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10 Different Types of Laughter

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Parents of newborn babies learn quickly there are many ways babies cry . One type means a baby is hungry, another cry says the baby has a dirty diaper. Then there's the cry that signals the baby just wants attention.

Parents don't put as much thought into what their child's laugh means (unless it's obvious they're fighting with their siblings). In fact, very few people consider the differences in laughter at all.

According to the late Robert Provine, who was a laughter expert and professor emeritus of neurobiology of psychology at the University of Maryland, laughter is specifically a social structure, something that connects humans with one another in a profound way [source: Provine ].

According to his findings, people are 30 percent more likely to laugh in a social setting that warrants it than when alone with humor-inducing media [source: Provine ]. That means that you're more likely to laugh with friends while watching a comedy together than when you're watching the same show or movie by yourself.

Though there are many ways to laugh, from giggles to guffaws and chuckles to cackles, it turns out that we humans laugh for many reasons, some of them odd. And it's more than just the latest episode of "Saturday Night Live" that has us doubled over; 90 percent of why we laugh has nothing to do with somebody telling a joke [source: Trump ].

So what are some of the different types and reasons for all the laughter?

• Etiquette Laughter
• Contagious Laughter
• Nervous Laughter
• Belly Laughter
• Silent Laughter
• Stress-relieving Laughter
• Pigeon Laughter
• Snorting Laughter
• Canned Laughter
• Cruel Laughter

10: Etiquette Laughter

At the end of a long day, you find yourself in the elevator with your boss. Instead of talking up your latest accomplishments, though, you find yourself laughing at everything he says.

Though you may think you sounded like a fool, you probably did just fine. People rely on laughter to get along with others, so whether we're with our boss or friends, we tend to laugh at things that just aren't funny.

In a study of laughter episodes, Provine found that people tend to laugh at perfectly bland statements like "Can I join you?" or "See you later" [source: Provine ]. Laughter could have developed in our ancestors before full speech, so the sound is merely a way to communicate and show agreement.

And if you're trying to ascend the corporate ladder, you're not the only one laughing at the boss. We tend to laugh with anyone who can help us out, which is why a group of undergraduate students may guffaw at a professor's bad joke, while a job applicant's attempts at humor may fall flat with those who are already gainfully employed.

9: Contagious Laughter

Imagine you're out for dinner with a group of friends. Someone tells a joke and gets one person laughing, which gets a second person laughing, and so on. Is catching laughter like catching a cold? It's very likely.

Provine found in one experiment that nearly half of his 128 undergraduate students giggled on first response to a simulated laugh [source: Provine ]. And they did this despite knowing the source to be an artificial laugh-simulator.

According to Provine, contagious laughter raises the possibility that humans have laugh detectors. In other words, people are made to respond with laughter on hearing laughter itself, much like the mystery of spreading a yawn.

Contagious laughter isn't necessarily a laughing matter. Consider the Tanganyika Laughter Epidemic of 1962 , in which laughter among a few school students in a village in what's now Tanzania spread to the much wider community. Turns out it wasn't a funny joke: Experts instead diagnosed it as a case of mass hysteria.

8: Nervous Laughter

There are times when we need to project dignity and control, like during presentations to the CEO or during a funeral. Unfortunately, these are the times when uncontrollable nervous laughter is likely to strike.

During times of anxiety, we often laugh in a subconscious attempt to reduce stress and calm down. It's sort of a mature defense mechanism, though it usually just makes things more awkward.

Nervous laughter is often considered fake laughter and is often a go-to in high-stress and high-anxiety situations. Laughing, even nervously, can help ease some of that stress. But you don't want to develop a habit of it. Inappropriate laughter can cause others disapproval, and make you even more stressed out than you were before.

7: Belly Laughter

Belly laughter is considered the most honest type of laughter. It may also be the hardest type to experience. Why? Because we have to find something truly hilarious before we'll let go with the kind of laughter that has us clutching our bellies and gasping for air.

Of course, that's not the only description for true belly laughter; as you might guess, we all laugh differently. In a study conducted by Vanderbilt University, researchers found that men are more likely to grunt or snort at something they find funny, while women let loose with giggles and chuckles [source: Vanderbilt ].

It's good to take note of what tickles your funny bone, however, because it just might save your life. In the 1979 book, " Anatomy of an Illness ," Norman Cousins writes how he used laughter to fight terminal illness.

"Ten minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic effect and would give me at least two hours of pain-free sleep," Cousins wrote [source: Colburn ]. Cousins turned to the Marx Brothers and "Candid Camera" and experienced a full recovery. Cousins died in 1990, nearly 11 years after he wrote the book.

6: Silent Laughter

Those of us who work in open office settings may think that silent laughter is a skill we've perfected. Mindfully practicing silent laughter, though, can have real benefits because it involves the same type of deep breathing that comes with belly laughter.

Cheryl Ann Oberg works as a therapeutic clown and teaches sick kids the art of silent laughter. She told Canadian Living laughing silently has enabled the kids to fall back asleep when they wake from bad dreams [source: Van Dyk ]. The children get the calming benefits of the rhythmic exhalations without waking their roommates.

Silent laughter is also practiced in laughter yoga and laughter therapy, where it's often called joker's laughter. To try it on your own, freeze your face into a smile like the Joker of Batman fame, then let your belly do the work of pushing air in and out as if you are laughing out loud.

5: Stress-relieving Laughter

Let's face it, life can be tough sometimes. Whether you're on a tight deadline with the boss breathing down your neck or you're sitting in rush-hour traffic and your car's A/C is on the fritz, the end of a workday doesn't mean everything's peachy keen. Muscles still tight? It's a sign you're still carrying the stress of the day.

Stress is one of the most important reasons to find something humorous. Laughter is a sure cure for stress [source: Van Dyk ].

Stress builds tension in the human body, and that tension has to go somewhere. Usually it's the muscles.

So what to do? Yes, you could get a massage, but have you ever considered a good laugh? Stress-relieving laughter can encompass many forms, but it's usually found in an outburst, much like belly laughing.

4: Pigeon Laughter

Say you're out for a walk with a friend when something falls from the sky: pigeon droppings. You're splattered, but your friend is untouched. This event is anything but funny to you, yet your friend can't stop laughing. Is this pigeon laughter?

Not quite, unless your friend is laughing in a very specific way. Pigeon laughter, which is often practiced in laughter therapy or laughter yoga, involves laughing without opening your mouth. By keeping your lips sealed, the laughter produces a humming sound, much like the noises a pigeon makes.

It's also been compared to the humming of bees, so if you're still angry at those darn pigeons for dropping poop on you, feel free to call it bees' laughter.

3: Snorting Laughter

When you aren't actively trying to practice the art of silent laughter, odds are some sound will occur when something strikes your funny bone. Most laughter is, after all, a string of vocal ha-has or ho-hos.

But what if you're one of the roughly 25 percent of women or 33 percent of men who laugh through the nose? Then you'd be a snorter [source: Vanderbilt ].

We all knew the kid in elementary school, the one who blew milk out his nose when the class clown cracked jokes in the cafeteria. You can guess his kind of laughter.

If this is you, you're either blowing air out or sucking it in through the nose when you laugh. There's nothing wrong with this, but you may want to drink in sips for those times when your friends try to catch you off guard with a new joke.

2: Canned Laughter

No, this next type of laughter isn't something you find on a grocery store isle. Canned laughter is another term for what's commonly referred to as the "laugh track." Canned laughter is real laughter, it just happens to be laughter that's recorded and added to the soundtrack of a television show.

But canned laughter works. A 2019 study in the journal Current Biology found that even the worst jokes (and we mean bad ones) got bigger laughs when they included canned laughter. But with the rise of the internet, viewers have grown much savvier and realize these laughs are there to manipulate our emotions. And because of those reasons alone, most sitcoms today don't use the laugh track.

Canned laughter was first added to television programming in 1950 on NBC's "The Hank McCune Show." It was the brainchild of engineer Charley Douglas , who, 40 years later, received an Emmy for his contribution.

1: Cruel Laughter

Your mom probably told you "It's not nice to laugh at someone else's expense." Unfortunately, whether you were the one laughing or the one being laughed at, you probably broke her rule at some point in your life.

We may think of cruel laughter as insensitive and out of touch, but it's been part of society a long time [source: Morreall ]. In medieval times, there was a widespread practice of insulting via poetry known as flyting. The most famous example is " The Flyting of Dunbar and Kennedie ," which is the first known instance of a poop-related insult and the F-word . Surely laughter also ensued.

Add to that laughter's place in ancient texts. Laughter appears several times in Homer's " Iliad " and even in the Bible .

Laughter Types FAQ

What is nervous laughter called, what are the types of laughter, how do you describe a laugh, what is the best kind of laughter, how do you express laughter in text, lots more information, related articles.

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• Asian Economic News. "Laughing their way to good health." April 30, 2001. (May 11, 2009) http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0WDP/is_2001_April_30/ai_73852620/?tag=content;col1
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• Furnham, Adrian, Ella Hutson and Allastaire McClelland. "The Effect of Gender of Canned Laughter on Television Programme Appreciation." North American Journal of Psychology. Vol. 13, no. 3, pages 391-402. 2011. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/article/North-American-Journal-Psychology/274955408.html
• Griffin, R. Morgan. "What is Laughter, and Why Do We Do It?" WebMD. (May 11, 2009) http://men.webmd.com/features/why-we-laugh
• Hargis, Owen D.W., ed. "The Handbook of Communication Skills." Routledge. 1998. (May 11, 2009) http://books.google.com/books?id=IVSxsljxndsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=handbook+of+communication+skills
• Kanigel, Rachele. "How Laughter Yoga Heals, Plus 6 Fun Exercises to Try." Oct. 25, 2007. (June 1, 2022) https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/laughter-cure/
• Longstaff, Ben. "It's all fun and laughter for giggling girls and grunting guys." New Scientist. Sept. 29, 2001. (May 11, 2009) http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg17123101.500-its-all-fun-and-laughter-for-giggling-girls-and-grunting-guys.html
• McCarthy, Susan. "Laugh Track." Salon. Sept. 8, 1999. (May 11, 2009) http://www.salon.com/health/feature/1999/09/08/laughter/index.html
• Morreall, John. "Taking Laughter Seriously." State University of New York Press. 1982. (March 18, 2012) http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=AZDijPlKlZYC&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=snort+laughter&ots=YVl595P2Q3&sig=rrq7BrJc5YUOTeKZRhE7DpaiIvw#v=onepage&q=snort&f=false
• Nasser, Latif Shiraz. "Spasms of the Soul: The Tanganyika Laughter Epidemic in the Age of Independence. Doctoral dissertation, Harvard University." 2014. (June 1, 2022) https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/12274127
• Ong, Anthony D. and Manfred H.M. Van Dulmen, ed. "Oxford Handbook of Methods in Positive Psychology." Oxford University Press. 2007. (May 11, 2009) http://books.google.com/books?id=J-56UuMY9CkC&printsec=frontcover&dq=oxford+handbook+of+methods+in+positive+psychology
• Priyadarshinia Academy. "What Happens During Laughter Therapy Session." (May 11, 2009) http://www.priyadarshniacademy.com/laughter-therapy/what-happens.html
• Provine, Robert R. "Laughter." American Scientist. Vol. 84, no. 1. Pages 38-47. Jan.-Feb. 1996. (March 18, 2012) http://cogweb.ucla.edu/Abstracts/Provine_96.html
• Sebastian, Simone. "Examining 1962's laughter epidemic." The Chicago Times. July 29, 2003. (March 19, 2012) http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-07-29/features/0307290281_1_laughing-40th-anniversary-village
• Seltzer, Ph.D., Leon F. "Why We Laugh When We're Nervous." Aug. 4, 2021. (June 1, 2022) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/202108/why-we-laugh-when-were-nervous
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Types of Speech in Communication

Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, and speech is one of its most powerful tools. Speech allows individuals to convey ideas, emotions, intentions, and information effectively. Different types of speech are used depending on the context, audience, and purpose of communication.

Understanding these types helps in selecting the appropriate mode of expression and achieving the desired impact.

1. Informative Speech

Informative speech educates or informs the audience about a particular topic. The primary goal is to provide knowledge, explain concepts, or clarify issues. This type of speech is often used in educational settings, professional presentations, or public lectures.

Example:   A professor giving a lecture on the impacts of climate change is delivering an informative speech. The professor provides data, explains scientific concepts, and discusses potential solutions to the problem. The focus is on sharing factual information to enhance the audience’s understanding.

2. Persuasive Speech

Persuasive speech aims to convince the audience to adopt a certain viewpoint or take a specific action. The speaker uses logical arguments, emotional appeals, and credible evidence to influence the audience’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. Persuasive speeches are common in political campaigns, advertising, and debates.

Example: A politician giving a campaign speech will likely use persuasion to garner support. They might highlight their achievements, present their future plans and appeal to the emotions of the audience by addressing pressing societal issues. The objective is to persuade the audience to vote for them.

3. Demonstrative Speech

Demonstrative speech involves showing the audience how to do something. It combines explanation with practical demonstration, making it easier for the audience to understand and replicate the process. This type of speech is useful in workshops, training sessions, and instructional videos.

Example:  A chef giving a cooking class is engaging in demonstrative speech. They not only explain the recipe but also demonstrate each step, such as chopping vegetables, mixing ingredients, and cooking the dish. The audience learns by watching and can follow along.

4. Entertaining Speech

Entertaining speech is intended to amuse the audience and provide enjoyment. While it may contain informative or persuasive elements, its primary purpose is to entertain. This type of speech is often light-hearted, humorous, and engaging, making it suitable for social events, ceremonies, or entertainment shows.

Example:   A stand-up comedian performing a routine uses an entertaining speech to make the audience laugh. The comedian may share funny anecdotes, joke about everyday situations, or use witty observations to entertain the crowd. The focus is on creating an enjoyable experience.

5. Special Occasion Speech

Special occasion speech is delivered during specific events or ceremonies, such as weddings, graduations, funerals, or award ceremonies. The content is often personalized and tailored to the occasion, focusing on the significance of the event and the emotions associated with it.

Example: During a wedding, the best man might give a special occasion speech to honor the couple. The speech might include heartfelt memories, humorous stories, and well-wishes for the future. The purpose is to celebrate the occasion and express support for the couple.

6. Impromptu Speech

An impromptu speech is delivered without preparation, often in response to an unexpected situation or question. It requires quick thinking and the ability to articulate thoughts clearly on the spot. This type of speech is common in casual conversations, interviews, or meetings.

Example: In a team meeting, an employee might be asked to give an impromptu speech about the progress of a project. Without prior notice, the employee summarizes the project’s status, highlights key achievements, and addresses any challenges. The speech is spontaneous and unscripted.

7. Extemporaneous Speech

Extemporaneous speech is prepared in advance but delivered without a script. The speaker has a general outline or notes but speaks more freely, allowing for natural delivery and adaptability. This type of speech is common in business presentations, academic conferences, and public speaking engagements.

Example: A business executive presenting a quarterly report to stakeholders might use extemporaneous speech. They have prepared key points and data but speak conversationally, adjusting their delivery based on the audience’s reactions and questions. This approach allows for a more engaging and dynamic presentation.

8. Manuscript Speech

Manuscript speech is read word-for-word from a prepared text. This type of speech is often used when precise wording is essential, such as in official statements, legal proceedings, or news broadcasts. The speaker focuses on delivering the content accurately without deviation.

Example: A news anchor reading the evening news is using manuscript speech. The anchor reads from a teleprompter, ensuring that the information is conveyed accurately and clearly. The emphasis is on precision and professionalism.

9. Memorized Speech

Memorized speech involves delivering a speech from memory, without notes or a script. This approach is often used in performances, speeches that require exact wording, or competitive speaking events. Memorization allows for a polished and confident delivery but requires extensive practice.

Example: An actor reciting a monologue in a play is giving a memorized speech. The actor has committed the lines to memory and delivers them with emotion and expression, engaging the audience fully. The speech is fluid and rehearsed, showcasing the actor’s skill.

10. Motivational Speech

Motivational speech is designed to inspire and energize the audience, often encouraging them to pursue their goals or overcome challenges. The speaker uses personal stories, powerful messages, and emotional appeals to uplift the audience and provoke action.

Motivational speeches are common in self-help seminars, leadership conferences, and personal development events.

Example: A life coach speaking to a group of entrepreneurs might give a motivational speech about resilience and perseverance. The coach shares personal experiences of overcoming obstacles and encourages the audience to stay focused on their goals, despite setbacks.

11. Pitch Speech

A pitch speech is a brief, persuasive speech used to present an idea, product, or proposal to an audience, usually with the aim of securing funding, approval, or support. The speaker must be concise, clear, and convincing, often focusing on the benefits and potential impact of the proposal.

Example:  An entrepreneur pitching his startup idea to potential investors is giving a pitch speech. The entrepreneur outlines the problem their product solves, the market opportunity, and how the investors will benefit, all within a few minutes.

A eulogy is a speech delivered at a funeral or memorial service, honoring the life and legacy of a deceased person. The speaker reflects on the person’s character, achievements, and the impact they had on others, often blending personal anecdotes with expressions of gratitude and remembrance.

Example: A family member delivering a eulogy at a funeral might share touching stories about the deceased, highlighting their kindness, generosity, and love for their family. The eulogy serves as a tribute, celebrating the life of the person who has passed away.

Tips for Giving a Great Speech

1. Know Your Audience :  Understanding your audience’s interests, values, and expectations helps tailor your message effectively.

2. Structure Your Speech:   Organize your content with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. A well-structured speech is easier to follow and more impactful.

3. Practice:   Rehearse your speech multiple times to become familiar with the content and improve your delivery. Rehearse your speech alone or in front of your friends (maybe in low numbers) to become familiar with the vocabulary and pronunciation of the precise phrases. so you can control the speed and improve your speech delivery.

4. Use Visual Aids:   Visual aids can enhance understanding and retention. Ensure they are relevant and not overly distracting.

5. Engage with the Audience:  Make eye contact, use gestures, and involve the audience through questions or interactive elements to keep them engaged.

How to Make Your Speech More Memorable

1. Start with a Strong Opening:   Capture attention with a powerful quote, anecdote, or question that relates to your main message.

2. Use Stories:    People remember stories better than facts alone. Incorporate personal or relatable stories to illustrate your points.

3. Be Passionate:  Express enthusiasm and passion for your topic. A passionate delivery can leave a lasting impression.

4. Repeat Key Points:  Repetition helps reinforce important ideas. Summarize key points at the end of your speech to ensure they stick.

5. End with a Call to Action:  Encourage your audience to take a specific action or reflect on your message. A clear and compelling conclusion makes your speech memorable.

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• Types Of Thinking-Tips And Tricks To Improve Thinking Skill
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• Most Important Social Skills - Explained With Examples

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Communication Theory

The Science of Laughter

Far from mere reactions to jokes, hoots and hollers are serious business: they're innate -- and important -- social tools..

By Robert Provine published November 1, 2000 - last reviewed on June 9, 2016

Whether overheard in a crowded restaurant, punctuating the enthusiastic chatter of friends, or as the noisy guffaws on a TV laugh track, laughter is a fundamental part of everyday life. It is so common that we forget how strange -- and important -- it is. Indeed, laughter is a "speaking in tongues" in which we're moved not by religious fervor but by an unconscious response to social and linguistic cues. Stripped of its variation and nuance, laughter is a regular series of short vowel-like syllables usually transcribed as "ha-ha," "ho-ho" or "hee-hee." These syllables are part of the universal human vocabulary, produced and recognized by people of all cultures.

Given the universality of the sound, our ignorance about the purpose and meaning of laughter is remarkable. We somehow laugh at just the right times, without consciously knowing why we do it. Most people think of laughter as a simple response to comedy, or a cathartic mood-lifter. Instead, after 10 years of research on this little-studied topic, I concluded that laughter is primarily a social vocalization that binds people together. It is a hidden language that we all speak. It is not a learned group reaction but an instinctive behavior programmed by our genes . Laughter bonds us through humor and play.

Nothing to joke about

Despite its prominence in daily life, there is little research on how and why we laugh. I thought it was high time that we actually observed laughing people and described when they did it and what it meant. Research on laughter has led me out of my windowless laboratories into a more exciting social world of laughing gas, religious revivals, acting classes, tickle wars, baby chimpanzees and a search for the most ancient joke.

As a starting point, three undergraduate students and I observed 1,200 people laughing spontaneously in their natural environments, from the student union to city sidewalks. Whenever we heard laughter, we noted the gender of the speaker (the person talking immediately before laughter occurred) and the audience (those listening to the speaker), whether the speaker or the audience laughed, and what the speaker said immediately before the laughter.

While we usually think of laughter as coming from an audience after a wisecrack from a single speaker, contrary to expectation, the speakers we observed laughed almost 50% more than their audiences. The study also showed that banal comments like, "Where have you been?" or "It was nice meeting you, too" -- hardly knee-slappers -- are far more likely to precede laughter than jokes. Only 10% to 20% of the laughter episodes we witnessed followed anything joke-like. Even the most humorous of the 1,200 comments that preceded laughter weren't necessarily howlers: "You don't have to drink, just buy us drinks!" and "Was that before or after I took my clothes off?." being two of my favorites. This suggests that the critical stimulus for laughter is another person, not a joke.

Students in my classes confirmed the social nature of laughter by recording the circumstances of their laughter in diaries. After excluding the vicarious social effects of media (television, radio, books, etc.), its social nature was striking: Laughter was 30 times more frequent in social than solitary situations. The students were much more likely to talk to themselves or even smile when alone than to laugh. However happy we may feel, laughter is a signal we send to others and it virtually disappears when we lack an audience.

Laughter is also extremely difficult to control consciously. Try asking a friend to laugh, for example. Most will announce, "I can't laugh on command," or some similar statement. Your friends' observations are accurate -- their efforts to laugh on command will be forced or futile. It will take them many seconds to produce a laugh, if they can do it at all. This suggests that we cannot deliberately activate the brain's mechanisms for affective expression. Playfulness, being in a group, and positive emotional tone mark the social settings of most laughs.

Giggly girls, explained

Linguist Deborah Tannen described gender differences in speech in her best-selling book, You Just Don't Understand (Ballantine, 1991). The gender differences in laughter may be even greater. In our 1,200 case studies, my fellow researchers and I found that while both sexes laugh a lot, females laugh more. In cross-gender conversations, females laughed 126% more than their male counterparts, meaning that women tend to do the most laughing while males tend to do the most laugh-getting. Men seem to be the main instigators of humor across cultures, which begins in early childhood . Think back to your high school class clown -- most likely he was a male. The gender pattern of everyday laughter also suggests why there are more male than female comedians. (Rodney Dangerfield likely gets more respect than he claims.)

Given the differences in male and female laugh patterns, is laughter a factor in meeting, matching and mating ? I sought an answer in the human marketplace of newspaper personal ads. In 3,745 ads placed on April 28, 1996 in eight papers from the Baltimore Sun to the San Diego Union-Tribune, females were 62% more likely to mention laughter in their ads, and women were more likely to seek out a " sense of humor " while men were more likely to offer it. Clearly, women seek men who make them laugh, and men are eager to comply with this request. When Karl Grammar and Irenaus Eibl-Eibesfeldt studied spontaneous conversations between mixed- sex pairs of young German adults meeting for the first time, they noted that the more a woman laughed aloud during these encounters, the greater her self-reported interest in the man she was talking to. In the same vein, men were more interested in women who laughed heartily in their presence. The personal ads and the German study complement an observation from my field studies: The laughter of the female, not the male, is the critical index of a healthy relationship. Guys can laugh or not, but what matters is that women get their yuks in.

In many societies world wide -- ranging from the Tamil of Southern India to the Tzeltal of Mexico -- laughter is self-effacing behavior, and the women in my study may have used it as an unconscious vocal display of compliance or solidarity with a more socially dominant group member. I suspect, however, that the gender patterns of laughter are fluid and shift subconsciously with social circumstance. For example, the workplace giggles of a young female executive will probably diminish as she ascends the corporate ladder, but she will remain a barrel of laughs when cavorting with old chums. Consider your own workplace. Have you ever encountered a strong leader with a giggle? Someone who laughs a lot, and unconditionally, may be a good team player, but they'll seldom be a president.

The laughter virus

As anyone who has ever laughed at the sight of someone doubled over can attest, laughter is contagious. Since our laughter is under minimal conscious control, it is spontaneous and relatively uncensored. Contagious laughter is a compelling display of Homo sapiens, a social mammal. It strips away our veneer of culture and challenges the hypothesis that we are in full control of our behavior. From these synchronized vocal outbursts come insights into the neurological roots of human social behavior and speech.

Consider the extraordinary 1962 outbreak of contagious laughter in a girls' boarding school in Tanzania. The first symptoms appeared on January 30, when three girls got the giggles and couldn't stop laughing. The symptoms quickly spread to 95 students, forcing the school to close on March 18. The girls sent home from the school were vectors for the further spread of the epidemic. Related outbreaks occurred in other schools in Central Africa and spread like wildfire, ceasing two-and-a-half years later and afflicting nearly 1,000 people.

Before dismissing the African outbreak as an anomaly, consider our own technologically triggered mini-epidemics produced by television laugh tracks. Laugh tracks have accompanied most television sitcoms since September 9, 1950. At 7:00 that evening, "The Hank McCune Show" used the first laugh track to compensate for being filmed without a live audience. The rest is history. Canned laughter may sound artificial, but it makes TV viewers laugh as if they were part of a live theater audience.

The irresistibility of others' laughter has its roots in the neurological mechanism of laugh detection. The fact that laughter is contagious raises the intriguing possibility that humans have an auditory laugh detector -- a neural circuit in the brain that responds exclusively to laughter. (Contagious yawning may involve a similar process in the visual domain.) Once triggered, the laugh detector activates a laugh generator, a neural circuit that causes us in turn to produce laughter.

Furthermore, laughter is not randomly scattered through speech. A speaker may say "You are going where?...ha-ha," but rarely, "You are going...ha-ha...where?" This is evidence of "the punctuation effect" -- the tendency to laugh almost exclusively at phrase breaks in speech. This pattern requires that speech has priority over laughter.

The occurrence of speaker laughter at the end of phrases suggests that a neurologically based process governs the placement of laughter in speech, and that different brain regions are involved in the expression of cognitively oriented speech and the more emotion -laden vocalization of laughter. During conversation, speech trumps -- that is, it inhibits -- laughter.

Mediocre medicine

Authorities from the Bible to Reader's Digest remind us that "laughter is the best medicine." Print and broadcast reporters produce upbeat, often frothy stories like "A Laugh a Day Keeps the Doctor Away." A best-selling Norman Cousins book and a popular Robin Williams film Patch Adams amplified this message. But left unsaid in such reports is a jarring truth: Laughter did not evolve to make us feel good or improve our health. Certainly, laughter unites people, and social support has been shown in studies to improve mental and physical health. Indeed, the presumed health benefits of laughter may be coincidental consequences of its primary goal: bringing people together.

Laughter is an energetic activity that raises our heart rate and blood pressure, but these physiological effects are incompletely documented and their medicinal benefits are even less certain. Lennart Levi, of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, reported that comedy activates the body's "fight or flight" system, increasing catecholamine levels in urine, a measure of activation and stress . Lee Berk, DHSc, of the Loma Linda School of Medicine, countered with a widely cited study that reported that laughter reduced catecholamines and other hormonal measures of sympathetic activation. This reduction in stress and associated hormones is the mechanism through which laughter is presumed to enhance immune function. Unfortunately, Berk's studies show at best a biological response to comedy. His reports included only five experimental subjects, never stated whether those subjects actually laughed, and were presented in only three brief abstracts.

Does a sense of humor or a lighthearted personality add years to your life? Not necessarily. A large-scale study by Howard Friedman, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of California at Riverside, found optimism and sense of humor in childhood to be inversely related to longevity. This may be because people with untempered optimism indulge in risk-taking , thinking, "I'll be okay."

Pain reduction is one of laughter's promising applications. Rosemary Cogan, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Texas Tech University, found that subjects who laughed at a Lily Tomlin video or underwent a relaxation procedure tolerated more discomfort than other subjects. Humor may help temper intense pain. James Rotton, Ph.D., of Florida International University, reported that orthopedic surgery patients who watched comedic videos requested fewer aspirin and tranquilizers than the group that viewed dramas. Humor may also help us cope with stress. In a study by Michelle Newman, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at Penn State University, subjects viewed a film about three grisly accidents and had to narrate it either in a humorous or serious style. Those who used the humorous tone had the lowest negative affect and tension.

A problem with these studies is that none of them separate the effects of laughter from those of humor. None allow for the possibility that presumed effects of laughter or humor may come from the playful settings associated with these behaviors. And none evaluate the uniqueness of laughter by contrasting it with other vocalizations like shouting.

Rigorous proof that we can reduce stress and pain through laughter remains an unrealized but reasonable prospect. While we wait for definitive evidence, it can't hurt -- and it's certainly enjoyable -- to laugh. So, a guy walks into a bar...

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June 26, 2019

10 min read

What’s So Funny? The Science of Why We Laugh

Psychologists, neuroscientists and philosophers are trying to understand humor

By Giovanni Sabato

Comedian Hannah Gadsby.

Scott Campbell Getty Images

“How Many Psychologists Does It Take ... to Explain a Joke?”

Many, it turns out. As psychologist Christian Jarrett noted in a 2013 article featuring that riddle as its title, scientists still struggle to explain exactly what makes people laugh. Indeed, the concept of humor is itself elusive. Although everyone understands intuitively what humor is, and dictionaries may define it simply as “the quality of being amusing,” it is difficult to define in a way that encompasses all its aspects. It may evoke the merest smile or explosive laughter; it can be conveyed by words, images or actions and through photos, films, skits or plays; and it can take a wide range of forms, from innocent jokes to biting sarcasm and from physical gags and slapstick to a cerebral double entendre.

Even so, progress has been made. And some of the research has come out of the lab to investigate humor in its natural habitat: everyday life.

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The greatest of them all: Charlie Chaplin was among the fathers of slapstick comedy, which relies on physical gags. Chaplin refined his comedy by tinging it with melancholy and social commitment. Credit: Max Munn Autrey  Getty Images

Superiority and Relief

For more than 2,000 years pundits have assumed that all forms of humor share a common ingredient. The search for this essence occupied first philosophers and then psychologists, who formalized the philosophical ideas and translated them into concepts that could be tested.

Perhaps the oldest theory of humor, which dates back to Plato and other ancient Greek philosophers, posits that people find humor in, and laugh at, earlier versions of themselves and the misfortunes of others because of feeling superior.

The 18th century gave rise to the theory of release. The best-known version, formulated later by Sigmund Freud, held that laughter allows people to let off steam or release pent-up “nervous energy.” According to Freud, this process explains why tabooed scatological and sexual themes and jokes that broach thorny social and ethnic topics can amuse us. When the punch line comes, the energy being expended to suppress inappropriate emotions, such as desire or hostility, is no longer needed and is released as laughter.

A third long-standing explanation of humor is the theory of incongruity. People laugh at the juxtaposition of incompatible concepts and at defiance of their expectations—that is, at the incongruity between expectations and reality. According to a variant of the theory known as resolution of incongruity, laughter results when a person discovers an unexpected solution to an apparent incongruity, such as when an individual grasps a double meaning in a statement and thus sees the statement in a completely new light.

Benign Violation

These and other explanations all capture something, and yet they are insufficient. They do not provide a complete theoretical framework with a hypothesis that can be measured using well-defined parameters. They also do not explain all types of humor. None, for example, seems to fully clarify the appeal of slapstick. In 2010 in the journal Psychological Science, A. Peter McGraw and Caleb Warren, both then at the University of Colorado Boulder, proposed a theory they call “benign violation” to unify the previous theories and to address their limits. “It’s a very interesting idea,” says Delia Chiaro, a linguist at the University of Bologna in Italy.

McGraw and Warren’s hypothesis derives from the theory of incongruity, but it goes deeper. Humor results, they propose, when a person simultaneously recognizes both that an ethical, social or physical norm has been violated and that this violation is not very offensive, reprehensible or upsetting. Hence, someone who judges a violation as no big deal will be amused, whereas someone who finds it scandalous, disgusting or simply uninteresting will not.

Experimental findings from studies conducted by McGraw and Warren corroborate the hypothesis. Consider, for example, the story of a church that recruits the faithful by entering into a raffle for an SUV anyone who joins in the next six months. Study participants all judged the situation to be incongruous, but only nonbelievers readily laughed at it.

Levity can also partly be a product of distance from a situation—for example, in time. It has been said that humor is tragedy plus time, and McGraw, Warren and their colleagues lent support to that notion in 2012, once again in Psychological Science . The recollection of serious misfortunes (a car accident, for example, that had no lasting effects to keep its memory fresh) can seem more amusing the more time passes.

Geographical or emotional remoteness lends a bit of distance as well, as does viewing a situation as imaginary. In another test, volunteers were amused by macabre photos (such as a man with a finger stuck up his nose and out his eye) if the images were presented as effects created with Photoshop, but participants were less amused if told the images were authentic. Conversely, people laughed more at banal anomalies (a man with a frozen beard) if they believed them to be true. McGraw argues that there seems to be an optimal comic point where the balance is just right between how bad a thing is and how distant it is.

Evolutionary Theory

The idea of benign violation has limitations, however: it describes triggers of laughter but does not explain, for instance, the role humor has played in humanity’s evolutionary success. Several other theories, all of which contain elements of older concepts, try to explain humor from an evolutionary vantage. Gil Greengross, an anthropologist then at the University of New Mexico, noted that humor and laughter occur in every society, as well as in apes and even rats. This universality suggests an evolutionary role, although humor and laughter could conceivably be a byproduct of some other process important to survival.

In a 2005 issue of the Quarterly Review of Biology, evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson and his colleague Matthew Gervais, both then at Binghamton University, S.U.N.Y., offered an explanation of the evolutionary benefits of humor. Wilson is a major proponent of group selection, an evolutionary theory based on the idea that in social species like ours, natural selection favors characteristics that foster the survival of the group, not just of individuals

Wilson and Gervais applied the concept of group selection to two different types of human laughter. Spontaneous, emotional, impulsive and involuntary laughter is a genuine expression of amusement and joy and is a reaction to playing and joking around; it shows up in the smiles of a child or during roughhousing or tickling. This display of amusement is called Duchenne laughter, after scholar Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne de Boulogne, who first described it in the mid-19th century. Conversely, non-Duchenne laughter is a studied and not very emotional imitation of spontaneous laughter. People employ it as a voluntary social strategy—for example, when their smiles and laughter punctuate ordinary conversations, even when those chats are not particularly funny.

Facial expressions and the neural pathways that control them differ between the two kinds of laughter, the authors say. Duchenne laughter arises in the brain stem and the limbic system (responsible for emotions), whereas non-Duchenne laughter is controlled by the voluntary premotor areas (thought to participate in planning movements) of the frontal cortex. The neural mechanisms are so distinct that just one pathway or the other is affected in some forms of facial paralysis. According to Wilson and Gervais, the two forms of laughter, and the neural mechanisms behind them, evolved at different times. Spontaneous laughter has its roots in the games of early primates and in fact has features in common with animal vocalizations. Controlled laughter may have evolved later, with the development of casual conversation, denigration and derision in social interactions.

Ultimately, the authors suggest, primate laughter was gradually co-opted and elaborated through human biological and cultural evolution in several stages. Between four and two million years ago Duchenne laughter became a medium of emotional contagion, a social glue, in long-extinct human ancestors; it promoted interactions among members of a group in periods of safety and satiation. Laughter by group members in response to what Wilson and Gervais call protohumor—nonserious violations of social norms—was a reliable indicator of such relaxed, safe times and paved the way to playful emotions.

When later ancestors acquired more sophisticated cognitive and social skills, Duchenne laughter and protohumor became the basis for humor in all its most complex facets and for new functions. Now non-Duchenne laughter, along with its dark side, appeared: strategic, calculated, and even derisory and aggressive.

Over the years additional theories have proposed different explanations for humor’s role in evolution, suggesting that humor and laughter could play a part in the selection of sexual partners and the damping of aggression and conflict.

Laurel and Hardy’s characteristic gags are examples of a subgenre of slapstick called the slow burn, a term that refers to a situation where an apparently minor incident builds inexorably to a devastating finish. Credit: Getty Images

Spot the Mistake

One of the more recent proposals appears in a 2011 book dedicated to an evolutionary explanation of humor, Inside Jokes: Using Humor to Reverse-Engineer the Mind (MIT Press, 2011), by Matthew M. Hurley of Indiana University Bloomington, Daniel C. Dennett (a prominent philosopher at Tufts University) and Reginal Adams, Jr., of Pennsylvania State University. The book grew out of ideas proposed by Hurley.

Hurley was interested, he wrote on his website, in a contradiction. “Humor is related to some kind of mistake. Every pun, joke and comic incident seemed to contain a fool of some sort—the ‘butt’ of the joke,” he explained. And the typical response is enjoyment of the idiocy—which “makes sense when it is your enemy or your competition that is somehow failing but not when it is yourself or your loved ones.” This observation led him to ask, “Why do we enjoy mistakes?” and to propose that it is not the mistakes per se that people enjoy. It is the “emotional reward for discovering and thus undoing mistakes in thought. We don’t enjoy making the mistakes, we enjoy weeding them out.”

Hurley’s thesis is that our mind continuously makes rule-of-thumb conjectures about what will be experienced next and about the intentions of others. The idea is that humor evolved from this constant process of confirmation: people derive amusement from finding discrepancies between expectations and reality when the discrepancies are harmless, and this pleasure keeps us looking for such discrepancies. (To wit: “I was wondering why the Frisbee was getting bigger, and then it hit me.”) Moreover, laughter is a public sign of our ability to recognize discrepancies. It is a sign that elevates our social status and allows us to attract reproductive partners.  

In other words, a joke is to the sense of humor what a cannoli (loaded with fat and sugar) is to the sense of taste. It is a “supernormal” stimulus that triggers a burst of sensual pleasure—in this case, as a result of spotting mistakes. And because grasping the incongruities requires a store of knowledge and beliefs, shared laughter signals a commonality of worldviews, preferences and convictions, which reinforces social ties and the sense of belonging to the same group. As Hurly told psychologist Jarrett in 2013, the theory goes beyond predicting what makes people laugh. It also explains humor’s cognitive value and role in survival.

And yet, as Greengross noted in a review of Inside Jokes, even this theory is incomplete. It answers some questions, but it leaves others unresolved—for example, “Why does our appreciation of humor and enjoyment change depending on our mood or other situational conditions?”

Giovannantonio Forabosco, a psychologist and an editor at an Italian journal devoted to studies of humor ( Rivista Italiana di Studi sull’Umorismo , or RISU ), agrees: “We certainly haven’t heard the last word,” he says.

Unanswered Questions

Other questions remain. For instance, how can the sometimes opposite functions of humor, such as promoting social bonding and excluding others with derision, be reconciled? And when laughter enhances feelings of social connectedness, is that effect a fundamental function of the laughter or a mere by-product of some other primary role (much as eating with people has undeniable social value even though eating is primarily motivated by the need for nourishment)?

There is much evidence for a fundamental function. Robert Provine of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, showed in Current Directions in Psychological Science, for example, that individuals laugh 30 times more in the company of others than they do alone. In his research, he and his students surreptitiously observed spontaneous laughter as people went about their business in settings ranging from the student union to shopping malls.

Forabosco notes that there is also some confusion about the relation between humor and laughter: “Laughter is a more social phenomenon, and it occurs for reasons other than humor, including unpleasant ones. Moreover, humor does not always make us laugh.” He notes the cases where a person is denigrated or where an observation seems amusing but does not lead to laughter.

A further lingering area of debate concerns humor’s role in sexual attraction and thus reproductive success. In one view, knowing how to be funny is a sign of a healthy brain and of good genes, and consequently it attracts partners. Researchers have found that men are more likely to be funny and women are more likely to appreciate a good sense of humor, which is to say that men compete for attention and women do the choosing. But views, of course, differ on this point.

Even the validity of seeking a unified theory of humor is debated. “It is presumptuous to think about cracking the secret of humor with a unified theory,” Forabosco says. “We understand many aspects of it, and now the neurosciences are helping to clarify important issues. But as for its essence, it’s like saying, ‘Let’s define the essence of love.’ We can study it from many different angles; we can measure the effect of the sight of the beloved on a lover’s heart rate. But that doesn’t explain love. It’s the same with humor. In fact, I always refer to it by describing it, never by defining it.”

Still, certain commonalities are now accepted by almost all scholars who study humor. One, Forabosco notes, is a cognitive element: perception of incongruity. “That’s necessary but not sufficient,” he says, “because there are incongruities that aren’t funny.” So we have to see what other elements are involved. To my mind, for example, the incongruity needs to be relieved without being totally resolved; it must remain ambiguous, something strange that is never fully explained.”

Other cognitive and psychological elements can also provide some punch. These, Forabosco says, include features such as aggression, sexuality, sadism and cynicism. They don’t have to be there, but the funniest jokes are those in which they are. Similarly, people tend to see the most humor in jokes that are “very intelligent and very wicked.”

“What is humor? Maybe in 40 years we’ll know,” Forabosco says. And perhaps in 40 years we’ll be able to explain why he laughs as he says it.

Giovanni Sabato trained as a biologist and is now a freelance science writer based in Rome. Beyond psychology, biology and medicine, he is interested in the links between science and human rights.

4 Main Types of Speeches in Public Speaking (With Examples)

We live in a world where communication is king.

With social media and all the digital stuff, we’re bombarded with information constantly, and everyone is fighting for our attention.

Research shows that our attention spans have declined from 12 seconds to just 8.25 seconds in the past 15 years, even shorter than a goldfish’s attention span.

So, the point is being able to get your point across quickly and effectively is a big deal. That’s where the invaluable skill of public speaking comes in handy.

But being a great speaker goes beyond just having confidence. It’s about understanding different kinds of speeches and knowing which one works best for your audience and purpose.

In this blog, we will explore four main types of speeches (or types of public speaking), each with its own purpose and impact. By understanding these types, you can connect with your audience , cater to their needs, and deliver a message that resonates.

So, let’s dive right in:

What is Speech?

Importance of public speaking (7 benefits).

• 4 Main Types of Public Speeches (With Examples)

Other Types of Speeches

Final thoughts.

A speech is a formal or informal presentation in which a person communicates their thoughts, ideas, or information to an audience. It is a spoken expression of thoughts, often delivered in a structured and organized manner.

Speeches can be delivered to serve various purposes, such as to persuade , educate, motivate, or entertain the audience.

People usually give speeches in public places, like meetings, conferences, classrooms, or special events, aiming to connect with and influence the listeners through their words.

A public speech may involve the use of supporting materials, such as visual aids, slides , or props, to enhance understanding and engagement.

The delivery of a speech encompasses not only the words spoken but also factors like the tone of voice, body language , and timing, which can greatly impact the overall effectiveness and reception of the message.

You may want to check out our short video on how to speak without hesitation.

Public speaking is a superpower that transforms your life in more ways than you can imagine.

Here are 7 reasons why Public speaking is an invaluable skill:

• Effective Communication: Being a good public speaker helps you express yourself clearly and confidently. It allows you to share your knowledge, opinions, and ideas in a captivating manner.
• Professional Growth: Mastering public speaking gives you a competitive edge in the job market. It allows you to lead meetings , present ideas, negotiate deals, and pitch projects with confidence.

• Building Confidence: Overcoming the fear of public speaking and delivering successful presentations significantly boosts your self-confidence . With experience, you become more self-assured in various situations, both inside and outside of public speaking.
• Influence and Persuasion: A strong public speaker can inspire, motivate, and influence others. By effectively conveying your message, you can sway opinions, change attitudes, and drive positive change in your personal and professional circles.

• Leadership Development: Public speaking is a crucial skill for effective leadership. It enables you to inspire and guide others, lead meetings and presentations, and rally people around a common goal.
• Personal Development: Public speaking encourages personal growth and self-improvement. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, enhances your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and helps you become a more well-rounded individual.
• Increased Visibility: The ability to speak confidently in public attracts attention and raises your visibility among peers, colleagues, and potential employers. This can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and recognition for your expertise.

Public speaking is a vital tool for social change. History has shown us how influential speeches have shaped the world we live in. From Martin Luther King Jr.’s “ I Have a Dream ” speech to Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education, public speaking has been at the forefront of inspiring change. Your words have the power to challenge beliefs, ignite passion, and rally others around a cause. So, if you have a message you want to share or a mission you want to pursue, mastering the art of public speaking is essential.

1. Informative Speech

An informative speech is a type of public speaking that aims to educate or provide information to the audience about a specific topic. The main purpose of this speech is to present facts, concepts, or ideas in a clear and understandable manner.

Delivering an Informative Speech

In an informative speech, the speaker’s objective is to provide knowledge, increase awareness, or explain a subject in detail.

To be informative, you need to structure your content in a way that’s clear and easy to follow. The structure of an informative speech typically includes:

• an introduction where you grab the audience’s attention and introduce the topic
• the body where you present the main points and supporting evidence
• a conclusion where you summarize the key information and emphasize your message.
• a Q&A session or a brief discussion to further deepen their understanding.

Informative speech could be formal or informal speech, depending on the context. However, it is helpful to maintain a conversational tone.

Use relatable examples, anecdotes, or even a touch of humor to keep your audience engaged and interested. Think of it as having a friendly chat with a group of curious friends.

Examples of Informative Speeches:

An Example of Informative Speech

• Academic Settings : Students may deliver presentations to educate their classmates. Teachers or instructors may explain a specific subject to students in schools, colleges, and universities.
• Business and Professional Presentations: In the corporate world, professionals may present information about industry trends, new technologies, market research, or company updates to inform and educate their colleagues or clients.
• Public Events and Conferences: Informative speeches are prevalent in public events and conferences where experts and thought leaders share their knowledge and insights with a broader audience.
• Ted Talks and Similar Platforms: TED speakers design their speeches to educate, inspire, and spread ideas that have the potential to make a positive impact on society.
• Community Gatherings: Informative speeches can be delivered at community gatherings where speakers may inform the community about local issues, government policies, or initiatives aimed at improving the community’s well-being.

The beauty of informative speeches is their versatility; they can be adapted to different settings and tailored to suit the needs and interests of the audience.

2. Demonstrative Speech

In a demonstrative speech, the main goal is to show how to do something or how something works. It is like giving a step-by-step guide or providing practical instructions.

The purpose of a demonstrative speech is to educate or inform the audience about a specific process, task, or concept.

It can be about anything that requires a demonstration, such as cooking a recipe, performing a science experiment, using a software program, or even tying a tie.

The key to a successful demonstrative speech is to be organized and concise.

When preparing for a demonstrative speech, you need to break down the process or technique into clear and easy-to-follow steps.

You need to make sure that your audience can grasp the concepts and replicate the actions themselves. Visual aids like props, slides, or even live demonstrations are incredibly helpful in illustrating your points.

A great demonstrative speech not only teaches but also inspires.

You need to ignite a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity in your audience . Encourage them to try it out themselves and apply what they’ve learned in their own lives.

Examples of Demonstrative Speeches:

An Example of Demonstrative Speech

• Educational Settings: Demonstrative speeches are often used in classrooms, workshops, or training sessions to teach students or participants how to perform specific activities. For instance, a teacher might give a demonstrative speech on how to conduct a science experiment, play a musical instrument, or solve a math problem.
• Professional Training: In the workplace, a trainer might give a demonstrative speech on how to use a new software application, operate a piece of machinery, or follow safety protocols.
• DIY and Home Improvement: Demonstrative speeches are commonly seen in DIY (do-it-yourself) videos, TV shows, or workshops where experts demonstrate how to complete tasks like painting a room, fixing plumbing issues, or building furniture.
• Culinary Demonstrations: Demonstrative speeches are prevalent in the culinary world, where chefs or cooking experts showcase recipes and cooking techniques.

Overall, a demonstrative speech is a practical and hands-on type of speech that aims to educate, inform, and empower the audience by teaching them how to perform a particular task or skill.

3. Persuasive Speech

A persuasive speech is when the speaker tries to convince the audience to adopt or support a particular point of view, belief, or action. In a persuasive speech, the speaker aims to influence the audience’s opinions, attitudes, or behaviors.

You may present arguments and evidence to support your viewpoint and try to persuade the listeners to take specific actions or simply agree with you.

You have to use persuasive techniques such as logical reasoning, emotional appeals, and credibility to make your case.

Let me break it down for you.

• First, you need a clear and persuasive message. Identify your objective and what you want to achieve with your speech. Once you have a crystal-clear goal, you can shape your arguments and craft your speech accordingly.
• Secondly, you need to connect with your audience on an emotional level. You may use stories , anecdotes, and powerful examples to evoke emotions that resonate with your audience.
• Thirdly, you need to present compelling evidence, facts, and logical reasoning to support your arguments. Back up your claims with credible sources and statistics.
• Additionally, the delivery of your speech plays a crucial role in persuasion. Your body language, tone of voice , and overall presence should exude confidence and conviction.
• Lastly, end your persuasive speech with a call to action. Whether it’s signing a petition, donating to a cause, or changing a behavior, make it clear what steps you want your audience to take.

Examples of Persuasive speeches:

An Example of Persuasive Speech

• Political speeches: Politicians ****often deliver persuasive speeches to win support for their policies or convince people to vote for them.
• Sales and marketing presentations: Advertisements ****use persuasive techniques to persuade consumers to buy their products.
• Social issue speeches: Activists, advocates, or community leaders often give persuasive speeches to raise awareness about social issues and mobilize support for a cause.

Effective persuasion helps you win over clients, close deals, and secure promotions.

However, it’s important to note that persuasion should always be used ethically and with integrity. It’s not about manipulating people but rather about creating win-win situations.

4. Entertaining Speech

An entertaining speech is a type of public presentation that aims to captivate and amuse the audience while providing enjoyment and laughter. Unlike other types of speeches, entertaining speeches prioritize humor, storytelling , and engaging content to entertain and delight the listeners.

In an entertaining speech, the speaker uses various techniques such as jokes, anecdotes, funny stories, witty observations, humorous examples, and clever wordplay to engage the audience and elicit laughter.

The primary objective is to entertain and create a positive, lighthearted atmosphere.

An entertaining speech is a powerful tool for building a connection with the audience. It isn’t just about cracking jokes. It’s about using humor strategically to reinforce the main message.

When we’re entertained, our guards come down, and we become more receptive to the speaker’s message. It’s like a spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down.

An entertaining speech can be particularly effective when the topic at hand is traditionally considered dull, serious, or sensitive. By infusing humor, you can bring life to the subject matter and help the audience connect with it on a deeper level.

With entertainment, you can make complex concepts more accessible. And also break down barriers that might otherwise discourage people from paying attention.

Delivery and timing are crucial elements in entertaining speeches.

The speaker’s tone, facial expressions, gestures , and voice modulation play a significant role in enhancing the comedic effect.

Effective use of pauses , punchlines, and comedic timing can heighten the audience’s anticipation and result in laughter and amusement.

Examples of Entertaining Speech:

An Example of Entertaining Speech

• Social Events: Entertaining speeches are often seen at social gatherings such as weddings, birthday parties, or anniversary celebrations.
• Conferences or Conventions: In professional conferences or conventions, an entertaining speech can be a refreshing break from the more serious and technical presentations. A speaker may use humor to liven up the atmosphere.
• Stand-up Comedy: Stand-up comedians are prime examples of entertaining speeches. They perform in comedy clubs, theaters, or even on television shows, aiming to make the audience laugh and enjoy their performance.

The content and style of an entertaining speech should be tailored to the audience and the occasion. While humor is subjective, the skilled entertaining speaker knows how to adapt their speech to suit the preferences and sensibilities of the specific audience. By carefully selecting appropriate humor, you can transform a dull or serious setting into an enjoyable experience for the audience.

Beyond the four main types of public speeches we mentioned, there are a few other different types of speeches worth exploring.

• Special Occasion Speeches: These speeches are delivered during specific events or occasions, such as weddings, graduation ceremonies, or award ceremonies. They are meant to honor or celebrate individuals, express congratulations, or provide inspiration and encouragement.
• Motivational Speeches: Motivational speeches aim to inspire and are commonly delivered by coaches, entrepreneurs, or motivational speakers. They often focus on personal development, goal-setting, overcoming obstacles, and achieving success.
• Commemorative Speeches: These speeches are delivered on anniversaries, memorial services, or dedications. These speeches express admiration, highlight achievements, and reflect on the impact of the person or event being commemorated.
• Debate Speeches: Debate speeches involve presenting arguments and evidence to support a particular viewpoint on a topic. They require logical reasoning, persuasive language, and the ability to counter opposing arguments effectively.
• Impromptu Speeches: Impromptu speeches are delivered without prior preparation or planning. You are given a topic or a question on the spot and must quickly organize your thoughts and deliver a coherent speech. These speeches test the speaker’s ability to think on their feet and communicate effectively in spontaneous situations.
• Oratorical Speech: An oratorical speech is a formal and eloquent speech delivered with great emphasis and rhetorical flair. It aims to inspire, persuade, or inform the audience through the skilled use of language and powerful delivery techniques. Oratorical speeches are typically given on significant occasions, such as political rallies, commemorative events, or public ceremonies.

No matter what kind of speech you are giving, pauses play a key role in making it captivating.

Check out our video on how pausing can transform your speeches.

Public speaking is a powerful skill that holds tremendous value in various aspects of our lives. Whether you’re aiming to inform, demonstrate, persuade, or entertain, mastering the art of public speaking can open doors to new opportunities and personal growth.

Growth happens when you push beyond your comfort zones. Public speaking may seem daunting at first, but remember that every great speaker started somewhere. Embrace the challenge and take small steps forward.

Start with speaking in front of friends or family, join a local speaking club, or seek opportunities to present in a supportive environment . Each time you step out of your comfort zone, you grow stronger and more confident.

Seek resources like TED Talks, workshops, books , and podcasts to learn from experienced speakers and improve your skills.

Just like any skill, public speaking requires practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become.

Seek opportunities to speak in public, such as volunteering for presentations or joining public speaking clubs. Embrace every chance to practice and refine your skills.

If you are looking for a supportive environment to practice and hone your public speaking skills, try out BBR English.

Our 1:1 live sessions with a corporate expert are designed to help you improve your communication skills. You’ll gain the confidence and skills you need to communicate effectively in any situation.

Don’t let fear or insecurity hold you back from achieving your goals.

Book your counseling session now and take the first step towards becoming a more confident and effective communicator.

Your future self will thank you!

To get a peek into our results, check out How A Farmer’s Son Faced His Fear Of Public Speaking To Climb Up The Leadership Roles In An MNC.

Happy Speaking!

Team BBR English

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Difference between types of laughter according to a neuroscientist

Professor Sophie Scott  of University College London studies cognitive neuroscience of human communication. She is well-known for her TED Talk called,  "Why We Laugh."  We asked her to explain the difference between the types of laughter we use in social situations. Following is a transcript of the video. 

Sophie Scott: Human beings tend to think that we laugh at jokes and comedy, but actually, a psychologist called Robert Provines found that human beings mostly laugh when they’re with other humans — it's a social behavior.

Hi, my name's Professor Sophie Scott and I'm based at University College London where I study the cognitive neuroscience of human communication.

And what this actually means is that a lot of our laughter is doing kind of social affiliative work. So, we’re laughing as much to show that we like someone, we know someone, we’re part of the same group as someone. We understand them.

In fact, this quite striking number — you’re 30 times more likely to laugh if there’s somebody else with you than if you're on your own. It’s primed by other people being there and then it will be shaped by how you feel about those other people.

I think that the two most important kinds of laughs or distinctions between laughs are whether or not they are completely involuntary or if they're a bit more communicative. So, if you think back to the last time you laughed and you could not stop laughing, you absolutely lost it, that feels quite different. And it can be really hard to break out of as compared to a lot of the laughs that happens in conversations which you drop into and out of really quickly and you time really precisely with the other people that you’re talking to.

So I think those would point to different kinds of brain systems that are involved and it suggests there may be a fundamental difference between sort of helpless laughter and more social laughter.

We know that chimpanzees have two different sorts of laugh. They laugh differently if they’re being tickled than if they’re trying to make play last longer. And that does sound a bit like our helpless laughter and our social laughter.

Genuine, spontaneous, helpless laughter is often indicated by, first of all, you can’t stop doing it. It just keeps coming through. If you try and stop yourself laughing, you'll find you start making funny noises and you try and talk and your voice will sound strange.

Social laughter is often much quicker to start and much quicker to end. We know that social laughter is also frequently lower in pitch. It sounds qualitatively different. Of course, in interactions, if you like the person you're talking to, you don't mind. You don’t sit there with your friends going, “I don’t think all this laughter is spontaneous. I believe you’re choosing to produce some of this.” ‘Cause you know what it means. Somebody's going, “I'm giving you this laughter. I'm giving you this laughter for extremely positive reasons.”

So, it's something that we are happy to share whether or not it’s voluntary or involuntary. I think the proviso is if you feel like you don't like somebody or you don't trust why they’re laughing, then you can be a bit more dismissive of their apparently social laughter — like, “Oh, what're they doing with that?” It’s almost like you hear the falseness when you don't have that friendliness and that affiliation for the laughter to fit in with.

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The 37 Ways To Type Laughter In 2018, Defined

"ha" = I didn’t even think about laughing. It didn’t even cross my mind.

BuzzFeed Staff

ha = I didn’t even think about laughing. It didn’t even cross my mind.

ha. = I'm still not laughing, but the period lets you know just how much I'm not laughing.

haaaaa = I thought about laughing. Keyword: thought.

HAHAHAH = I laughed out loud for once in my life.

Hahah = I think it’s funny, but not funny enough for me to laugh out loud, so I left one “a” off as to not seem too dramatic.

hahahaha = I am laughing to myself alone in a room.

bahah = I'm laughing, but also stuck in 2007.

the noise i just made = What you said was so legitimately funny that I snorted while laughing and it was kinda weird, so I'm glad I can text-describe it instead.

Lmao = I said “HA” out loud.

LMAO = I laughed, but only for like three seconds.

Lmaoooo = I smiled to myself in public but my ass is still in tact and I didn’t even laugh out loud, tbh.

Lmfao = I had to add a "fuck" in there to make sure you knew just how serious I was about me laughing.

Lmbo = I'm laughing, but I'm also a teacher who forgot I'm not near students. Or your dad.

deceased = I'm so alive that I half-smiled at this.

dying = I’m laughing on the inside but look dead on the outside.

I can't breathe = I laughed for like a second and I'm near "dying" but not quite there.

Lol = I feel awkward and I don’t know what else to say but I don’t want to leave you with no text so I sent this — but please know I am definitely not laughing out loud.

LOL = My stupid phone autocorrected to this.

Loooooool = I said "OMG" to myself but still didn’t laugh out loud.

lololol = My life is in shambles, so I'll just lol my way through life 'til I can't lol anymore.

Omfg lol = You just said something wild and I wanna support you, but I also am a lil' scared of you right now.

lolz = I miss MSN messenger.

rofl = Literally no one says this, and if they do, they definitely aren’t rolling on their floors laughing. Besides, it's dirty down there.

How dare you = You're disrespectful but I can't deny that it was funny.

heh = I can't commit to a full "hehe" but I'm sure I'll get there someday.

Hehehehe = What was said doesn’t deserve a full-on belly laugh, but it deserves a good “ha ha” or two.

teehee = I'm cute when I laugh. Or at least I think am. Right? Tell me I'm cute.

💀= I am laughing so hard that I can't even type so I am just sending this emoji because I can no longer breathe.

I hate this lol = I see myself in this and it's funny but I also hate you for it.

😩= How DARE you make me laugh when I have to pee!

Screaming = I definitely laughed but I'm not actually screaming 'cause that would be weird, tbh.

Mwuahaha = I'm low-key a movie villain with a morbid sense of humor.

STOP = I'm literally wheezing. Grab me an inhaler.

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What makes us laugh?

A simple question with a surprisingly complex answer – understanding laughter means understanding fundamental issues about human nature.

Why do we laugh? Well it's funny you should ask, but this question was suggested by reader Andrew Martin, and it is a very interesting one to investigate. For what at first seems like a simple question turns out to require a surprisingly complex answer – one that takes us on a journey into the very heart of trying to understand human nature.

Most people would guess that we laugh because something is funny. But if you watch when people actually laugh, you’ll find this isn't the case. Laughter expert Robert Provine spent hours recording real conversations at shopping malls, classrooms, offices and cocktail parties, and he found that most laughter did not follow what looked like jokes. People laughed at the end of normal sentences, in response to unfunny comments or questions such as "Look, it's Andre," or "Are you sure?". Even attempts at humour that provoked laughter didn't sound that funny. Provine reports that the lines that got the biggest laughs were ones such as "You don't have to drink, just buy us drinks," and "Do you date within your species?". I guess you had to be there.

Brain triggers

So if we want to understand laughter, perhaps we need to go deeper, and look at what is going on in the brain. The areas that control laughing lie deep in the subcortex, and in terms of evolutionary development these parts of the brain are ancient, responsible for primal behaviours such as breathing and controlling basic reflexes. This means laughter control mechanisms are located a long way away from brain regions that developed later and control higher functions such as language or even memory.

Perhaps this explains why it is so hard to suppress a laugh, even if we know it is inappropriate. Once a laugh is kindled deep within our brains these ‘higher function’ brain regions have trouble intervening. And the reverse is true, of course, it is difficult to laugh on demand. If you consciously make yourself laugh it will not sound like the real thing – at least initially.

There is another fundamental aspect to laughing. All humans laugh, and laughter always involves a similar pattern of whooping noises. Deaf people who have never heard a sound still make laughing noises . The laughing noises produced by humans share many of the acoustic properties of speech, further evidence laughter is hijacking the brain and body apparatus that we use for breathing and talking. 

But this does not fully answer the original question. Even if we identified the precise brain areas associated with laughing, even if we were able to make someone laugh by stimulating part of their brain ( which can be done ), we still don’t know what makes people laugh. Yes, we know about the effect, but what about the cause, that is, the reason why we laugh in the first place?

Shared joke

To answer this, perhaps we need to look outwards, to look at the social factors at play when people laugh. I've already mentioned Provine's study of laughter in its natural context. Provine showed that laughter is used to punctuate speech, it doesn't just interrupt at random. This suggests that it plays a communicative role – it isn't just some independent process that happens to us while we are talking to someone. He also found that the speaker typically laughs more than the audience, and that laughter was most common in situations of emotional warmth and so-called 'in-groupness'. Again, all strongly suggesting that laughter has an important social role. And it is not always used for positive reasons. For all the good feeling that goes with laughing with someone, there is also a dark side, when someone is laughed at to belittle or show disdain.

Perhaps the most important social feature of laughter is how contagious it is. Just listening to someone laugh is funny. To test this, try keeping a straight face while watching this video of a man tickling a gorilla . You can even catch laughter from yourself. Start with a forced laugh and if you keep it up you will soon find yourself laughing for real.

What these observations show is that laughter is both fundamentally social, and rooted deep within our brains, part and parcel of ancient brain structures. We laugh because we feel like it, because our brains make us, and because we want to fit in socially. All these things are true. But biologists distinguish at least four fundamental types of answer you can give to explain behaviour : "why did it evolve?"; "how did it evolve?"; "How does it develop across the lifespan?" and  "how does it work?".

This column has given some answers to the first question (laughter evolved for social interaction) and the last question (laughter is controlled by evolutionary ancient brain centres that control breathing and speech), but even with the beginnings of answers to these two questions, the other two are far from being answered. Each time we get closer to an answer for a fundamental question, it deepens our appreciation of the challenge remaining to answer the others.

Thank you to Andrew Martin for suggesting the topic. If you have your own suggestions please send them to [email protected]

If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on Future, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter .  

Module 11: Speaking to Entertain and for Special Occasions

Humor in public speaking, learning objectives.

• Identify approaches to humor in public speaking.
• Identify when humor may or may not appropriate for the occasion.

What is humor? We all know it when we see it. It is actions, or words, that are meant to induce laughter. Laughter is a universal response to something funny: everyone laughs. What people laugh at is another matter. We all find different things humorous.

Often, beginner speakers think that starting a speech by using humor is the best way to go. It can be but not always. Using humor is tricky. You really have to know who your audience is and what makes them laugh in order to employ humor. What you think is funny another person might not. So before you choose to use humor, there are many things to consider: audience demographics, number of people, type of event, cultural context, or organizational characteristics. So, reserve humor for speeches where you know the audience well!

If you decide to incorporate humor, here are some tips. Humor should be used sparingly and only if you have a good relationship with the person or group. You should make sure that the humor you use is something that will resonate with the person or group and is appropriate for the special occasion. Self-deprecating humor can be used to raise the honoree up as you jokingly put yourself down; this can work only if you know the honoree very well, but self-deprecate if you don’t know the honoree at all.

Tips: How to use Humor in a speech

In this video, public speaking expert TJ Walker gives some advice about how to use humor in a speech.

You can view the transcript for “How to Use Humor in a Speech | Public Speaking” here (opens in new window) .

To watch: Andrew Tarvin, Humor at Work

Here, comedian, author, and “humor engineer” Andrew Tarvin talks about the benefits of using humor at work.

You can view the transcript for “Humor at work | Andrew Tarvin | TEDxOhioStateUniversity” here (opens in new window) .

What to watch for:

In this speech, Tarvin not only talks about the value of using humor at work, he also demonstrates the kind of humor that’s probably acceptable at work: it’s not an edgy, stand-up “tight five,” but rather goofy self-deprecation and Microsoft Office puns.

Inappropriate Humor

One of the dangers of using humor in public speaking is that popular culture provides such a strong model for what this humor might look like: jokes + public speaking = standup comedy, right? Not so much. Many professional comedians see their role as that of pushing the envelope (think Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Sarah Silverman, Dave Chappelle, Lea DeLaria, Kristina Wong), being willing to “cross the line” of appropriateness to get a laugh or make a point. In most public speaking situations, however, a provocative or inappropriate joke doesn’t come across as funny; it comes across as uninformed.

Andrew Tarvin describes three reasons why humor may be inappropriate:

• inappropriate target
• inappropriate topic
• inappropriate time [1]

Whenever you consider using humor in a public statement or speech, consider whether the target, topic, and timing are all appropriate for the context.

While sarcasm and satire can be humorous, this technique is another very tricky area. These speaking techniques are easy to misinterpret. Even if you’re sure your best friend will love your satirical wedding toast for them, you may find out that the spouse-to-be is offended by what you said. So, it is better to use caution and avoid using sarcasm and satire. If you have any doubt about incorporating humor, just don’t use it.

There are certain occasions when humor is inappropriate. If an occasion is solemn, such as an event to mark a particular tragedy (or if a public tragedy has just happened), humor is not appropriate. Humor is generally ill-advised at funerals as well, with just a few personal or cultural exceptions.

Categories of Humor

Scott Dikkers, founding editor of The Onion , has claimed that every joke can be categorized in one of 11 categories. [2]

• Irony : The literal meaning is the opposite of the meaning that the speaker intends.
• Character : A joke based on the recognizability of certain character types.
• Reference : A.k.a. “It’s funny because it’s true”—references to experiences that the listener can relate to.
• Shock : The language or the inappropriate nature of the joke surprises and amuses the listener.
• Parody : Imitates a person or an idea in a funny way.
• Hyperbole : An exaggeration to the point of being absurd—and funny.
• Wordplay : Puns, double-meanings, and so on.
• Analogy : Comparing two things that don’t seem to go together—and yet somehow do.
• Madcap : Silly and often out-of-control. Think John Belushi, Jim Carrey, or Melissa McCarthy.
• Meta-humor: Jokes about jokes.
• Misplaced Focus : Funny because the person is noticing the wrong thing.

Recap: categories of humor

On the Breaking Down Bits podcast, Scott Dikkers explains his 11-category system, along with examples from  The Onion.

You can view the transcript for “Scott Dikkers 11 Funny Filters – Breaking Down Bits Highlights” here (opens in new window) .

• Whitler, Kimberly. "Humor in Marketing." 27 Jan. 2020, https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimberlywhitler/2020/01/27/humor-in-marketing-dos-and-donts-from-a-comedian-humor-speaker-and-author/#4b6442165bc9 ↵
• https://bigthink.com/stephen-johnson/every-joke-falls-in-one-of-these-11-categories-according-to-the-founder-of-the-onion ↵
• How to Use Humor in a Speech | Public Speaking. Authored by : Howcast. Located at : https://youtu.be/WvT9WjSlk8E . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• Humor at work | Andrew Tarvin | TEDxOhioStateUniversity. Provided by : TEDx Talks. Located at : https://youtu.be/6iFCm5ZokBI . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• Scott Dikkers 11 Funny Filters - Breaking Down Bits Highlights. Authored by : Breaking Down Bits. Located at : https://youtu.be/7kl9DWY9gPQ . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• Humor in Public Speaking. Authored by : Patricia Atkinson with Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Humor in Public Speaking. Authored by : Sandra K. Winn with Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution

7 Best Types of Humor to Use in Speech

July 23, 2023

Comedy has been around since the beginning of time in many forms and types of humor.

Even so, humor is often underlooked, especially in terms of using it in everyday speech or even in professional settings. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore using this speaking tactic for yourself. 

Check out the seven best types of humor to use in speech, how to use them, and what that could look like depending on your individual goals. 

What Are Types of Humor?

Although maybe people view humor and comedy as one entity, there are tons of types of humor (and subtypes). 

Since the beginning of humanity , people have relied on humor to get through tough times, inspire and motivate, and to just get a rise out of others. If you’re looking to use a bit of comedy in your natural or everyday speaking, check out these famous types of humor.

Top 7 Types of Humor

Being funny when you speak can be a bit tricky. Especially since humor and comedy can look different for everyone, especially depending on the speaker. 

Here are the top seven best types of humor to use in natural or everyday speech.

1. Surreal humor

Surreal humor is a type of comedy that’s best described as quirky, bizarre, and silly. This kind is one of the most underrated types of comedy. It’s been described as “strange,” “odd,” and just plain weird. For this reason, it’s also called “absurdist humor.” 

This type of humor plays off illogical or nonsense scenarios and dialogue. One of the most famous examples of surreal humor is comedy group Monty Python’s “Holy Grail.”

2. Slap-stick comedy (physical comedy)

Slap-stick comedy — also called physical comedy — refers to a type of humor that’s actually physical. 

This type is often exaggerated, too. It’s considered one of the most humorous types of comedy and one of the easiest to understand (whereas witty or dry humor can often go over your head). Usually, people who use slap-stick humor rely on props, like ladders or 

When you picture slap-stick comedy, the one person who should immediately come to mind is Charlie Chapman. Chapman was an English comedian famous for using slap-stick humor in the ’20s. He rose to fame during the silent film era, from the mid-1890s to the 1920s. 

Not surprisingly, humor in silent films (films without spoken dialogue) was tricky. Slap-stick or physical comedy helped mitigate the difficulty of getting humor across without speaking. 

Some examples of what slap-stick comedy looked like for actors like Chapman in particular include:

• Walking into walls
• Tripping over train tracks
• Hanging from a ladder
• Slipping on objects on the floor

A more recent example of actors using slap-stick comedy is Mr. Bean .

3. Observational humor

Observational humor is a type of comedy that pokes fun on everyday, normal life. This is one of the best types of humor for natural speech as it’s extremely versatile and can be tailored to your audience. 

The majority of stand-up comedians use observational humor to make commentaries on everyday subjects. Comedians like Ali Wong, Pete Davison, and Jerry Seinfeld are great examples of people who use observational humor. 

4. Aggressive humor

As you might’ve guessed, aggressive humor is a type of humor that relies on aggression toward others. This features methods of comedy where the comedian purposely makes fun of audience members. 

Even though belittling someone might not sound very fun, this type of humor is actually pretty popular. For example, if you’ve ever heard of or seen a “roast” or a “roast battle,” you’re looking at aggressive humor.

Still, this is a type of humor that you’ll have to be careful using; it doesn’t go well in every situation, especially in natural speech.

5.  Black comedy (dark humor)

Black comedy or dark humor is a type of humor where the subject joked about is dark or morbid. This type of humor is really popular on TikTok , where TikTokers (often from Gen Z) retell traumatic stories in a humorous way. Still, dark humor is used in tons of other scenarios since it’s a very versatile type of comedy. Some common themes explored in black comedy include: 

• Death and suicide
• Crime, such as discrimination, violence, and rape
• And even more serious and collective traumatic events, such as slavery, the Holocaust, and wars

That being said, dark humor is often inappropriate for natural speech (unless you’re in the company of, say, a very good friend). 

6. Self-deprecating humor

Self-deprecating humor is an extremely popular type of humor where the speaker makes a joke about themselves.

It’s not unusual for the person making self-deprecating jokes to do so in order to beat others to the punchline. 

Even still, not everyone likes this type of humor. In fact, self-deprecating humor can come off as annoying or irritating depending on your audience. 

7. Dry humor (deadpan comedy)

Dry humor or deadpan comedy is humor expressed in a completely unemotional way. This kind is more common in countries like England (think “A Bit of Fry and Laurie”). It’s also popularly used in talk shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “Conan.”

The downside to dry humor is that you risk your audience not picking up on the jokes due to the style in which it’s delivered. That being said, be a bit wary about using this humor in all situations. 

More types of humor worth exploring

Here are a few more types of humor worth exploring in your natural speech. 

They include:

• Double entendres: Making jokes that have more than one meaning (similar/related to innuendos )
• Parody/satire humor: Imitating an existing media (such as a book or movie) in a comedic way
• Sarcasm: Using your tone and inflection to deliver a statement, often ironically
• Wordplay humor: Relying on wordplay tactics — like puns — for comedy
• Affiliative humor: Leveraging things people have in common to make jokes
• Farcical humor: Using absurdist comedy tactics to exaggerate situations in a humorous way
• Witty humor: Relying on your own wit for humor or using certain epigrammatic sayings
• Self-enhancing humor: Using comedy to deal with unfortunate situations or help make the person feel better
• Juvenile humor: Using specific “juvenile” tactics like toilet humor to joke (e.g., “Beavis and Butthead,” “South Park,” and “Family Guy”) that could make the youngest audiences laugh — not to say that juvenile humor is appropriate for all ages

When to Use Types of Humor

Not all humor is created equal. As such, knowing when to use these types of humor is absolutely essential. 

If you’re looking to use various types of humor in everyday speech — whether you’re talking to a friend, giving a presentation at work, or even interviewing for a job — there are certain types that are safer choices than others.

The best kinds of humor to use in natural speech include:

• Observational humor
• Wordplay humor 
• Witty humor
• Affiliative humor

The most “risky” types of humor to use in everyday speech include:

• Slap-stick comedy
• Juvenile humor
• Farcical humor
• Surreal humor

Why to Use Types of Humor in Speech

So, why would you ever use humor in daily speech?

There are a few valid reasons why you’d want to use humor when speaking. 

1. You’re trying to distract your audience from negative feelings, like fear or anxiety. In a professional or more casual setting, humor can act as a distraction from uncomfortable feelings. Although it’s not always appropriate for a professional setting, throwing in a comedic remark here or there can sometimes help. Still, be sure not to rely 100% on your humor to get your audience through a tough time. 

2. You want others to see you in a different light. Using a bit of humor can actually change how others see you. Research shows comedy can make an audience view you in a more positive way, whether you’re using it during a speech or presentation, or just with your friends. 

3. You’re trying to engage your audience. If you’ve ever sat through a boring presentation, you know it’s almost a form of torture in and of itself. However, by sprinkling a little humor throughout, you can better engage your audience and captivate their attention. 

4. You want to energize your listener. Using humor in conversation can actually energize your listener. For example, if you use humor during a presentation, it can effectively “wake up” your audience and help them remember what your presentation was about. 

Types of Humor Examples

Seeing examples can better elucidate types of humor. 

Here are just a few types of humor examples to give you a more solid idea of what these kinds look like.

Surreal humor examples

Arguably the best example of surreal humor is Monty Python’s “Holy Grail.” Here’s a clip from “Holy Grail,” which relies heavily on surreal humor:

This is a bit on a group of knights who say “ni” — an absurd scene that’s as inexplicably funny as it is bizarre. 

Observational humor examples 

In terms of observational humor, comedians rely on this kind often during their sets. 

See if you can identify the observational humor in this complication of Ali Wong comedy:

Slapstick comedy examples

To better illustrate what slap-stick humor looks like, check out some of these famous Charlie Chapman moments :

Dry humor examples

Dry humor is extremely popular, especially in England. Here’s a clip from the ’80s British comedy show, “A Bit of Fry and Laurie,” that uses dry humor:  

This clip in particular also uses a bit of physical humor, as the actors need props for this scene. 

Juvenile humor examples

The title of this show is the epitome of juvenile humor: “Beavis and Butthead.” The renowned ’90s cartoon relies on this kind of humor in every episode. 

The joke in this clip revolves around “Uranus,” the planet:

How to Practice Using Humor

To be frank, using humor during everyday conversation won’t be easy if you’re not used to it. You’ll need a little bit of practice before you confidently use humor in speech.

For everyday conversation and speeches

To learn how to use humor during a conversation with a friend or even a presentation at work, having your speech analyzed by an AI communication coach can do wonders. 

For example, you can explore an app like Yoodli , which analyzes a pre-recorded video or live recording on that app to give you feedback on things like your filler word usage, how fast or slow you’re talking, and even your word choice and body language (all of which are critical insights to review if you’re going to be using humor in speech).

Unlike other speech coach apps, Yoodli is completely free to use, so you can practice as much as you want. You can even use Yoodli in meetings at work to analyze your speech in real time. You can learn more about how to do that below: 

For non-native English speakers

Learning how to practice using humor is the exact same process for non-native English speakers, with a few small considerations. 

If English isn’t your first language for example, there are certain types of humor you might want to practice or get more comfortable with. Humor subtypes such as witty or dry can be more difficult to understand on the first go. 

Luckily, humor pairs perfectly with English speaking practice , so don’t be afraid to experiment and implement some of these comedic tactics in your own speech.

The Bottom Line

Comedy is an often overlooked aspect of speech and communication, especially when it comes to professional speech. There’s a fear that the humor used might be inappropriate or not fit for the social setting; still, there are certain types of humor that on the other hand are perfect for conversational speech. 

Knowing which types of humor to use in speech is a must, and practicing with an AI speech coach like Yoodli can certainly help you get there. Just remember to practice in safe spaces first where you won’t be judged harshly, such as Yoodli or a close friend. 

Start practicing with Yoodli.

Getting better at speaking is getting easier. Record or upload a speech and let our AI Speech Coach analyze your speaking and give you feedback.

Ways To Describe Laughter: Do You Know Your Lingo?

15 different ways to describe laughter in the english dictionary:, more laughter synonyms.

…and amusement, glee, hilarity, mirth, merriment, rejoicing, snort, snorting, chortling, har-de-har, tehee, tittering…

Do you know other ways to describe laughter? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below!

Share this story, choose your platform, about the author: sebastian gendry, related posts, 50 happy thoughts, the secret to happiness isn’t laughter: dozens of deeper truths, from chuckles to healing: 2023’s comprehensive guide to laughter studies, childhood may be over, but playtime doesn’t have to be, 20 practical ideas to nourish love through laughter in relationships, 6 dimensions of humor, 13 comments.

I see many of these as synonyms but many of the words are also onomatopoeia words used to describe the actual types of laughter.

I liked these examples but I was looking for something different. I want to describe a nervous laughter when someone is afraid but wants to cover that fear…

Mark, I was kind of in the same boat as you. I think these are good words, but I was more looking for an adjective or something to describe how the laughter sounds rather than just what “type” of laughter it is. You probably don’t need this anymore, but in case you do, I found this website helpful: https://www.rhymezone.com/r/rhyme.cgi?Word=laughter&typeofrhyme=jjb

a sinker is a word I think is very mocking and I don’t like using it unless the word fits

Best to you and yours during this disquieting time. Our family has found that keeping our senses of humor about us, does seem to help.

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• Types of speeches

The 4 types of speeches in public speaking

Informative, demonstrative, persuasive and special occasion.

By:  Susan Dugdale  

There are four main types of speeches or types of public speaking.

• Demonstrative
• Special occasion or Entertaining

To harness their power a speaker needs to be proficient in all of them: to understand which speech type to use when, and how to use it for maximum effectiveness.

What's on this page:

An overview of each speech type, how it's used, writing guidelines and speech examples:

• informative
• demonstrative
• special occasion/entertaining
• how, and why, speech types overlap

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Informative speeches

An informative speech does as its name suggests: informs. It provides information about a topic. The topic could be a place, a person, an animal, a plant, an object, an event, or a process.

The informative speech is primarily explanatory and educational.

Its purpose is not to persuade or influence opinion one way or the other. It is to provide sufficient relevant material, (with references to verifiable facts, accounts, studies and/or statistics), for the audience to have learned something. 

What they think, feel, or do about the information after they've learned it, is up to them.

This type of speech is frequently used for giving reports, lectures and, sometimes for training purposes. 

Examples of informative speech topics:

• the number, price and type of dwellings that have sold in a particular suburb over the last 3 months
• the history of the tooth brush
• how trees improves air quality in urban areas
• a brief biography of Bob Dylan
• the main characteristics of Maine Coon cats
• the 1945 US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
• the number of, and the work of local philanthropic institutions
• the weather over the summer months
• the history of companion planting 
• how to set up a new password
• how to work a washing machine

Click this link if you'd like more informative topic suggestions .  You'll find hundreds of them.

And this link to find out more about the 4 types of informative speeches : definition, description, demonstration and explanation. (Each with an example outline and topic suggestions.)  

Demonstration, demonstrative or 'how to' speeches

A demonstration speech is an extension of an informative process speech. It's a 'how to' speech, combining informing with demonstrating.

The topic process, (what the speech is about), could either be demonstrated live or shown using visual aids.

The goal of a demonstrative speech is to teach a complete process step by step.

It's found everywhere, all over the world: in corporate and vocational training rooms, school classrooms, university lecture theatres, homes, cafes... anywhere where people are either refreshing or updating their skills. Or learning new ones.

Knowing to how give a good demonstration or 'how to' speech is a very valuable skill to have, one appreciated by everybody.

Examples of 'how to' speech topics are:

• how to braid long hair
• how to change a car tire
• how to fold table napkins
• how to use the Heimlich maneuver
• how to apply for a Federal grant
• how to fill out a voting form
• how to deal with customer complaints
• how to close a sale
• how to give medicine to your cat without being scratched to bits! 

Resources for demonstration speeches

1 . How to write a demonstration speech   Guidelines and suggestions covering:

• choosing the best topic : one aligning with your own interests, the audience's, the setting for the speech and the time available to you
• how to plan, prepare and deliver your speech - step by step guidelines for sequencing and organizing your material plus a printable blank demonstration speech outline for you to download and complete  
• suggestions to help with delivery and rehearsal . Demonstration speeches can so easily lurch sideways into embarrassment. For example: forgetting a step while demonstrating a cake recipe which means it won't turn out as you want it to. Or not checking you've got everything you need to deliver your speech at the venue and finding out too late, the very public and hard way, that the lead on your laptop will not reach the only available wall socket. Result. You cannot show your images.

2.  Demonstration speech sample outline   This is a fully completed outline of a demonstration speech. The topic is 'how to leave an effective voice mail message' and  the sample covers the entire step by step sequence needed to do that.

There's a blank printable version of the outline template to download if you wish and a YouTube link to a recording of the speech.

3.  Demonstration speech topics   4 pages of 'how to' speech topic suggestions, all of them suitable for middle school and up.

Persuasive speeches

The goal of a persuasive speech is to convince an audience to accept, or at the very least listen to and consider, the speaker's point of view.

To be successful the speaker must skillfully blend information about the topic, their opinion, reasons to support it and their desired course of action, with an understanding of how best to reach their audience.

Everyday examples of persuasive speeches

Common usages of persuasive speeches are:

• what we say when being interviewed for a job
• presenting a sales pitch to a customer
• political speeches - politicians lobbying for votes,
• values or issue driven speeches e.g., a call to boycott a product on particular grounds, a call to support varying human rights issues: the right to have an abortion, the right to vote, the right to breathe clean air, the right to have access to affordable housing and, so on.

Models of the persuasive process

The most frequently cited model we have for effective persuasion is thousands of years old.  Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, 384–322 BC , explained it as being supported by three pillars: ethos, pathos and logos. 

Briefly, ethos is the reliability and credibility of the speaker. How qualified or experienced are they talk on the topic? Are they trustworthy? Should we believe them? Why?

Pathos is the passion, emotion or feeling you, the speaker, bring to the topic. It's the choice of language you use to trigger an emotional connection linking yourself, your topic and the audience together, in a way that supports your speech purpose.

(We see the echo of Pathos in words like empathy: the ability to understand and share the feels of another, or pathetic: to arouse feelings of pity through being vulnerable and sad.)

Logos is related to logic. Is the information we are being presented logical and rational? Is it verifiable? How is it supported? By studies, by articles, by endorsement from suitably qualified and recognized people?

To successfully persuade all three are needed. For more please see this excellent article:  Ethos, Pathos, Logos: 3 Pillars of Public Speaking and Persuasion 

Monroe's Motivated Sequence of persuasion

Another much more recent model is Monroe's Motivated Sequence based on the psychology of persuasion.

It consists of five consecutive steps: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization and action and was developed in the 1930s by American Alan H Monroe, a lecturer in communications at Purdue University. The pattern is used extensively in advertising, social welfare and health campaigns.

Resources for persuasive speeches

1.   How to write a persuasive speech Step by step guidelines covering:

• speech topic selection
• setting speech goals
• audience analysis
• empathy and evidence
• balance and obstacles
• 4 structural patterns to choose from

2. A persuasive speech sample outline using Monroe's Motivated Sequence

3. An example persuasive speech written using Monroe's Motivated Sequence  

4.  Persuasive speech topics : 1032+ topic suggestions which includes 105 fun persuasive ideas , like the one below.☺ 

Special occasion or entertaining speeches

The range of these speeches is vast: from a call 'to say a few words' to delivering a lengthy formal address.

This is the territory where speeches to mark farewells, thanksgiving, awards, birthdays, Christmas, weddings, engagements and anniversaries dwell, along with welcome, introduction and thank you speeches, tributes, eulogies and commencement addresses. 

In short, any speech, either impromptu or painstakingly crafted, given to acknowledge a person, an achievement, or an event belongs here.

You'll find preparation guidelines, as well as examples of many special occasion speeches on my site.

Resources for special occasion speeches

How to prepare:

• an acceptance speech , with an example acceptance speech 
• a birthday speech , with ongoing links to example 18th, 40th and 50th birthday speeches
• an office party Christmas speech , a template with an example speech
• an engagement party toast , with 5 examples
• a eulogy or funeral speech , with a printable eulogy planner and access to 70+ eulogy examples
• a farewell speech , with an example (a farewell speech to colleagues)
• a golden (50th) wedding anniversary speech , with an example speech from a husband to his wife
• an impromptu speech , techniques and templates for impromptu speaking, examples of one minute impromptu speeches with a printable outline planner, plus impromptu speech topics for practice
• an introduction speech for a guest speaker , with an example
• an introduction speech for yourself , with an example
• a maid of honor speech for your sister , a template, with an example
• a retirement speech , with an example from a teacher leaving to her students and colleagues
• a student council speech , a template, with an example student council president, secretary and treasurer speech
• a Thanksgiving speech , a template, with an example toast
• a thank you speech , a template, with an example speech expressing thanks for an award, also a business thank you speech template
• a tribute (commemorative) speech , with a template and an example speech
• a welcome speech for an event , a template, an example welcome speech for a conference, plus a printable welcome speech planner
• a welcome speech for new comers to a church , a template with an example speech
• a welcome speech for a new member to the family , a template with an example

Speech types often overlap

Because speakers and their speeches are unique, (different content, purposes, and audiences...), the four types often overlap. While a speech is generally based on one principal type it might also have a few of the features belonging to any of the others. 

For example, a speech may be mainly informative but to add interest, the speaker has used elements like a demonstration of some sort, persuasive language and the brand of familiar humor common in a special occasion speech where everybody knows each other well.

The result is an informative 'plus' type of speech. A hybrid! It's a speech that could easily be given by a long serving in-house company trainer to introduce and explain a new work process to employees.  

Related pages:

• how to write a good speech . This is a thorough step by step walk through, with examples, of the general speech writing process. It's a great place to start if you're new to writing speeches. You'll get an excellent foundation to build on.
• how to plan a speech - an overview of ALL the things that need to be considered before preparing an outline, with examples
• how to outline a speech - an overview, with examples, showing how to structure a speech, with a free printable blank speech outline template to download
• how to make and use cue cards  - note cards for extemporaneous speeches 
• how to use props (visual aids)    

And for those who would like their speeches written for them:

• commission me to write for you

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• Delivery Techniques →

Humorous Speech: 14 Tips to Leave Them Rolling in the Aisles

Have you every been thoroughly entertained by someone giving a humorous speech? Maybe you enjoy watching stand-up comedians on stage.

Laughter is a definite stress reliever – one of the best medicines, as the saying goes!

People love to laugh. Whether it’s improv, observational, word play, dark humour or something else, there are may ways to see levity in the world we live in.

And, there are many ways to deliver a funny presentation .

In Toastmasters , learning how to give a humorous speech is going to be one of the most gratifying adventures you’ll have as a member.

So, take heart, even if you’re not a natural, you can be that person on stage getting the laughs!

Let’s get started by looking at the prep work.

Before you Begin Your Funny Speech

As with any type of speech in Toastmasters, you want to do your best.

Starting with a little self-reflection and practice will help you figure out your strategy. Here’s how to proceed:

Remember what you found funny

Not everyone has the same sense of humour. In fact, for some people jokes go right over their heads while others find the same ones side-splittingly funny.

Consider what kind of humour resonates with you.

Do you laugh at silly costumes and clown noses? Or, do you find the physical humour of someone failing miserably at a juggling act comical?

Perhaps puns that exploit the meaning of certain words make you smile.

Think about what you enjoy in a humorous speech and you’re guaranteed that others will find it hilarious too. That’s the type of content you’ll want to incorporate into your presentation.

Play to your strengths

Are you known for telling self-deprecating anecdotes? Do you find fun it re-telling entertaining family stories?

Maybe you weren’t the class clown at school or have never been the life of the party, encouraging others to join in some fun activity.

Even so, you likely display some behaviour that tickles the funny bones of others. Therefore, keep that in mind as you decide how to craft your speech.

Try out your stuff

While you’re sorting out what you want to give a humorous talk about, try your hand at getting a laugh or two from others.

This will give you a little informal practice, and help you decide which route to take in your presentation.

Here’s a few ways to do this:

Explain the funny in your day   – Look for anything out-of-the-ordinary in your day and deliver it in a short, comical anecdote at work, or at home around the dinner table.

Did you see a dog wearing a hilarious-looking jacket? Was there someone with a loud snore napping on your bus?

One you start looking for the funny in the day, it’s not hard to find!   

Try kid-friendly humour   – Kids love jokes. If there’s a child in your life tell them a knock-knock joke, or something along those lines.

Many adults get a kick out of kid-friendly humour as well. Try out a silly groaner joke on one of the adults in your life.

Volunteer for Jokemaster – Take advantage of this ready-made opportunity for you to hone your joke-telling skills at your next Toastmasters club meeting .

After you get a little experience spreading humour, you’ll begin to feel more comfortable in the comedian role. Plus, you’ll find out where you’re getting the laughs.

Watch the experts

As a Toastmaster, you have a ringside seat to speakers of all skill levels.

Notice what grabs your attention in how others present their topic, and the ways they use humour – this goes for any speech, not just the intentionally funny ones!

Search out humorous TED Talks and study what the speaker does to be humorous. In addition, watch different comedians and figure out what they do to get a few belly laughs.

What you’ll find is that, no matter what type of humour is used, a successful performance is all about the delivery.

Crafting a Comical Speech

There are a few things to be mindful of when writing a humorous presentation.

Find the funny  

First, you need to pick a topic to talk about.

When it comes down to it, you can use almost any subject matter for a humorous speech.

Some of the greatest material to use comes from personal stories. You could spin a story from a personal anecdote, or talk about the trials and tribulations of a friend or family member.

How many times have you heard stand-up comics regale an audience with the escapades of their children, or expose the comical side of the relationship they have with their spouse?

This is the stuff that works because people can relate to it, and may see themselves in your stories. It’s always funnier when some misadventure happens to someone else!

Write to amuse

When you’re writing your speech, start to think about your delivery.

Is there a particular turn of phrase, amusing alliteration or other play on words that’s sure to make the listeners smile?

Jot those down where they’re likely to have the biggest impact. Will delivering this content in the opening, as you finish up or somewhere else in between work best?

Remember to follow the formula for crafting any Toastmasters speech with a captivating opening, an interesting body and a memorable closing. 

14 Tips for Nailing a Humorous Speech

Here’s where the fun begins!

With a well-crafted speech designed to tell your tale in the funniest way, it’s time to focus on your delivery.

There are a range of tactics for engaging your audience no matter what type of talk you’re giving. Some of these can be applied, with a little modification.

Here are 14 terrific ways to deliver a humorous speech:

1. Pace perfectly

Proper pacing in any presentation is important. And, as you can appreciate, this is a critical component of giving a funny talk.

People need a bit of time to get the joke, right?

Leave a little dead air just after you’ve said something humorous. Some people might be chuckling right away while others will need more time to comprehend.

Either way, pausing strategically after a punch line is necessary for the humour to land well.

2. Funny fashion

Dressing up in an unusual outfit, or wearing a silly hat, is another way to amuse your audience.

This signals that they’re in for some original fun.

For instance, if you’re going to tell the story of a hysterical summer vacation you might consider coming on stage in shorts and sandals with a beach towel slung over your shoulder – if you have a snorkel and swimming fins you can wear, even better.

Just watch that you don’t trip, unless you’re going for a laugh for that too!

If your goal is to keep giving humorous speeches, wearing something funny could become your signature move.

One example is the comedian Steve Martin who became memorable for wearing what looked like an arrow through his head.

Anyway, you get the picture. This type of absurd humor can set you up for some laughs right away.

3. Present props

Props are another standard approach to holding an audience’s attention when giving a talk.

When presenting a humorous speech, you don’t have to necessarily bring something on stage that people laugh at immediately.

That’s one way to go, but the trick to being amusing is really in how you use the prop.

Maybe you’ve got a laughable tale about your pet parrot.

Rather than trying to incorporate the bird itself into your talk – which can be problematic on several levels – you could take a toy parrot on a perch with you on stage. Interacting with the fake bird will increase the comic value of your speech.

Another way to use props is to use them to demonstrate an activity.

For example, an amusing story about driving a car can be enhanced if you’re pretending to drive with an actual steering wheel between your hands.

4. Surprise with sound

There are several ways to use sound in a humorous speech.

The most obvious one may be to find a noise maker that has a novel sound. The selection here is endless, and only limited by what you’re able to find.

If you want to use a bell, there are dinner bells, bicycle bells, cow bells and other bells. Some different options are horns, shakers, kazoos, hand clappers and maracas.

You might also find a few items around your home that you can improvise with.

The other choice is to use your voice to make a sound effect. Getting back to that example of a driving anecdote, making ‘vroom, vroom’ sounds when you’re pretending to drive can add humour.

Again, the key here is in how you use sound. While the particular noise might be funny on its own, you’ll get more laughs if you time it appropriately in your speech.

If you plan to use the sound repeatedly to create more hilarity, just don’t overdo it!

5. Exaggerate expressions

Funny facial expressions are another tool for telling a funny tale.

An exaggerated look of surprise, with raised eyebrows and an open mouth, can make your delivery all the more uproarious.

Help your listeners really visualize what you went through in the anecdote you’re relating by emphasizing your reactions, and they’ll be laughing right along with you.

A shake of the head and a shoulder shrug can be added for extra effect.

6. Give grand gestures

This is along the same lines as really playing up your facial expressions .

Grand gestures, like throwing your arms out or reaching your hands high above you head, can add comedy to your speech.

Stretching your arms forward with open palms to the audience can show them that you’re imploring them to see things from your perspective.

As with other methods, such gestures should be well-timed during your talk to add the maximum amount of drama.

7. Perfect a posture

Body language can also be uproarious.

Think about what you want to communicate with your posture that will add to the humour in your presentation.

It could be that you want to express indignation, or incredulity, by standing with your hands on your hips. A slouching position could be used to indicate resignation.

Then again, you might want to come up with a uniquely funny posture that’s all your own.

Whatever you choose, be sure that it’s a posture that will make your speech all the more hysterical.

8. Woo with words

There are so many ingenious ways to employ language for added impact here.

Witty plays on words include alliterations, puns, phonetic mix-ups, obscure words, unusual sayings and more.

An intentional slip of the tongue, for example, like referring to a “funny story” as a “sunny foray” will initially catch people unawares.

However, once they’ve grasped the play on words, they’ll find it amusing and will be paying close attention to catch other examples.

Another move to try is to incorporate pet language for people or situations. Maybe you’re talking about a mischievous child and calling them “the little dickens” brings a smile.

You could also make up words, like calling your spouse the “nagagator” of your trip rather than the “navigator” if she keeps complaining that you’re not following her directions.

9. Vary voice volume

Here’s a strategy that you’ve probably found to be effective in other types of speeches.

Changing your voice volume for emphasis is a tried-and-true way to hold your listeners’ attention.

Modulate your voice to match what you’re saying at the time, and people will connect with the funny faster.

10. Act it out

Go through the motions of your story to show the comical side.

When you’re acting out a riotous routine, it can be very engaging for those present.

Make sure to move around and use the whole stage, and consider actually getting down into the theatre aisles beside the audience if it serves your purpose.

Pause your speech for a few moments while you complete the actions to make things more hysterical. If you’ve ever watched improv, you’ll know how well this can work.

Acting it out can include imitating voices to relate a conversation between two people.

You may have seen comedians do this to add hilarity when talking about an argument they had with their partner, for instance.

11. Display distraction

Here’s a more original idea to bring some fun to your presentation.

Try acting a little distracted. You may be thinking that this is exactly what not to do during a speech!

But if it’s used in a controlled fashion it can amp up the laughter.

One way is to just wander out on stage seemingly lost in your thoughts.

You could pretend to be reading something or talking aloud to yourself and then notice, with a start, that you’re not alone. You have an audience!

Another example is getting distracted a few times in the middle of your speech by something you see around you – like complementing an audience member on the colour of her sweater.

12. Make outlandish comparisons

This is a great way to use exaggeration to encourage your listeners to see the laughable side of things.

Making outlandish comparisons demonstrates your frustration, or extreme surprise, with the situation you’re explaining.

Say you’re talking about having to deal with a lot of dirty laundry. You could say that it was as though a landside had happened indoor with laundry overflowing out of the hamper and down the stairs.

A simpler example is saying that traffic was moving so slowly on the highway that it seemed you were driving backwards.

13. Use the rule of three

The rule of three can be employed several ways to increase the funny factor.

Basically, you can link three thoughts or ideas together. You might say that having children has taught you to appreciate life more, how to calm a crying baby and that your favourite activity is napping.

Make the last point a twist in an unexpected direction.

Creating a presentation that takes your audience through three similar occurrences is another way to use this method.

Maybe you want to tell a fishing story and each experience of trying to land a fish during your day out on the water builds on the last one. 

14. Be unexpected

Anything that’s weird, absurd or nonsensical falls into this category.

It should be quite unconnected to the talk you’re giving and is designed simply to get a laugh.

The best place for this is right at the beginning of your talk to prime the audience to be amused. You could also finish off with something unexpected to get a last laugh.

A few behavioural examples of this are funny walks, dancing and acrobatic tricks like riding a unicycle.

Other ways to use the unexpected are to have dramatic music playing as you enter the stage or throw rose petals out into the audience.

A final tip is to harness the power of repetition.

It’s not just using the same noise makers a few times during your talk that can bump up the laughs. You can repeat a few of these other ideas as well.

Take care to use the right dosage of one or more of these ideas. Repeating what listeners found funny the first time, if done in moderation, can cause them to laugh even louder the next time.

Closing Comments on Delivery a Humorous Speech

Granted, there’s a lot to consider in performing a humorous speech.

So, take your time, do your research, select a good topic for your talk and get to work writing your best speech.

Practice is really important in preparing to deliver this sort of speech. That’s where you can try out one or more of the delivery approaches and see what seems to fit best.

Having said that, plan to step outside your comfort zone a bit and experiment with different ways to deliver your presentation.

After all, being brave and stretching your skills is what Toastmasters is all about!

Be advised, the rewards can be remarkable when you see what joy and downright laugh-out-loud humor your speech has brought to people. Related: How to Write a Tall Tale Speech

Types of Laughing

Made with Vocabulary.com Dictionary Advanced Search and List Builder with the search term "typeof:laugh"

Learn words with Flashcards and other activities

Other learning activities, teaching tools, full list of words from this list:.

• belly laugh a burst of deep loud hearty laughter
• bray laugh loudly and harshly
• break up laugh unrestrainedly
• cachinnation loud convulsive laughter
• cackle a loud laugh suggestive of a hen's sound after laying an egg
• chortle a soft partly suppressed laugh
• chuckle a soft partly suppressed laugh
• giggle a foolish or nervous laugh
• guffaw a burst of loud and hearty laughter
• haw-haw a loud laugh that sounds like a horse neighing
• hee-haw a loud laugh that sounds like a horse neighing
• horselaugh a loud laugh that sounds like a horse neighing
• howl laugh unrestrainedly and heartily
• roar laugh unrestrainedly and heartily
• snicker a disrespectful laugh
• snort a disrespectful laugh
• titter a nervous restrained laugh

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