I was invited to attend a course recently at no cost. Always prepared to learn I attended.
The course was for small business' and was initiated by a large bank and a well known coaching organisation.
With 30 - 40 people in attendance we waited with baited breath for the presentation to start.
You can imagine I am a hard marker so I looked forward to the introduction of the course and the frame for the program and the upcoming module. But no i got two jokes, two Irish jokes and all, instead.
I was gobsmacked that there were still presenters beginning a presentation this way, I thought that ended years ago. So why was I gobsmacked? No not because the jokes weren't funny but because there are so many better ways to build rapport and set up a presentation.
Three reasons for not starting with jokes:
You don't know your audience you could easily offend
It isn't congruent with your material or content
People have come for the purpose of the content not to see a comedian
Presenting doesn't need to be fluffy. Stand and deliver your material knowing you wiil build rapport and credibility. Your ability to communicate your message is crucial.
You can have a really engaging, solid even fun presentation without having jokes upfront.
When you prepare for your next presentation just check in. Are you using innovative ways to start you presentation, that are linked to your content, to get your audience engaged?
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1 comment:
You're kidding me, Craig. People are still doing that?
I saw Dan open his talk recently and even HE didn't open with a joke, and he's been a pro comedian!
Making jokes at any poimt can really bomb. Far better as you say to get straight in and engage them in more innovative and safer ways.
By the way, did you hear the one about ....
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