One way to add humour to your presentation without losing your dignity - Use funny slides

"Me? Use humour? You don’t get it – I am NOT funny! And I don't want to make a fool of myself!"

This is a comment I get often when I encourage clients to incorporate humour into their speeches. If you have read my other post on the many benefits of humour in a presentation, you probably know what these benefits are. But like many people who give presentations for work, maybe you are not quite sure where to start.

Or maybe you are convinced you do not have a funny nerve in your body. Perhaps you are afraid to lose face if your humour falls flat I.e. afraid of making a fool of yourself.

In this article, I will show you one low-risk way you can ease into adding humour to  your presentations and leverage the benefits of a little levity. Beginners, intermediate and even professional speakers can benefit from these techniques so no matter where you are in your speaking, read on.

So what is the technique? Use slides with funny visuals.

Most modern presentations – especially in the workplace involve using slides. And even though most presenters use slides incorrectly, slides can be a great enhancement to your presentation and also a neat way to incorporate humour. There are definite benefits for the self-proclaimed unfunny or the funny newbie (funnewbie) to using slides. Let us look at two main ones that have to do with lessening the pressure felt by most presenters when they try to add humour.

1.    Less pressure to perform

Unlike telling jokes or using funny stories and anecdotes, using slides for humour depends less on comedic timing and delivery. The punchline (or punchpic in this case) depends on the click of a button and not on mastery of tension silence, slapstick or deadpan delivery techniques.

You only have to determine at what point in your presentation you show the slide and click! You don’t have to worry about doing voices, gestures or pausing mid-sentence for a punchline delivery since the humour is in the slides and not on you anyway. This is one reason why using funny visuals in your slides is a smart and safe first step to adding humour to your presentations.

Now for the other reason.

2.    Less pressure to create

Crafting comedy can be a daunting task for many. Writing and telling funny stories, creating throwaway lines or putting a humorous spin on content demands creativity. Even canned jokes, to be effective, often need to be tailored to the audience.

However, with funny images, you only need to do a quick search for images that match the theme of your presentation and you are ready to go! Just be sure they are appropriate for the setting and that you follow any copyright restrictions.

But what makes a visual humorous? Is there a formula to funny?

What makes a visual humorous?

“Funny” is subjective. Good comedians are skilled at producing side-splitting hilarity from the most mundane material but many of them will tell you that they struggle to deliver material if they themselves do not find it funny first. It must be funny to you – the presenter.

And remember, the whole premise here is simply to add some levity, not to do a stand-up routine. Therefore you do not need a hilarious visual. You only need a visual that makes it clear that this is for fun and gives the audience some respite and allows them to relax.

If the visual supports your point and is appropriate to your audience, it will probably work. Don’t overthink it. Have fun with it.

That said, here are a few guidelines you can follow when you are unsure of where to find the funny.

1.    Use funny pictures of people

Can you find pictures of people doing silly things? Perhaps making funny faces?

Using funny pictures of people can be a great way to add humour to an otherwise dry presentation. A plain picture can also be funny when placed in an in-congruent but clever context.

For example, I once gave a talk at an educational institution where I showed this picture when I made reference to the dean of the department. The play on the word "dean" implied in the picture got the audience laughing with a few side-comments to the dean being a “rebel without a cause”. The laughter was very effective in creating the right energy for the rest of my message.

One of my clients used this picture when discussing the frustrations in communications between stakeholders. She did not get roaring laughter and no one was slapping their thighs in comedic convulsions. But she did get a few giggles which added some levity to an otherwise stressful and sensitive topic.

I have used this picture at times in my leadership seminar on conflict resolution when I talk about some of the origins of conflicts. The slide often gets a laugh especially from the ladies in the room. I could have used a picture of two people in dark navy suits shaking hands but that is so cliche as to be downright corny.

I do not recommend using overly obvious references in your images such as handshakes for cooperation or the ubiquitous bar-chart and arrow for growth.

What about you? Does this give you any ideas for that upcoming speech or presentation? Let us look at another useful tip.

2.    Use pictures that leverage anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism is defined as the attribution of human characteristics to animals or objects. There is something naturally funny about animals or objects behaving like humans (and, interestingly, vice-versa).

Sometimes, the anthropomorphism is obvious such as this picture of a dog reading a book or saying a prayer. Other times, it is implied in your presentation such as when I use this picture of meerkats in my seminars to explain the importance of keeping audience members engaged during a presentation.

3. Use cartoons with humour

Cartoons can be a great way to add humour. A cartoon visual will usually stand out from the rest of your slides instantly capturing attention. And because cartoons are often designed to be funny with all the comedic elements built in, you only have to show the visual and wait a few seconds for the audience to get the joke. 

As a guide, I recommend no more than two frames with no more than 35 words in total. You don't want the audience reading your cartoon like a novel. They should be able to take it in in a glance so you can move forward with your presentation.

A very popular comic strip for the corporate environment is Scott Adams' Dilbert but a web search will reveal many other options. If you will be using cartoons that you have not created, be sure you follow the copyright instructions.

4. Use pictures of children

Visuals of children are almost irresistible when used in presentations correctly. See if you can find pictures of children doing silly things or acting like grown-ups. Or just plain having fun. I have used this picture in keynotes when I have talked about enjoying the journey of life. The crowd usually does not erupt in riotous laughter but I do notice a few smiles. And like I said in this post, you only need to get a smile to gain the benefits of humour.

See if you can find appropriate pictures of children that you can use to make your point while adding some levity.

Go for it!

There are other types of funny visuals you can add including memes and gifs if appropriate for your presentation and audience. You can also mix up these tips as you see fit. For example using a cartoon of a dog baking cookies. The important thing is to start using humour deliberately in your presentations. Once you get comfortable with this, you can incorporate other methods with more confidence. Your audience will appreciate you for it and reward you with their attention and, approval.

Whatever visuals you pick, be sure to comply with copyright. You can download my free resource guide with three great sites where you can download or create royalty-free visuals.

Till the next article, speak with skill.

Anthony is a keynote speaker, coach and consultant who works with individuals and organizations who want to leverage the power of persuasive speaking and leadership in the acceleration of their success. Contact him to see how he can help you or your organization.