Using video tape and power point during her presentation at our District 3 Fall Conference October 21, Susan Wallace, DTM, gave us many tips for preparing a humorous speech as well as had us laughing throughout her educational session. 

Her video of the Regional Humor Showcase effectively demonstrated the techniques used by Susan and the other Toastmasters as they regaled the audience with
outstanding humor.

Techniques and tips to use in creating humorous speeches as recommended by Susan Wallace:
    -  Review the Toastmasters International Humorous Speech Judging from and use it as a guide
    -  Content:  Exaggerate and embellish the truth
    -  Appearance:  Dress for success
    -  Language:  Avoid B, B, B;  bedroom, bathroom, and barroom
    -  Speech structure:  Start with a story, end with a related story, fill the middle with lists and explanations
    -  Pauses:  A slight pause before the punch line, then pause while the audience is laughing
    -  Evaluation:  Have a round robin evaluation at the club to get as much feedback as possible
    -  Practice, practice, practice; then practice some more
    -  Lastly:  Your biggest weakness is your greatest strength.  Poke fun at yourself.  Use self effacing and self deprecating to your advantage.

You don't have to tell the truth!  The truth is often a good place to start, but the winning speech will wildly exaggerate the truth.  To begin brainstorming your own humorous speech ideas, start thinking of "funny" things that happened to you.  Then exaggerate, twist, and embellish. 

You're on your way to having a great humorous speech!