech contests. Moreover, it’s the result of continually refining my speeches based on club evaluations.

The following six rules of humor can help you draft your next successful humorous speech.

Find Humor in Everyday Life I often hear Toastmasters lament how difficult it is to come up with a humorous speech topic. Some of the best speeches are inspired by life’s everyday occurrences. In 2013, my wife and I flew with our two young children to Europe to visit family. The ensuing chaos on the airplane provided me with more than enough material to compose my winning speech that year. Think about your everyday life and things that may have a humorous twist to them.

Know Your Audience In my 2009 speech, I compared the delivery of my first child to a Toastmasters meeting. This would have made little sense to any audience outside of Toastmasters, but the humorous comparison (using timing cards to help with my wife’s contractions) landed perfectly with my audience. Know your audience—it’s particularly important when trying to land a punchline.

It’s a Humorous Speech Contest: Be Funny! The best Humorous Contest speeches use humor throughout. Some speakers work up to a big laugh at the end, so their speeches are void of humor in the introduction and body. This approach leaves your audience hanging and wondering When do I get to laugh? I like to launch into a joke right off the bat to get the audience warmed up and to kick start my own energy level.

Use Props In both of my winning speeches, I used props. In the 2013 district contest, I brought a suitcase to show how, ideally, one should travel with kids inside a bag. I closed the speech by donning a pilot’s cap. Think about effective props that can enhance your humor.

Don’t Step on Your Laughter One of the greatest challenges a humorous speaker faces, aside from producing laughter, is to avoid stepping on it. It takes practice, but you have to allow your audience the time to laugh and soak in the humor. You can kill a joke entirely by rushing too fast to tell your next one. Effective pauses also enhance jokes. When talking about stuffing my kids into a suitcase, I said, “I see a look of concern on the faces of the audience.” I then took a long pause and concluded with, “I understand your concern, and I realize that the airlines now charge 50 a piece for these bags.” The pause was the key to the joke that generated the biggest laugh in the contest.

Consult with Others Always run your speech by a mentor or trusted advisor. I have seen several contestants essentially eliminate themselves with humor that crossed the line and was deemed offensive. For the 2013 competition, I debated about whether to use one particular joke that I thought toed the line. I sought the advice of five different people and the consensus was to leave it in. It generated big laughs and I am glad I included it, but seeking consultation about risky jokes is imperative. One of the rea-sons I am a fan of self-deprecating humor is that you only risk offending yourself!

Becoming an effective humorous speaker can provide incredible internal rewards. I can think of three in particular:

There’s nothing as heartwarming as seeing your audience react with smiles and laughter. We live in a world often marred by violence, tragedy and darkness. When you impart humor in a speech and inspire laughter, you as a speaker derive a real reward.

Public speaking in general requires courage, but delivering humorous speeches in particular demands real fortitude. Stepping onto a stage with the goal of making an audience of strangers laugh can be daunting. But taking on that challenge and producing gut-busting laughter in an audience can be one of the great thrills in the Toastmasters experience.

While delivery, timing and body language are critical to telling a joke, the joke’s success lies in the author’s ability to conceive it. Writing an original, clean joke that will deliver a punch takes time and patience, and hones one’s creativity. To make humor work, the speaker must also properly place the joke within the speech, build appropriate context around it and structure the speech effectively. The reward is the development of one’s speechwriting skills.

Mark Twain once said, “Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.” It’s not often easy to pull off, but a well-constructed, funny speech will bring lots of laughs to the audience and many rewards to the speaker.

A version of this article appeared in the June 2015 issue of the Toastmaster magazine.

About the Author

Graham honaker, acs, cl.

is a member of the Indy Free Speakers Toastmasters club in Indianapolis, Indiana.

40 Funny Speech Opening Lines: Make ‘Em Laugh Before You Even Begin!

Think of your speech opening line like the first bite of a delicious meal – it sets the tone and leaves you wanting more. A well-crafted, funny speech opening lines can instantly break the ice, make your audience feel at ease, and build anticipation for what’s to come.

But crafting that perfect line? It can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! If you read our article about “ How to Write a Powerful Speech Opening ?” you will get a full understanding of how to craft your speech opening.

Below, you’ll find 40 funny speech opening lines that cater to a wide range of topics and situations. Whether you’re addressing a formal business conference or a casual wedding reception, these lines will help you the ice and kick things off with a bang.

General Icebreakers

Everyone loves a good laugh, right? These funny speech opening lines are designed to do just that – break the ice and get your audience smiling. They’re perfect for any occasion where you want to start things off on a light and friendly note.

• “Before we start, can everyone please look under their chairs? I lost my contact lens, and it might be a little blurry up here…”
• “Good evening, everyone! Or as I like to call it, the part of the day where I try to sound smarter than I actually am.”
• “It’s a pleasure to be here tonight. Or as my therapist would say, ‘It’s a start.'”
• “Thank you for that warm welcome. I was worried you’d all be asleep by now.”
• “Hello, everyone! I’m here to talk to you about [topic]. Or as my kids call it, ‘The thing that makes dad boring.'”
• “Before I begin, I want to thank the person who invented coffee. You are the real MVP.”

Self-Deprecating Humor

Want to show your audience you don’t take yourself too seriously? Try poking a little fun at yourself ! These self-deprecating funny speech opening lines can help you appear more relatable and down-to-earth.

• “I wasn’t sure what to wear tonight, so I asked my cat. He said, ‘Meow’ (which I think means ‘go for the tuxedo’).”
• “I’d like to thank [person] for that glowing introduction. I must say, I’ve never heard myself described as so… fictional.”
• “I’ve been practicing this speech in front of my dog. He hasn’t understood a word, but he sure does wag his tail a lot.”
• “I’m a little nervous tonight, so bear with me. I’m not used to talking to people who aren’t my plants.”
• “I promise to keep this speech short. My attention span is about as long as a goldfish’s.”
• “I know what you’re thinking: ‘This guy doesn’t look like a public speaker.’ Well, you’re right. I’m actually a ninja in disguise.”

Situational Humor (Weddings, Business, etc.)

Every event has its unique flavor, and your opening line can reflect that! Use these tailored jokes to match the mood of your specific occasion.

• (Wedding) “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s an honor to be here tonight. And for the single folks out there, don’t worry, your time will come. Or it won’t. Either way, there’s cake.”
• (Business) “I’m here to talk to you about increasing productivity. But first, let’s be honest, who here is secretly checking their email?”
• (Graduation) “Congratulations, graduates! You made it. Now go out there and prove your parents wrong about that whole ‘art history degree’ thing.”
• (Birthday) “Happy birthday, [person]! You don’t look a day over… well, let’s just say you look amazing.”
• (Retirement) “Congratulations on your retirement! Finally, you can stop pretending to know what the young people are talking about.”
• (Awards) “I’m truly honored to receive this award. Although, I must admit, I was hoping for a cash prize.”

Read our funny maid of honor speeches guide if you plan to do a speech on your friend’s big day.

Pop Culture References

Do you love movies, TV shows, or music? Sprinkle in a pop culture reference! It’s a fun way to connect with your audience, especially if you share a common interest.

• “I’m so nervous, I feel like I’m about to go on stage for the first time since my middle school production of ‘Grease.'”
• “I’m not sure if I’m qualified to give this speech. I mean, I’ve never even won an Oscar.”
• “If this speech were a Netflix series, it would be called ‘Awkward Silences and Dad Jokes.'”
• “I hope my speech isn’t as forgettable as the last season of ‘Game of Thrones.'”

Audience Participation

Want to make your speech even more fun? Get your audience involved ! These funny speech opening lines are designed to spark interaction and create a lively atmosphere. They’ll help you build a connection with your listeners right from the start.

• “Can I get a show of hands? Who here actually read my bio in the program?”
• “Who’s excited to be here tonight? [Pause for response] Liars.”
• “I have a joke, but it only works if you laugh. So, on the count of three, everyone laugh… One, two, three… [Pause] Well, that was awkward.”
• “Let’s play a game. I’ll say a word, and you shout out the first thing that comes to mind. Ready? [Topic of your speech].”

Bonus Lines (Just for Fun)

Looking for something a little extra? These lines are just for fun. They might be a bit silly, but they’re sure to get a chuckle out of your audience.

• “I’m not saying I’m lazy, but I once hired someone from fiverr to watch a YouTube video for me.”
• “I’m so bad at math, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve said ‘I’m bad at math.'”
• “I’m not a morning person. I’m barely even a person before noon.”
• “I’m not sure why I was asked to give this speech. I think they confused me with someone who’s actually interesting.”
• “My therapist told me to take up public speaking to overcome my fear of judgment. So, feel free to judge away!”
• “I’ve been told I have a face for radio. But hey, I’m here, aren’t I?”
• “I’m like a fine wine… I get better with age. Or at least, that’s what I tell myself.”
• “I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I’ve never been wrong… yet.”
• “I’m not sure what’s more nerve-wracking, giving this speech or trying to parallel park in front of all of you.”
• “I’m so glad you all came to hear me speak. I was starting to worry I was only talking to myself.”
• “I’m not sure what’s more confusing, the economy or my love life.”
• “I’m like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get. But hopefully, it’s not salmonella.”
• “I’m not saying I’m old, but I remember when Netflix was just a DVD rental service.”
• “I’m like a good book… worth sticking with until the end. Or at least, the first few chapters.”

Watch this compilation video of comedians delivering hilarious opening lines during their stand-up routines.

Remember, your opening line is your first chance to make a lasting impression. It’s your secret weapon to grab your audience’s attention and set the tone for an unforgettable speech.

We’ve covered a wide range of options to get you started:

• General Icebreakers: Perfect for warming up any crowd with lighthearted humor.
• Self-Deprecating Humor: Show your audience you don’t take yourself too seriously.
• Situational Humor: Tailor your jokes to your specific event and audience.
• Pop Culture References: Connect with your audience on a shared cultural level.
• Audience Participation: Get everyone involved for a truly interactive experience.
• Bonus Lines: Just for fun, because who doesn’t love a good laugh?

So, take a deep breath, step up to that microphone, and let your humor shine! Experiment with different types of speech opening lines until you find the perfect fit for your personality and your audience.

And if you’re ready to dive deeper into crafting a speech that truly resonates, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide on speech structure . It’ll give you all the tools you need to build a presentation that’s not only funny but also informative and engaging from start to finish.

How to Write and Deliver A Perfect Special Occasion Speech

• The Speaker Lab
• July 17, 2024

Table of Contents

Speeches for special occasions are like magic ingredients that can transform any gathering into a moment everyone will remember. Whether you’re toasting at a wedding, giving a eulogy , or accepting an award, your words have the power to move hearts and minds. But let’s be real: crafting the perfect special occasion speech isn’t easy. It takes finesse, creativity, and more than a little courage to stand out from the crowd.

But fear not! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the art of creating a special occasion speech that leaves a lasting impact. From understanding your audience to structuring your speech for maximum effect, we have you covered. So grab a pen and paper, because your next speech is about to be a game-changer.

What Is a Special Occasion Speech?

Special occasion speeches mark the significance of a specific event. For example, you might give one at a wedding, a birthday party, graduation ceremony, funeral, farewell, award ceremony, etc. Ultimately, these speeches address and engage the audience’s emotions on a specific occasion. The goal is to honor, celebrate, appreciate, acknowledge, commemorate, or eulogize. Like informative or persuasive speeches, special occasion speeches communicate a clear message. However, the manner of speaking used is typically different.

Types of Special Occasion Speeches

Unlike informative and persuasive speeches, special occasion speeches are much broader and allow for a wider range of topics, events, and approaches to be employed. Since you are likely to give many special occasion speeches in your life, let’s look at the different types.

Speeches of Introduction

The first type of special occasion speech is the speech of introduction . Typically, a host of a ceremony will give this mini-speech to introduce another speaker and what that person plans to talk about. Few things are worse than when the introducer of a speaker stands up and says, “This is Wyatt Ford. He’s going to talk about stress.” While we did learn the speaker’s name and the topic, the introduction falls flat.

Speeches of Acceptance

An acceptance speech is a speech given by the recipient of an award or honor, usually at an awards ceremony or another special event. The speech typically expresses gratitude for the recognition and may also reflect on the recipient’s journey or the significance of the award.

Speeches of Dedication

A dedication speech is a speech given to mark the opening or dedication of a new building, monument, or other structure. The speech often reflects on the significance of the structure and the efforts that went into its creation.

Speeches for Commencements

A commencement speech is a speech given at a graduation ceremony, typically by a notable figure or alumnus of the school. The speech often offers advice and inspiration to the graduating class as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. Valedictorian speeches also fall under this category.

After-Dinner Speeches

An after-dinner speech is a speech given at a formal dinner or banquet, often to entertain the audience or to mark a special occasion. The speech may be humorous or reflective, depending on the tone of the event.

Motivational Speeches

A motivational speech is a speech designed to inspire and encourage the audience to take action or to persevere in the face of challenges. Motivational speeches are often given at conferences, workshops, or other events where the goal is to energize and empower the audience.

Speeches of Farewell

A farewell speech is a speech given to mark the departure of an individual from a group or organization. The speech often reflects on the individual’s contributions and expresses gratitude for their time with the group.

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Key Parts Of An Effective Special Occasion Speech

When it comes to delivering a special occasion speech that truly resonates with your audience, there are a few key ingredients you’ll want to keep in mind. These elements can make all the difference in ensuring your speech is engaging, memorable, and effective.

Adapting to the Occasion and Your Audience

First and foremost, it’s crucial to adapt to the occasion at hand. Whether you’re giving a toast at a wedding or delivering a commencement address, understanding the context and purpose of the event is essential. This will help you tailor your message and tone to fit the occasion perfectly.

Equally important is adapting to your audience. Consider who will be listening to your speech and what they might be interested in hearing. What are their backgrounds, ages, and experiences? By understanding your audience, you can craft a message that resonates with them on a personal level. For example, if you’re speaking at a graduation ceremony, you might focus on themes of perseverance, growth, and future possibilities. On the other hand, if you’re giving a eulogy, you may want to emphasize the impact and legacy of the person being honored.

Being Mindful of the Time Limit

Another key ingredient for a successful special occasion speech is being mindful of the time limit. No one wants to listen to a speaker who drones on and on, so it’s important to keep your remarks concise and to the point. Aim for a speech that’s no longer than 10-15 minutes, depending on the occasion.

If you’re given a specific time limit, make sure to practice your speech and time yourself to ensure you stay within the allotted timeframe. This will help you avoid rushing through your remarks or getting cut off before you’ve had a chance to deliver your key messages.

Structuring Your Special Occasion Speech Effectively

Finally, structuring your speech effectively is crucial for keeping your audience engaged and ensuring your message is clear and memorable. A typical speech outline includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.

In your introduction, grab your audience’s attention with a relevant anecdote, quote, or question. Then, preview the main points you’ll be covering in your speech. In the body of your speech, develop each of your main points with examples, stories, and evidence. Finally, in your conclusion, summarize your key messages and leave your audience with a call to action or memorable takeaway.

By incorporating these key ingredients into your special occasion speech, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a speech that informs, inspires, and entertains your audience.

Tips for Writing a Memorable Special Occasion Speech

Now that you understand the key ingredients for delivering an effective special occasion speech, let’s dive into some tips for writing a memorable one. After all, the words you choose and the way you structure your speech can make all the difference in how your message is received.

Choosing an Appropriate Topic

When it comes to choosing a topic for your special occasion speech, it’s important to consider the purpose of the event and the interests of your audience. For example, if you’re giving a toast at a wedding, you might focus on the couple’s love story and what makes their relationship special. If you’re giving a commencement address, you might speak about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the graduates.

Whatever topic you choose, make sure it’s relevant to the occasion and the audience. You want your speech to be meaningful and memorable, not generic or forgettable.

Crafting a Strong Opening

The opening of your speech is your chance to grab your audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your remarks. A strong opening might include a relevant quote , a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question.

For example, if you’re giving a speech at a retirement party, you might open with a funny story about the guest of honor’s early days on the job. Or if you’re giving a toast at a wedding, you might start with a quote about love and commitment.

Incorporating Personal Anecdotes

One of the best ways to make your special occasion speech memorable is to incorporate personal anecdotes and stories. These can help illustrate your points, create an emotional connection with your audience, and make your speech more relatable and engaging.

For example, if you’re giving a eulogy, you might share a story about a special moment you shared with the person being honored. Or if you’re giving a commencement address, you might talk about a challenge you faced and overcame during your own education or career.

Using Humor Effectively

Humor can be a great way to engage your audience and make your special occasion speech more memorable. However, it’s important to use humor effectively and appropriately. Make sure any jokes or humorous anecdotes you include are relevant to your topic and appropriate for the occasion and audience. Avoid offensive or insensitive humor, and don’t rely too heavily on jokes at the expense of your overall message.

Ending on a High Note

Just as important as your opening is your closing. You want to end your special occasion speech on a high note, leaving your audience feeling inspired, moved, or encouraged.

One effective way to close your speech is with a call to action or a memorable takeaway. For example, if you’re giving a commencement address, you might encourage the graduates to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world. Or if you’re giving a toast at a wedding, you might offer a piece of advice or well-wishes for the happy couple.

By incorporating these tips into your special occasion speech writing process, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a speech that is both memorable and effective.

Preparing to Deliver Your Special Occasion Speech

You’ve crafted a killer special occasion speech—congratulations! But now comes the hard part: delivering it in a way that captivates your audience and leaves a lasting impact. Whether you’re presenting an acceptance speech, a commencement address, or a heartfelt farewell, the way you deliver your message can make all the difference.

So, how do you make sure your speech is ready for prime time? It all comes down to preparation and practice. You’ll want to spend ample time rehearsing your speech, not just to memorize your lines but to get comfortable with the flow and pacing of your delivery.

Practicing Your Special Occasion Speech

When it comes to practicing your speech, there’s no such thing as too much. The more you run through your material, the more natural and confident you’ll feel when it’s time to take the stage. But don’t just recite your speech in front of the mirror. Instead, try to simulate the actual speaking environment as much as possible. Stand up, move around, and use the same gestures and body language you plan to use during your presentation. This will help you get a feel for how your speech will flow and allow you to make any necessary adjustments before the big day. Finally, don’t forget to time yourself. Make sure your speech fits within the allotted time limit, leaving room for any unexpected pauses or audience reactions.

Managing Nerves and Anxiety

Even the most seasoned speakers can get butterflies before a big speech. But there are plenty of ways to manage your nerves and keep your anxiety in check. One effective strategy is to practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation before you take the stage.

You can also try visualizing yourself delivering your speech with confidence and ease. Picture the audience responding positively to your message and imagine yourself feeling calm and in control. And remember, a little bit of nervousness is totally normal—it just means you care about doing a good job.

Engaging with Your Audience

No matter how well-written your speech may be, it won’t have the desired impact if you fail to connect with your audience. That’s why it’s crucial to engage with your listeners throughout your presentation. Make eye contact, use facial expressions and gestures to emphasize key points, and speak in a clear, confident voice.

You can also try incorporating interactive elements into your speech, like asking rhetorical questions or encouraging audience participation. This will help keep your listeners engaged and make them feel like they’re part of the conversation. Just be sure to read the room and adjust your approach as needed. After all, what works for one audience may not work for another.

Using Appropriate Body Language and Gestures

Your body language and gestures can speak just as loudly as your words, so it’s important to use them effectively during your special occasion speech. Stand up straight, make eye contact with your audience, and use natural, expressive gestures to emphasize your points.

Avoid crossing your arms or hiding behind the podium, as this can make you appear closed off or nervous. Instead, keep your posture open and welcoming, and use your hands to help illustrate your message. Just be sure not to go overboard with the gesticulations. Too much movement can be distracting and take away from the impact of your words.

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Examples of Inspiring Special Occasion Speeches

Need some inspiration for your own special occasion speech? Look no further than some of the most memorable and impactful speeches throughout history. From heartfelt acceptance speeches to powerful commencement addresses, these examples showcase the art of special occasion speaking at its finest.

Famous Acceptance Speeches

Winning an award is a special occasion in itself, and the acceptance speech that follows can be just as memorable as the achievement being recognized.

Take, for example, Halle Berry’s emotional acceptance speech at the 2002 Academy Awards, where she became the first African American woman to win the Best Actress Oscar. In her speech, Berry acknowledged the significance of the moment and paid tribute to the trailblazing actresses who came before her. “This moment is so much bigger than me,” she said through tears. “This moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll. It’s for the women that stand beside me, Jada Pinkett, Angela Bassett, Vivica Fox. And it’s for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened.”

Memorable Commencement Addresses

Commencement speeches are a staple of graduation ceremonies, offering words of wisdom and inspiration to the next generation of leaders. And few commencement addresses are as memorable as Steve Jobs’ 2005 speech at Stanford University .

In his speech, Jobs shared three personal stories that shaped his life and career, from dropping out of college to being fired from Apple to facing a cancer diagnosis. Through these anecdotes, he encouraged graduates to follow their passions, trust their instincts, and make the most of every moment. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life,” he urged. “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”

Heartfelt Farewell Speeches

Saying goodbye is never easy, but a well-crafted farewell speech can help bring closure and celebrate the memories shared. Take, for example, Peyton Manning’s farewell speech in 2016 , where he bid a heartfelt goodbye to the team and fans he had played for over the past 18 years.

In his speech, Manning thanked his teammates, coaches, and family for their support and reflected on the highs and lows of his legendary career. “When someone thoroughly exhausts an experience they can’t help but revere it,” he said. “I revere football. I love the game. So you don’t have to wonder if I’ll miss it. Absolutely. Absolutely I will.”

FAQs on Special Occasion Speeches

What is an example of a special occasion speech.

A toast at a wedding or a keynote address at graduation ceremonies are classic examples.

How do you start an occasion speech?

Kick off with a hook. Share a quote, fact, or brief story that ties to your theme.

What are the 2 types of special occasion speech style?

The two main styles are formal and informal. Your choice depends on the event’s vibe and audience.

How do you speak on special occasions?

Know your audience, stay true to the event’s tone, mix in personal stories, and keep it concise.

Special occasion speeches may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, you can create a speech that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression. Remember to tailor your message to the occasion, keep it concise yet impactful, and infuse it with your unique voice and perspective.

The key is to speak from the heart while keeping your audience’s needs and expectations in mind. Whether you’re aiming for laughter, tears, or a standing ovation, your special occasion speech has the power to create a shared moment of connection and meaning.

So go forth and embrace the opportunity to speak on those special occasions. Your words have the ability to inspire, comfort, and celebrate the moments that matter most. And who knows? You might find yourself falling in love with the whole special occasion speaking scene before you know it.

• Last Updated: July 14, 2024

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When Humor Hurts: The Ethics of Joking and Comedy

Drs. thomas wilk and steve gimbel on balancing free speech and respect in humor..

Posted July 19, 2024 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

• From time to time, most people’s humor will get them in trouble—sometimes for good reason and sometimes not.
• This interview with philosophers Drs. Thomas Wilk and Steven Gimbel delves into the ethics of joking.
• Here we discuss an earlier approach to this topic—the notions of “punching up” and “punching down.”

In April of this year, while at the International Society of Humor Studies’ 2024 online conference, I attended several presentations discussing recent work by Drs. Thomas Wilk and Steve Gimbel, professors of philosophy at Widener University (PA) and Gettysburg College (PA), respectively.

The topics of ethics, morality , and the relationship of each to humor have been increasingly in the news these days. We hear of people who say something objectionable but then attempt to excuse it by claiming they were “just joking” or, as with many professional comedians, jest sarcastically about something objectionable only to have others assert it somehow reflects their true feelings.

Matters such as these are being discussed at some length by philosophers and others who study laughter and humor. I’ve touched on it briefly in my posts on humor as it’s understood by the Mutual Vulnerability Theory (Simon, 2008), but I’m pleased to present a much more considered perspective in the following interview with both Wilk and Gimbel.

Few scholars have dedicated more than a few paragraphs, or maybe a chapter, to the ethics of humor. What initially inspired you to research and write an entire book on this important subject?

We’ve both long been fascinated by the philosophy of humor. Steve’s previous book, Isn’t That Clever , defended his cleverness theory of humor, while Tom has been intrigued by how jokes communicate subtle messages to an audience (Gimbel, 2017; Wilk, 2023). Given our backgrounds in teaching ethics, combining these interests felt like a natural progression.

After all, some of the most passionate discussions of morality in the public square over the last decade have involved comedians, whether it was Dave Chapelle’s trans material in his stand-up specials, Natasha Leggero’s joke about World War II veterans’ affinity for Spaghetti-O’s, Gilbert Gottfried tweeting “too-soon” tsunami jokes, Daniel Tosh’s rape remarks, or Michael Richards’ use of a slur in trying to shut down hecklers, the ongoing debates about cancel culture, what’s off-limits in humor, and who can tell which jokes is something that we as a society keep discussing.

When we turned to philosophical literature to make sense of it all, we realized there wasn’t a comprehensive guide to the ethics of joking and that the philosophical positions that were out there struck us as missing important elements of the question, so we decided we had to fill that gap with In on the Joke: The Ethics of Humor and Comedy (Wilk and Gimbel, 2024).

What are the standard approaches, and what do they get right and wrong?

When it comes to standard approaches to humor ethics, they generally fall into three categories. First, there are the highly restrictive views. These folks recognize the potential harm jokes can cause and argue that any joke risking harm should be avoided. Because jokes can hurt, this line demands that we play it safe and rule out all potentially harmful jokes.

On the opposite end, you have many stand-up comics and a few philosophers who believe jokes are just jokes and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. They argue that comedians should have the freedom to explore any topic for a laugh, and if someone gets offended, they should toughen up.

Then there’s the middle ground, which focuses on the context of jokes, particularly the power dynamics. This approach holds that some jokes aimed at others are morally allowable. Maybe you are only allowed to joke about groups to which you belong, or it’s OK to make jokes about those with more social power than you (punching up) but not about those with less (punching down).

Each of these perspectives brings something valuable to the table. The restrictive camp rightly highlights the potential harms of joking. The permissive camp is correct that jokes are a unique form of speech, not to be taken as seriously as other statements. And the middle ground recognizes the importance of social context and power dynamics in humor. However, we believe that understanding a joke’s impact requires considering various factors about the people involved, their relationships, and the context in which the joke is made.

No other view was taking all of these elements into consideration, and all of them, therefore, provide too simplistic an approach to actually work in the complicated real world. Our book aims to provide a more nuanced approach to these complexities by showing how all of the morally relevant factors combine and sometimes counteract to allow us to see when a given telling of a joke is allowable.

This is Part 1 of 3.

© John Charles Simon

Gimbel, Steven. (2017) . Isn’t That Clever: A Philosophical Account of Humor and Comedy , 1st edition. Routledge.

Simon, J. C. (2008). Why We Laugh: An New Understanding. Starbrook .

Wilk, Thomas. (2023). A Kernel of Truth: Outlining an Epistemology of Jokes. The Philosophy of Humor Yearbook , 4(1), 227-246.

Wilk, Thomas and Gimbel, Steven. (2024). In on the Joke: The Ethics of Humor and Comedy (Vol. 4). Berlin Boston: De Gruyter.

John Charles Simon speaks, writes, and consults on a range of topics, including laughter, humor, their origins and evolution, and the central role each plays in our lives.

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• 188 funny how-to speech topics

Funny how-to speech topics

188 funny topics for a demonstration speech

By:  Susan Dugdale   | Last modified: 11-22-2023

Give us some funny how-to speech topics! None of your bore them to snoring speech ideas. We want funny, chucklesome ones. Ones to make them smile.☺

And you've got them: 188 funny how-to speech ideas, plus a printable outline document to help you efficiently plan your speech, and a completed example of a funny how-to speech outline to show you how it might be done.

Use the page index links to jump to the section you want.

What's on this page?

• Defining funny and choosing a topic
• How to yarn bomb with aplomb and 25 more topic ideas
• How to dance like no one is watching and 27 other suggestions
• How to enter hobby horse riding competitions and win and 27 more
• How to make pumpkins feel OK about being carved for Halloween and 25 more funny how to speech ideas
• How to be a hero to your children and 24 more
• How to interpret the decor of a room. What does it say about a person? and 25 more speech topic suggestions
• How to speak fluent emoji and 27 more funny how to speech ideas
• Printable funny how-to speech outline document
• Example of a funny how-to speech outline
• Links to more demonstration speech resources
• Links to onsite resources for working with humor

Defining 'funny' and choosing a topic

Funny doesn't necessarily mean laughing out loud, helpless giggling or crying because something is just so, so hilarious. 

Funny can also be quiet smiles and a chuckle of appreciation.

You'll find opportunities for all shapes and sizes of it here from pure slapstick through to ridiculous absurdism. 

As you move through the topic suggestions look for possibilities to play with and extend strengths you may already have. 

Do you move well? What about a topic like, " How to dance like no one's watching"? You could teach some exaggerated dance moves and get your audience up and moving.

Or "How to master the art of silly walking". That too offers audience involvement opportunities.

Can you do straight face? Or dead pan? Yes? What about a totally daft topic that you take utterly seriously? One like: "How to take a perfect selfie: share funny tips on posing, lighting, and editing for Instagram-worthy photos."

Or "How to make pumpkins feel OK about being carved for Halloween". I can see the pumpkins being counselled, spoken to gently, being listened to... ☺

Some are soft skills , and some are hard.  Whatever you choose, I hope you have fun! 

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Printable funny how to speech outline document

To make planning your speech easier, here's a printable funny how to speech outline document (pdf). To download it click on the image below. (It will open in a new window.)

Example of a funny how to speech outline

My example speech outline, below, follows the pattern I've used in the printable. The heading for each section has been  bolded .

Title of speech : How to write perfect excuse notes.

General purpose : to entertain or amuse while giving a 'soft skill' * , 'show and tell' or demonstration speech.

Specific purpose : to demonstrate, with humor, how to write an effective excuse note. 

Central idea (thesis statement) : to show how putting some thought and time into preparing an excuse note can lessen the fallout or damage caused by not doing whatever it was that you were expected to.

For example: come to school or work, come at the required time, hand in an assignment, or arrive with the right equipment and wearing the right clothes.

* Soft skills -also known as power skills, common skills, essential skills, or core skills, are skills applicable to all professions. For more this Wikipedia definition and explanation .

Speech introduction - what's your hook?

There are quite a number of ways to hook an audience - to make them sit up and want to listen from moment you open your mouth. These include using a startling statistic, asking a rhetorical question, sharing a compelling story, using an apt quotation or showing an interesting visual aid.

Which attention grabber will you use?

Attention grabber(s)

Rhetorical question:

How effective do you think these excuse notes were?

3 examples of notes:

• "Jimmy will be absent from school on Mondays until further notice. Adding an extra day to the weekend will lower his stress levels, as well as ours. We believe mental health is important." 
• "Stephanie had to stay at home yesterday because she had to wash and dry her hair."
• "Brook's kid brother barfed on her book. We couldn't clean it and had to throw it out." 

The next section is about establishing your authority or right to talk on your chosen subject. Why should your audience listen to you? How much do know about the topic? What experience have you had?

Credibility builders:

I taught teenagers for many years, and these are examples of excuse notes that were given to me.

I got literally 1000s and some were way more effective than others.

The majority of them were very ordinary: with nothing distinguishing them at all. They served their purpose. I filed and forgot them.

However, sometimes parents, caregivers or the student unintentionally excelled themselves. Their very funny notes were meant to be taken seriously no matter how cliched, far-fetched or ludicrous they were to me.

There is a definite limit to the number of grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, best friends... whose final act of kindness and consideration is to conveniently and suddenly die, how many times a person can be smitten by a horrible stomachache, a throbbing headache, or the dog can eat the homework.

Preview:  

So, what is a perfect excuse note? One that is believable. One that is concise, respectful in tone, and shows a responsible attitude: i.e. an understanding of the possible impact of not turning homework in, missing classes or not coming into work. It has also been proofread to pick up lapses in logic, spelling or grammatical errors, is formatted well and handed over prior to being prompted for it.

This, dear audience, is what you're going to find out more about today: how to craft an effective excuse note. One addressing why it was you failed to submit an assignment on time. 

Or one to help smooth over an absence, whether caused by genuinely unforeseen circumstances out of your personal control or by the simple desire to 'bunk off' - to not be where you are supposed to be, just because. And let's face it, who hasn't been tempted to do that occasionally?

An excuse note prepared well helps maintain mutual trust and respect while hopefully minimizing any possible negative consequences. Knowing how to write one is a valuable essential skill.

The next section, a transition, takes us into the body of speech. The body is the heart or main part of the speech where you fulfill its primary purpose: to show or teach your audience how to write perfect excuse notes - step by step.

(The remaining parts/steps of this outline are mostly in note form. They'll need additional fleshing out to make them into a followable, interesting, funny speech.)   

Transition : Are you ready? Let's get on with it.

Body of speech

Step One: Know your audience

Understanding who you are addressing in your note is essential if you want the note to work for you, rather than against you. Example.

• What does the person receiving the note need from you? - a believable reason for either your absence, or not handing in your assignment - an assurance that whatever duties etc. you were supposed to fulfil and didn't will be made up for. Examples. 
• Depending on the circumstances, a doctor's certificate, to verify what you say in your note. 
• What do they expect in an excuse note from you? - honesty, accuracy, respect, understanding of the possible implications of the event on them.
• When do they need the note? - as soon as possible.

Transition:

Step Two: What NOT to do The majority of funny excuse notes are funny by accident. Their writers did not intend them to be amusing. They knew no better. Literally. 

Here's a list of common pitfalls to avoid.

• Oversharing - Whoever is on the receiving end of your note does not need to know all the intimate-up-close-and-personal details of what happened. Or who said what to who about it and how. What's needed is a concise, clear summary or account. Example of over sharing and the same example rewritten concisely.
• Vagueness - using language that avoids naming or giving the reason necessitating an excuse note. Examples of vagueness - due to unforeseen circumstances, events beyond my control
• Fake information - deliberately providing false information for whatever reason. Once lying is found out it can be difficult to rebuild trust. 
• Informality - blurring boundaries between positions, for example, student and teacher, parent of student and teacher, employee and employer, by using colloquial language that is generally used between friends and acquaintances. It shows a lack of understanding about the nature of the relationship. Examples - Hey bro, etc., ...
• Lack of proof-reading - reading over to pick up typos, words that have been left out by accident, inconsistencies - details that don't logically line up as they should, missing information - signature, contact details, dates etc. Examples.
• Poor presentation/formatting - the note should be easily read. Choose a clean clear font, black ink, white paper and space it properly. Examples showing poor v good.

Transition: While it might be amusing to get inadequately prepared excuse notes the consequences for the writer may not be so funny. To dodge that possibility, let's prepare two good excuse notes which you can use as guides. 

Step Three: Crafting the perfect note

Prepare example excuse notes:

• from a parent to a teacher to cover their child not handing in an assignment
• from an employee to an employer to cover unexpected absence from work
• Gathering necessary information - name of the person the note is to go, reason for the note: illness, family emergency, severe weather event (flooding, snowstorm...), transport breakdown, appointment with medical specialist, lawyer, dentist..., specific dates it covers, contact details
• Outline of what will/has been done to minimize impact - delegation of tasks, rescheduling of meetings, arrangement made to catch up on completing the assignment...
• Content, Tone and Proofreading/formatting check   Is the note clear and concise? Does it cover everything it should? Is the tone of the language appropriate? Are there any spelling errors, word omissions or lapses in logic? Has the note been formatted well?  

Example of note from parent to teacher

Example of note from employee to employer

Transition: The final results of this process will never be as ridiculously silly as some of the reasons I've been given or the ones we can find online:  "Someone stole all my shoes." or "My dog is depressed, and this morning he finally summoned the courage to tell me about it. I have to stay at home to support him.".

We won't be rolling in the aisles reading them. However, they'll achieve much more than a laugh at some else's expense will ever do. 

Conclusion: Wrapping it up

Part one: summary

Writing a perfect excuse note is an essential and learnable skill.

Part two: benefit recall

A well-crafted excuse note demonstrates professionalism, maturity, and the ability to take responsibility. It shows respect, creates continuity, and builds mutual trust. 

Part three: call to action

The next time you need to write an excuse note make sure you go above and beyond the joke!

Other resources for how-to speeches

For more about demonstration or how-to speeches:

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The Kamala Harris coconut tree meme, explained as best we can

Lexie Schapitl

Rachel Treisman

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on July 10 in Dallas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images hide caption

For more on Biden's decision and the now open 2024 race, head to the NPR Network's live updates page .

In the weeks before President Biden announced he would not be seeking reelection , some Democrats online rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris to become the party’s new nominee. And their symbol became the coconut tree.

Not long after Biden announced on Sunday he was dropping out of the race, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tweeted out just three emojis : a coconut, a palm tree and an American flag. EMILYs LIST, the PAC focused on electing Democratic women, explicitly endorsed Harris in a tweet and, in a more subtle show of support, also added the tree and the coconut to its username. And Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii posted a picture of himself climbing up a coconut tree , adding, "Madam Vice President, we are ready to help."

🥥 🌴 🇺🇸 — Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) July 21, 2024

So how did the coconut tree emerge as the emblem of Harris' most devoted, or at least most-online followers? It's a story more than a year in the making.

Why are we even talking about coconut trees?

The “coconut tree” meme originates from a May 2023 speech Harris gave at a White House event for advancing opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

At one point near the end of her remarks, Harris talked about how the initiative's work would be focused on young people, but it should also take into account the needs of their families, teachers and communities, "because none of us just live in a silo."

We’re proud to endorse @kamalaharris as the next president of the United States because we know she is a qualified accomplished leader. She is the only candidate positioned to win against Trump in November, and the best voice to define the stakes in this election! #allinforkamala pic.twitter.com/CmdgImMaDz — EMILYs List 🥥🌴 (@emilyslist) July 21, 2024

"Everything is in context," Harris said, before launching into the now-famous anecdote.

"My mother ... would give us a hard time sometimes, and she would say to us, 'I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?' " Harris said with a laugh. "You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you."

The moment was first meme’d in earnest in February of this year, when for a period of time, one could not open X, formerly known as Twitter, without seeing clips of or oblique references to those remarks.

this video is literally like medicine to me. i watch it once every week or two and every time i do i get an enduring hit of light euphoria for the next 45 minutes pic.twitter.com/eIF6Rwiir0 — charlie squire (@evil_female) February 9, 2024

But the meme took on new life this summer , after President Biden’s disastrous debate performance fueled speculation that he might step aside as the Democratic nominee. Harris’ supporters, also known as the KHive, were waiting in the wings.

Since then, the moment has been remixed into Charli XCX’s “ Von Dutch ” and Britney Spears’ " Gimme More ." Democratic operatives have spoken of being “ coconut-pilled .” The meme flourished into 2028 debate fan fiction . Google searches for "coconut tree" started climbing in the U.S. in early July.

Like all of us, the coconut tree moment exists in the context of all in which it lives and what came before it. Which is to say, it’s part of a larger set of memes surrounding Kamala Harris’ political persona. Harris has been spawning memes longer than she’s been vice president. We Did It, Joe , is likely the most well-known. But her laugh , her bus , her dance moves and her love of Venn diagrams have all become social media fodder.

We did it, @JoeBiden . pic.twitter.com/oCgeylsjB4 — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 7, 2020

So why did the coconut tree break through?

It's impossible to say why any particular meme — political or otherwise — catches fire over another. But part of Harris’ persona as portrayed on the internet is just that she   brings an energy that’s in stark contrast to President Biden and former President Donald Trump.

“We want something to laugh at and laugh with. And that's what Kamala does. And I think the coconut tree clip is a perfect example of that,” said Rebecca Jennings, a senior correspondent at Vox covering internet culture. 

Put another way, Harris — even being 59 and the incumbent vice president —represented something new in a campaign defined by old. And that stoked some enthusiasm among voters who were very unenthused.

“There's a sense of, like, nihilism that's like – OK, we have to do this again , and we have to do Trump and Biden again ,” Jennings said. “And so when you see clips of Kamala, it's like, well, at least that's fun to watch. At least it's, you know, not the same thing we've been seeing on screens for 10 years. It's a break in the just the drudgery of what what everyone thought this election was going to be.”

Young Democrats — among the most dissatisfied with Biden as a candidate, and the most online — also helped fuel the movement. As Washington Post internet culture reporter Taylor Lorenz wrote : "Harris’s new online prominence could help give the Democratic Party new prominence with young people — including major content creators — who are hesitant to vote for Biden again due to his climate policies, support of Israel’s war in Gaza, mishandling of the ongoing pandemic, and signing a bill that could ban TikTok."

One man's gaffe is another man's meme

From the coconut trees to the Venn diagrams, the Harris memes embrace what detractors might consider a gaffe. Trump, for instance, has dubbed Harris " laughing Kamala ," saying the laugh makes her seem "crazy."

Take another example, which grew out of one of Harris' go-to lines dating back to her 2020 presidential run: “I can imagine what can be, unburdened by what has been.”

The RNC compiled a supercut of Harris being "unburdened" and shared it on social media, arguing that it shows she is “unoriginal, annoying, and highly incompetent.” But the attacks aren’t sticking, as her supporters have taken ownership of the line and the laughter.

Jennings said it’s reminiscent of the critiques hurled at Trump throughout his political career, only to be welcomed by his base.

“People like the fact that he was saying offensive things,” Jennings said. "And I think it's strange for Republicans to kind of now be on the other end of that – which is making all these, you know, memes and videos of Kamala being goofy and quirky and the left being like, “Hell, yeah, brother.”

• election 2024
• Kamala Harris
• internet memes

Biden didn't give profane Oval Office address. Clip is doctored | Fact check

The claim: Video shows Biden giving profane Oval Office address

A July 21 Facebook post ( direct link , archive link ) shows a video of what appears to be President Joe Biden in the Oval Office delivering a profanity-laden address.

Presenting the video as legitimate news, the post’s caption states, “Breaking Now: President Joe Biden makes his first video address following dropping out of the Presidential race.”

The video was reposted thousands of times on X, formerly Twitter .

More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Fact check roundup: Biden exit, Harris entry spur flurry of false claims

Our rating: Altered

The video is a fabrication. It was first posted to X by an account that regularly shares memes and other doctored content.

Video originated on account that shares memes

Three weeks after his widely panned  debate performance  against former President Donald Trump, Biden posted a letter to social media July 21 in which he announced he was dropping out of the presidential race. In an Oval Office address three days later , he said the best way forward “ is to pass the torch to a new generation .”

But none of his speeches include this profanity-laden attack on his critics. The video in the social media posts is fabricated, as evidenced by the audio at multiple points failing to match the movements of Biden's mouth. Posted three days before Biden's televised speech about the decision, the clip originated from an account that regularly posts memes and other doctored videos and images.

Fact check : There's a reason Biden left the presidential seal off his withdrawal letter

A watermark in it includes the name of a social media account, and that user describes himself as a “memer ” in his bio. The original video was taken from Biden's Oval Office address July 14 , one day after a gunman attempted to assassinate Trump at a campaign rally. In that speech, Biden called for Americans to “ lower the temperature in our politics .”

The video also includes a PBS News watermark. In a statement posted to X, the network characterized the clip as a deepfake and the use of the footage as unauthorized.

USA TODAY previously debunked false claims that Biden resigned as president , was in hospice care and was the reason flags at the U.S. Capitol flew at half-staff .

USA TODAY reached out to some social media users who shared the video but did not immediately receive responses. 

AFP also debunked the claim.

Our fact-check sources:

• @MidnightMitch, accessed July 26, X profile
• The White House (YouTube), July 14, President Biden Addresses the Nation (ASL)
• PBS News, July 21, X post

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here .

USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta .

Explaining the most viral Kamala Harris memes, from coconut trees to 'Momala' and Veep

You've likely seen the news that Joe Biden has pulled out of his re-election bid for the White House and has instead thrown his support behind Kamala Harris to be the next US president.

You might have also seen a bunch of memes about coconut trees, phrases like "unburdened" and "the context in which you live", and clips from a comedy series starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

And while it can be hard to keep up with US politics, keeping up with internet jokes can be harder.

So get comfy, find some shade under a coconut tree, and let us explain what it all means.

The coconut tree meme

This is the meme of the moment, and the one that is gaining the most traction with actual, real-life Democratic senators.

It started with a speech Harris gave last May at a White House event for advancing opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

The line that went viral is when Harris says "you think you just fell out of a coconut tree?"

She laughs before changing tone and delivering a particularly philosophical line: "You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you."

Ironically, all the context of this moment has been stripped, so here is an excerpt from Harris's speech:

"Part of the extension of the work you will do is, yes, focused on our young leaders and our young people, but understanding we also then have to be clear about the needs of their parents and their grandparents and their teachers and their communities, because none of us just live in a silo. Everything is in context. "My mother used to — she would give us a hard time sometimes, and she would say to us, "I don't know what's wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?" (Laughs.) "You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you."

This small section of her speech was clipped up and published in isolation by a YouTube account called GOP War Room which it says dedicates itself to "exposing the lies, hypocrisy, and failed far-left policies of Biden and the Democrat Party."

The account is managed by the Republican National Committee, and while their intentions were to cast Harris in a negative light, it had the opposite effect.

The clip went viral in February this year when it was picked up by an X user who wrote: "This video is literally like medicine to me. I watch it once every week or two and every time I do I get an enduring hit of light euphoria for the next 45 minutes."

The post, from user @evil_female, has had over 1 million views and inspired countless memes.

The coconut tree meme has since crossed the floor and gone from being an inside joke on X to becoming something of a loose symbol for Harris's campaign.

Hawaii senator Brian Schatz posted a photo of himself scaling a literal coconut tree with the caption "Madam Vice President, we are ready to help".

Meanwhile, Colorado Governor Jared Polis tweeted out three emojis: a coconut, a palm tree and an American flag.

The 'unburdened' meme

While the coconut tree meme was one single throwaway comment from Harris, the "unburdened" meme was born out of the fact the vice president has recycled this specific line countless times.

The meme began when John Cooper — a senior advisor to the House Committee on Homeland Security — posted a compilation on X of all the times Harris has said the phrase "what can be, unburdened by what has been."

The video is 4 minutes long and has been viewed more than 12 million times since it was posted at the end of June.

Similarly with the coconut tree meme, while the initial compilation was stitched together by the Republicans, it has had the opposite effect on younger social media users.

The Momala meme

The Momala meme is more straightforward.

In 2019, when Harris joined Biden on the ticket, she penned an essay for Elle magazine for Mother's Day about another important role in her life – being a step-parent to her husband Doug Emhoff's two children.

"A few years later when Doug and I got married, Cole, Ella, and I agreed that we didn't like the term 'stepmom.' Instead, they came up with the name 'Momala.'"

"Momala" became a term of endearment for Harris after she added it to her social media bios, with her description on X reading: "Fighting for the people. Wife, Momala, Auntie."

The term came back into our cultural consciousness this May when Harris was interviewed on Drew Barrymore's talk show.

Barrymore often sits incredibly close to her interviewees, and during her chat said to Harris: "We all need a tremendous hug in the world right now."

She then leans into the vice president and says: "We need you to be Momala of the country."

While we will never know what went through Harris's head at that remark, The Cut said it looked like the vice president was trying not to laugh.

The Veep memes

Before Harris was America's first female vice-president, there was the fictional Selina Meyer from Veep.

The satirical television series ran from 2012 to 2019 and was created by Armando Iannucci — he might not be a household name but you've likely heard of his British political comedy series The Thick of It.

The show starred Seinfeld actor Louis-Dreyfus as Meyer, who when we meet her is one heartbeat away from the most important job in the world.

The show follows her and her staff as they attempt to make a mark and leave a legacy, only to be mired in day-to-day political games.

The series ran for seven seasons, with Louis-Dreyfus winning six consecutive Emmy Awards for her role.

Now, there are plenty of clips at the internet's disposal in their bid to draw parallels between Meyer and Harris.

We won't tell you how Veep ends, though. And as for November? We'll have to wait and see.

• X (formerly Twitter)

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