I'm at My Wit's End

He may have been good at copy writing (and I understand that he was), but he was an absolute master at speaking. Why? Because he held the audience’s attention with humor.

He had the background to enable to do so. His employment history included being a script writer for a popular 80’s sitcom (I can’t remember which one right now), a professional comedian and a public speaker.

Now I think that at times I can be funny. I’m usually able to look at things and put a slight twist on it in order to extract some humor – but I pale in comparison to this gentleman. He was aboslutely hilarious. He had a way of taking a dry topic such as copy writing bringing it to life with humor. It truly was a gift.

During one of the presentations he made a remarkable statement. He said that all he did to be funny was take what everyone else was really thinking and state it. It took some thinking for me to accept that. I eventually came to the conclusion that it was a bit more than that. He not only took what everyone else was thinking but combine that with a keen insight and incredible timing. Those factors combined to form what we call wit.

Wit is the intellectual side of humor. In Webster's Dictionary, wit is defined as "the association of ideas in a manner natural, but unusual and striking, so as to produce surprise joined with pleasure". It really is nothing more than an incisive observation, spoken in a humorous manner with impeccable timing.

Someone else with extraordinary wit is Benjimen Franklin. In one example, Edward Gibbon, the British historian and myopic author of The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, refused to have dinner with Franklin in France on account of the colonial rebellion. In retaliation, Benjamin retorted that he would be happy to provide "ample materials" on the decline of the British Empire.

When it is incorporated into a speech wit is an extremely effective form of humor.

Humor is an effective tool for speakers – it has much more value than just entertainment. It captures our audiences’ attention. It wakes them up – and keeps them awake. It can be used to illustrate points. Finally, humor used to illustrate a point will help your audience remember your points.

The next time you are preparing a speech look for opportunities where you can incorporate some wit. Once you have built it into your speech don’t forget to practice it so that you can deliver it with the correct time.

In upcoming newsletters we will talk about the timing of humor and developing wit that is unrehearsed.

You are granted permission to reproduce and distribute this article provided that all of it (including these notices) is included.

Copyright © 2007 David Mudie All Rights Reserved

Visit http://www.EffectivelySpeking.com to get your own free newsletter subscription and start overcoming your fear of public speaking.

The author and publisher of the website have used their best efforts in preparing this material. The author and publisher make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this website. They disclaim any warranties (expressed or implied) or fitness for any particular purpose. The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages from the website. Use of the informationon the website is the sole decision and at the risk of the individual(s) choosing to do so.

---