Susan Wallace's first suggestion in the preparation of a humorous contest speech was: READ THE JUDGES FORM. There's a novel idea!  Find out what the judges will be looking for so you can give it to them.

In the Language category, especially as it concerns appropriateness, she reminded us to avoid the 3 B's - Bedroom, Bathroom and Barroom. It may be funny, but when you're being judged, why look for trouble?

As for Delivery, Susan recommended you dress for success. Wear a costume only if it adds to your speech, otherwise, dress nicely (suits, dresses, etc.) Gestures are also even more important in humor. Use them to 
demonstrate actions, and remember to make the BIG when you're before a large audience.

Content is the most important. It needs to be effective, original and (hello?) FUNNY! Audience response will influence the judges.

She showed clips from a video of District 33's Humorous Speech Contest, while she pointed out the style and techniques of each speaker.

A formula many speakers use (as did 5 out of 6 in the video) is: begin with a 1-2 minute Table Topic, end with another 1-2 Table Topic, and fill the middle with lists and explanations.  For instance, a speech on commuting 
opened with a Table Topic type monologue about the frustrations of commuting to work and back in rush hour traffic every day, followed by a list of 3 kinds of commuters, with an explanation about each type, and closed with a summary about getting along safely with all kinds of drivers.

Susan also stressed, if you want to poke fun at someone, use yourself. Find your weakness and then embellish, exaggerate, or flat-out lie to make it funny.

Some ways to help you get started on the road to thinking funnier are:

What one thing would you like to change about yourself?
What annoys or frustrates you?
What strange things do those around you do?
What activity occupies a lot of your time?

If you want to use jokes you've heard before, or found on the internet, change them to fit the occasion, personalize them and try to make them believable.

Everyone can be funny. You just have to look at life in a different way. Now go make somebody laugh!