Laugh and Learn: Using Humor to Connect with Your Audience

If you’ve ever sat through a long presentation where the speaker droned on without a hint of levity, you know how quickly attention drifts. 

Now think about the last time a speaker made you laugh. Not with an over-the-top comedy routine, but with a clever story, a witty aside, or a playful observation. Chances are you leaned in, felt more connected, and remembered their message long after.

That’s the power of humor in public speaking. When used with intention, humor is more than entertainment; it’s a bridge that creates connection, builds trust, and reinforces your message.

Why Humor Works

Research in psychology and communication indicate that humor has been shown to:

• Increase attention and retention: Laughter creates a positive emotional experience that helps audiences remember what you said.
• Build relatability: Humor signals “I get you” and closes the gap between speaker and audience.
• Reduce stress and tension: A light moment lowers defenses, making listeners more open to your message.
• Boost speaker credibility: Contrary to the fear that humor makes you seem less professional, well-placed humor actually makes you appear more confident and approachable.

In short: people like people who make them laugh. And people who like you are more likely to trust you, hire you, or follow your call to action.

What Humor Is (and Isn’t)

When I coach people like you to step into their story and speak with confidence, humor often comes up as one of the most intimidating tools. They’ll say, “But I’m not funny!” or “What if my joke flops?”

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a stand-up comedian. Humor in public speaking should happen naturally and can be about anything. Here are a few examples:

• Playful observations (“Only in Oregon can it be sunny, raining, and hailing in the same 10 minutes.”)
• Self-deprecating wit that shows humility (“I joined the Marine Corps at 29—because apparently, I thought boot camp sounded like a good midlife hobby and 30 is the new 20 right?”)
• Exaggeration for effect (“I was so nervous my hands were shaking like maracas in a salsa band.”)

Notice these aren’t jokes pulled from the internet. They are rooted in your personality, your story, and your lived experience. That’s what makes them funny and powerful.

How to Use Humor Effectively

1. Start Small

Test your humor in conversation first. Notice where people chuckle naturally at your stories. Those are the moments to amplify on stage.

2. Keep It Relatable

Humor works when it taps into shared experiences. Think less about being clever and more about making your audience nod in recognition.

3. Use Humor to Emphasize, Not Distract

Humor should serve your message, not derail it. If your audience remembers the joke but not the point, you’ve missed the mark.

4. Mind Your Boundaries

Avoid humor at the expense of others, and steer clear of topics that divide rather than unite. Humor should build bridges, not walls.

5. Pair Humor with Vulnerability

Some of the most impactful moments come when humor and vulnerability work together. Sharing a funny story about a mistake you made not only gets a laugh, it also makes you relatable and human.

Humor as a Confidence Builder

For many speakers, the scariest part of public speaking is the silence between words; you know, the pause before your message lands. Humor helps here too. When your audience laughs, that sound is a form of validation. It signals, “We’re with you.”

I often remind my clients that laughter is more than noise, it’s connection. And once you’ve made people laugh, you’ve earned their attention for the next thing you want to teach, inspire, or call them to do.

And here’s the best part: humor is also a confidence booster for you as the speaker. Knowing you can make your audience laugh—even in a small way—proves that you can command the room without being perfect. That’s a powerful realization, especially for women and others who have been told to play small or avoid “rocking the boat.”

Humor won’t just lighten your speaking experience; it will deepen it. By weaving in moments of levity, you remind your audience that learning can be joyful, that connection can be fun, and that confidence doesn’t mean perfection.

Because at the end of the day, public speaking isn’t about delivering a flawless performance. It’s about making people feel something—and sometimes, that something is the joy and healing power of laughter.

Ready to bring more connection and confidence to your next speech or presentation? Whether you want to add the right touch of humor, refine your message, or simply step on stage without feeling like your heart is about to leap out of your chest, I can help.

Book a free call with me today, and together we’ll get your speech ready to roll so you can connect, inspire, and leave an unforgettable impact. Book your free call here. 

For more resources and ways to connect with me, visit my links page HERE.