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20 Public Speaking Jokes to Spice Up Your Presentation

Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking activity for many of us, but we can’t deny that a little laughter can help ease some of the tension. Whether you’re giving a presentation in front of a large conference audience or just talking to your coworkers, having a few jokes ready to lighten up the conversation can help you communicate your points in a more engaging way. Therefore, I’m here to share with you my top 20 public speaking jokes so you can add a pinch of humor to your next presentation. From the classic knock-knock jokes to some cheeky puns, let me help you take your humor game to the next level. Let the laughter begin!

What is Joke Telling in Presentations?

Joke telling, for the purpose of livening up a presentation or spicing up a speech, is an art form. Jokes and punchlines bring levity to a presentation, but if done incorrectly can fall flat or worse, offend. On one hand, when used appropriately, jokes can provide comedic relief that allows the audience to connect with the speaker and adjusts the mood from serious to positive. On the other hand, it can be extremely risky because humor is subjective to individual taste and when words are spoken publicly any misinterpretations can be difficult to remedy. Therefore, it is essential to consider an audience’s sense of humor and align it with humour appropriate for the subject matter. The art of crafting punchlines requires skillful delivery as every joke setup requires a payoff they will find funny. It is all about timing. Punchlines should be delivered with clarity, confidence , and conviction by using subtle vocal intonation such as raising or lowering of one’s voice at the right moment. Knowing when to pause before or after makes all the difference in how funny a punchline will be received by an audience. With practice, anyone can become an expert joke-teller that adds comic relief to their presentations.

The Art of Crafting Punchlines

Crafting punchlines that effectively punctuate your presentation can be an effective way to add humor and insight into a topic. Crafting and delivering a well balanced joke are essential components of comedic timing and ensures that the audience is engaged when listening to you. To craft the perfect punchline, you must consider two important aspects of writing: timing and structure. When it comes to timing, the punchline should come in at the exact moment when your audience thought you had finished talking. You must focus on a consistent rhythm, as this will let your audience know what kind of impression you’re trying to make, allowing them to anticipate the punchline and find it hilarious. Additionally, the structure of your punchline has a great effect on its delivery. When constructing a joke, you need to make sure that each component makes sense and serves its function in the overall joke. A single misspoken word or poorly placed pause can easily disrupt an otherwise good joke. Additionally, remember to keep things short and sweet; often, overly wordy jokes lack impact due to all the fluff around them. The art of crafting punchlines has both technical and artistic components, as any good comedian knows that proper timings and structuring is essential for making a joke successful. Next, we will dive into the techniques behind telling jokes that really get laughs from an audience.

Here are the first 10 public speaking jokes:

“I used to be afraid of public speaking… but then I realized everyone in the audience is just as scared as I am.”
They say that public speaking is one of people’s greatest fears.. . which is why at a funeral, most people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.”
“Why did the public speaker get a standing ovation? Because he finally stopped talking.”
Public speaking tip: Start with a joke to break the ice… or in my case, break the tension.”
“I’m not saying I’m a great public speaker, but I do have a black belt in awkward pauses.”
I always prepare for public speaking by practicing in front of a mirror… it’s the only way I can make eye contact with someone who won’t judge me.
“They say that the key to public speaking is to imagine the audience in their underwear… but I tried it once and it just made things even more awkward.”
“I’ve been told that I have a face for radio and a voice for silent movies… but here I am, giving a public speech.”
“Public speaking is a lot like driving a car… you need to keep your eyes on the road and avoid hitting any potholes.”
“Why did the public speaker wear a wig and a fake mustache? To deliver a convincing TED talk.”

The Techniques Behind Telling Jokes

The technique behind telling jokes is an important element of making sure the audience finds the joke funny. Many people make the mistake of thinking that if they are funny, then the audience will find their jokes funny as well. However, humor is subjective, and what might sound funny to one person can fall flat for others. Therefore, it’s important to understand the different techniques behind telling jokes so that your comedy is well-received by everyone. To begin, it’s essential to be aware of timing when delivering a joke . A joke too early in your presentation may end up taking away from more important points you need to make while a joke too late after those points might be forgotten. Also think about how quickly you deliver the punchline of your joke. If it’s delivered too quickly, or abruptly, your audience may be caught off guard and miss its effectiveness. Another technique to consider is understanding how to structure your delivery . This includes things like varying your loudness and inflection when setting up the joke versus delivering the punch line; this will help emphasize the element of surprise for those listening and make them laugh even more. Additionally, consider opting for shorter jokes with fewer words but still finding creative ways to set them up so that they connect with your overall point and tie into something relevant for the group you are speaking too; this will help get audiences even more engaged with what you have to say. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way when it comes to telling jokes in a public speaking setting; each speaker should find what works best for their personal style while also considering lessons they have learned from practice runs or experience speaking at other events. While some speakers may prefer longer jokes while others opt for shorter ones – knowing these key elements of effective comedy can ensure everyone in attendance gets a good laugh before going back to taking notes on the presentation. With these techniques in mind, let’s turn our focus towards exploring “The Benefits of Public Speaking Jokes.

The Benefits of Public Speaking Jokes

The purpose of public speaking jokes are not just for comedy. While at face value, they do lighten the mood and provide immediate entertainment , underlying benefits to jokes during a presentation can have longer-term impacts that assist in better engaging an audience. Contextualized properly within the narrative of a presentation, insights from resulting laughter lead to increased engagement while also paving the way to more meaningful conversations. The use of humor has been proven to break barriers and stigma between speaker and audience—straight away gaining trust and respect. Jokes also help keep your material fresh; constantly reminding listeners why they stay tuned to your presentation. Furthermore, telling a joke can help defuse negative situations caused by dissention or distractions stemming from the audience. On the other hand, it is important to note that with any comedic element used in presentations, there is risk involved. Poorly delivered punchlines or misappropriated humor can turn off the audience and even cause harm to the topic being discussed—rapidly souring the atmosphere of any presentation. It is therefore important for presenters to carefully consider their use of humor as it conveys message as strong as any technical fact or figure. By juggling these opposing issues, public speaking jokes can enhance presentations by breaking down boundaries between speaker and audience, delivering content within refreshment contexts, uniting fragmented audiences under collective laughter and providing power through authentically delivered messages. As such, how telling jokes enhances presentations is an element worth further consideration.

How Telling Jokes Enhances Presentations

It’s no secret that humor has a practical place in the art of public speaking . Used correctly, jokes can enhance the experience of your presentation and create a more memorable atmosphere for you and your audience. Here are a few reasons why laughing is your best bet when it comes to delivering a successful address. One powerful advantage of using jokes in your speeches is that well-crafted humor can help keep your audience engaged . A joke serves as an emotional hook for attendees and helps keep them interested in what you’re saying by capturing their attention and establishing a connection with them. Furthermore, many people are much more likely to remember funny stories, which can help them recall key concepts from your speech even after it’s over. Another reason to keep things light-hearted is that humor helps reduce performance anxiety by lightening the mood before you reach the podium. Writers such as Richard Harris and Andrew Tarvin would agree that one of the most difficult aspects of public speaking is simply getting up on stage, but telling a joke can break the tension and make both you and your audience feel more comfortable in the moment. Similarly, laughter may also help people relax while they listen, resulting in greater focus and understanding. On the other hand, there is some debate over whether every speech should contain jokes. While there’s no denying that humor can improve overall interest in a presentation, there’s also always the risk that a joke may be perceived as too off-color or inappropriate for a formal environment . As mentioned above, public speakers must be mindful about their level of wit when addressing an audience; This means that tasteful joke selection is paramount if you want to avoid any potential problems with colleagues or viewers. In conclusion, incorporating humorous remarks into your speeches may help boost engagement levels, set an enjoyable tone, and combat unease among audiences. With these strategies in mind, let’s move on to learn some tips and tricks on how to add genuine levity to presentations.

Here are 10 more public speaking jokes:

“I used to be a public speaker for a living… but I quit because the audience never laughed at my jokes.”
“Public speaking is like skydiving… it’s terrifying at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a real rush.”
“What do you call a public speaker who can’t stop talking? A filibuster.”
“Why did the public speaker cross the road? To get to the other side of the podium.”
“Public speaking is a great way to face your fears… unless your fear is public speaking, then you’re out of luck.”
“I’m not a great public speaker, but I’m really good at pretending I know what I’m talking about.”
“Why did the public speaker bring a pillow to his speech? So he could rest his case.”
“Public speaking is a lot like cooking… it takes a lot of preparation and the end result may not always be what you hoped for.”
“I’m not nervous about public speaking… I’m just practicing my interpretive dance moves.”
“Why did the public speaker keep checking his watch? Because he had a lot of time to kill.”

Humor Tips and Tricks

Humor is an essential part of a successful public speaking presentation. Not only does it help lighten the mood and liven up the atmosphere in the room, but it also helps to create a more engaging and memorable presentation . While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for humor, there are some tips and tricks that can help you inject humor into your presentation. The most important tip for adding humor is to be authentic. If your audience can tell that you’re not comfortable telling jokes, or having a sense of humor, they will likely not respond well. Instead, focus on being yourself while you’re presenting and look for subtle opportunities to lighten the mood by using self-deprecating humor or referencing your own experiences or observations. You don’t need to be a stand-up comic in order to add wit and charm to your talk, just speak genuinely and authentically with a lighthearted air. Another tip for injecting humor into your talk is to keep the tone appropriate. Make sure that your jokes are appropriate for the occasion; if you’re speaking at an event with children present, it’s probably best to avoid using any language that might be considered inappropriate or racy. Similarly, don’t rely heavily on stereotypes or stereotype jokes; these types of jokes may come across as offensive or inappropriate. Finally, be mindful of cultural differences and sensitivities; even if a joke works well elsewhere, there might be nuances specific to your audience that could cause offense. Finally, remember the importance of timing when invoking humor in public speaking presentations. Jokes rarely work if they are delivered too slowly or quickly; instead, find ways to keep your delivery natural by practicing delivering your presentation until you have it down pat with all the associated intonations for when the joke should occur. Keeping this timing intact also ensures that any potentially funny moments will not get lost as people laugh at prior jokes or stories in your talk . Ultimately, while humor can make any public speaking presentation more enjoyable and engaging , it should never take away from the overall message of your talk – jokes should always supplement rather than overshadow your main points. When used appropriately and authentically, humor can help create a lasting impression on the audience long after your presentation has ended . By crafting hilarious stories and punchlines to use throughout their presentations, speakers can successfully use humor as an effective tool for delivering their message effectively. In the next section we will discuss taking these tips into account when crafting funny stories and punchlines that invite laughter from both young and old audiences alike.

Crucial Highlights

Humor can be a great way to add charm and wit to a public speaking presentation. However, it is important that the tone of humor is appropriate for the occasion and audience. Additionally, speakers should be mindful of cultural differences and sensitivities when using humor. Furthermore, timing when delivering jokes is crucial; it is important to know when to deliver the punchline for maximum comedic impact. Lastly, remember that humorous anecdotes should supplement rather than overshadow the overall message of a talk.

Crafting Funny Stories and Punchlines

Crafting humorous stories and punchlines is an art form. Not all presenters are naturally funny, but there are ways to increase your comedic prowess. On one hand, crafting your own jokes allows for originality and customization for your specific audience and presentation. This can help increase your performance’s impact as a personal touch can be more memorable to listeners than generic jokes. Creating unique content allows you the opportunity to practice joke-telling in a way that maximizes impact and leaves your listeners laughing and engaged. On the other hand, using prepared jokes carries its own benefits. This can help reduce any performance nerves as they have been tried and tested by other comedians. Additionally, if you are new to presentation design or don’t consider yourself too funny, it can provide a safety net of ready-made material. Drawing on proven jokes can insure that even if your audience isn’t amazed, you can be confident that they will at least laugh at the stories or punchlines you selected. Both methods of comedy-creation carry their own pros and cons; ultimately it depends on the presenter’s comfort level with delivering joke material. Whether you choose to create unique content from scratch or use existing jokes, adding humor should never distract from the success of your presentation as a whole. With careful consideration for the right timing and attitude, humor can be a powerful tool in capturing an audience’s attention. Next we’ll discuss how to find the right jokes for your audience.

How to Find the Right Jokes for Your Audience

Finding the right jokes to throw into your presentation is an essential part of public speaking, but it’s also an area that can be tricky to navigate without experience. When selecting jokes and other humorous elements, there are a few points to keep in mind. First, you want the jokes to stay true to your subject matter. It can help if you know a lot about your topic, as this will make it easier for you to draw up relevant jokes that may even reference specific points in the presentation. However, some speakers take a different approach and use jokes as an opportunity to create an interesting distraction from the main point. There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches; if you choose the latter, make sure not to cheapen your message or distract too much from the main idea of your talk. Second, consider the type of audience you’re addressing. Are they well-versed in your subject matter? Will they appreciate obscure references or would something more overt be better? And most importantly, what kind of comedic style do they prefer? A joke that works well with one group might come off as offensive or awkward with another. You don’t want undecided voters at a political debate out of fear of making the wrong joke! Finally, take into consideration how often you introduce humor into your speech . Many presentations begin amicably enough with some appropriate levity, but overdoing it can be counter-productive — no one wants a speech that’s all laughs and no information! Use humor in moderation so it can have its intended effect when it appears. When selecting jokes and humorous elements for your speech, be mindful of the content and context while keeping an eye on pacing and frequency.

Final Tips for Becoming a Jokester

As a public speaker, you can use humor to engage your audience and spice up any presentation. To capitalize on this, you’ll need to become a jokester – someone who can insert funny remarks and witty one-liners on the fly. It requires finesse, though, so to help you out here are some tips for becoming a jokester: First, make sure you know your audience . Crafting the perfect joke is not much good if it falls flat with an unappreciative audience or worse yet, offends them in any way. Take time to get to know those you will be addressing during your presentation and use that knowledge to tailor your delivery. Second, strive for authenticity. Simple jokes may get the job done momentarily but don’t rely on them too often. Just like public speaking itself, jokes should stem from personal experiences and insights since that’s usually what resonates most with listeners. This can take practice though; prepare yourself by writing down ideas or potential topics that you may want to cover in advance of speaking. Third, pay attention to timing. When telling a joke (or even making a quip) timing is everything so using natural pauses throughout your talk can really help enhance the humor element within a presentation. One thing to keep in mind is that silence is awkward so be aware when it goes on for too long as it can make the joke lose its humor and effectiveness. Finally, remember that humor should be used as seasoning – sprinkle a few lighthearted references throughout your talk but don’t overdo it. Although humorous moments can create powerful connections with your audience and offer something for them to remember about your speech days later, too much joking can have adverse effects if handled improperly. There are many strategies outlined above that can help turn any public speaker into a jokester. But before reaching the conclusion of this article there is one more step to consider – deciding how far is too far when introducing comedic moments into serious talks…

In conclusion, adding public speaking jokes while giving a presentation can help to entertain the audience and provide lighthearted moments that help to keep them engaged throughout the entire presentation. However, it is important to be aware of the risks of using such jokes, like potentially offending members of the audience or not being well-received. Ultimately, if used appropriately, public speaking jokes are an excellent way to make a presentation more entertaining and enjoyable for everyone involved. It is necessary to take into consideration who your audience is when considering what kind of jokes you should use. If you are giving a presentation primarily to younger people, then it may be more appropriate to use more modern references or “pop culture” humor than if presenting to a room full of older people. Additionally, carefully researching the topic of your presentation beforehand and using any relevant information in your jokes can really help them land with the crowd. Ultimately, humor can be used as a powerful tool in a presentation and can make people more engaged in what you have to say. It is important for presenters to be self-aware about their capabilities as well as their audience in order to ensure that their jokes will receive positive responses. By following these guidelines and abiding by professional etiquette , speakers can use public speaking jokes effectively and boost their presentations’ impact on an audience.

Common Questions Explained

What are some topics that are off-limits for public speaking jokes.

Some topics that are off-limits for public speaking jokes include topics related to race or ethnicity, religion, politics, gender or sexual orientation, disability, and illness. Using jokes about these topics can cause deep offense and hurt the audiences’ feelings. Additionally, any topic that could potentially be considered offensive or insensitive should be avoided. Jokes about controversial topics have the potential to spark heated debates and detract from the main point of your presentation. Additionally, jokes about violence, death, war and crime are also not appropriate for public speaking. It is important to remember that humor should always remain respectful as well as appropriate to the current audience when using jokes in public speaking. Keeping these ideas in mind will help to ensure that your audience enjoys the presentation without being offended by it.

How can I use jokes to break the ice for a public speaking event?

Using jokes to break the ice at a public speaking event can be an effective way to win over your audience and set the stage for a positive atmosphere. Jokes are an excellent conversation starter and can help alleviate the stress of a live performance. The key is to choose jokes that are universally funny and appropriate for all ages. This means avoiding jokes that might be offensive or tasteless, as these can backfire and potentially leave the audience feeling uncomfortable. Pick jokes that relate to your topic in some way and weave them into your presentation style in such a way that they feel natural to hear. Remember, the goal is to make people laugh, not interfere with their concentration on what you’re saying. Laughter is contagious and will help create an enjoyable atmosphere for your entire presentation!

What are some tips for using humor when public speaking?

When using humor when public speaking, the following tips can help you create an engaging and successful presentation: 1. Know your audience: Before adding any jokes to your speech, make sure you know your audience and their sense of humor. This will help ensure that your jokes are appropriate and not offensive to anyone in the room. 2. Choose appropriate material: Make sure the jokes or humorous stories you select are relevant to the topic of your presentation, as this will further engage your audience. Avoid inappropriate or off-color humor too. 3. Practice: Timing is key when it comes to humorous speaking, so practice each joke until you have it down before delivering it in front of an audience. Don’t overdo it either—jokes should be used sparingly with other content to keep the focus on the main message of your presentation. 4. Tell the truth: An effective way to use humor is to tell a personal story about a funny experience you once had related to the topic of your presentation. People appreciate honesty and genuine self-deprecating stories are often more endearing than fabricated ones. 5. Relax: One final tip for using humor when public speaking is to remain relaxed throughout your presentation and trust in yourself—your delivery and timing will naturally become better with practice, so don’t be afraid to dig a little deeper into your own experiences for material.

44 Witty & Wacky Icebreaker Jokes To Tell At Your Next Meeting

Icebreaker jokes like that one command attention. Like a good conversation starter or icebreaker question , a joke can warm up your listeners’ brains and prepare them to receive your message.

In fact, many of the best one-liners work a little like social glue. Not only do they get people laughing, but they may subtly point out similarities of experience, opinions, and values to make even a tight-knit group feel more closely bonded.

Opening your meeting with a little humor via icebreaker jokes, even your cheesiest knock-knock jokes or dad jokes, can:

Make an audience feel a stronger sense of social connection
Soothe stress and make people more receptive to calmly discussing ideas
Warm-up virtual formats for a remote team
Release endorphins and calm anger for more productive debates
Make your arguments and ideas more persuasive

Make your meeting life start feeling more like your best life with the icebreaker jokes below.

(PS – A truly energizing icebreaker joke is a great way to open up a team building event or activity and help everyone enter the right mindset to participate in the fun. Looking for more than just trust falls? Check out our list of virtual team building activities to help remote teams engage with each other in a new and exciting environment.)

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What Makes An Icebreaker Joke Funny?

A joke could make someone crack up one day and have no effect the next day. Therefore, there’s no true formula for a perfect joke, and despite study and analysis on the part of comedians and scientists , we don’t have a precise answer to, “What makes things funny?”

However, we do have a wealth of theories and insights that can help you create, tell, or at least better understand the magic of jokes. Here’s a brief summary:

A joke could make people laugh if it:

Plays on the human love of detecting discrepancies by illustrating a generally harmless mistake, misunderstanding, or departure from the norm. (Ex: Did you hear about the person who died while opening a window? So did everyone else on the submarine)
Disrupts expectations via incongruity between a concept, situation, or idea. (Ex: Do you know what I love most about baseball? The pine tar, the resin, the grass, the dirt. And that’s just in the hot dogs. (David Letterman))
Gives people an acceptable way to release their feelings on socially inappropriate topics, such as anger, bodily functions, online dating, or even the misfortunes of others. (Ex: My friend took me to what he said was an escape room. Turns out, he just locked me in the closet.)
Plays on what makes a group similar and inspires feelings of group cohesion.
Helps people understand one another via insight or perspective on the current social environment.

Icebreaker Jokes For Work

How ‘bout this weather?

How’s it going?

These workplace greetings have become such a commonplace part of our lives, they’re practically rhetorical. Do I really have to tell Rita from accounting how it’s going?

Be the life of the office and add to the company culture .

Subvert expectations and inspire smiles as you breeze into the office or your Zoom meeting with these icebreaker ideas:

1) “I don’t understand how Jeff Bezos is richer than the person who sells receipt paper to CVS.” (Brain Champagne)

2) “Do you know that cool-looking code in the Matrix? It came from sushi recipes .”

3) “Why do people park in a driveway but drive on a parkway?”

4) “Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?” (Robin Williams)

5) “Nowadays, comedians tell the news and the media tells the jokes.”

6) A player asked his golf coach: “What is going wrong with my game?” The coach replied, “You’re standing too close to the ball after you’ve hit it.” ( Golf Workout Program )

7) “Housework won’t kill you. But then again, why take the chance?” (Phyllis Diller)

Icebreaker Jokes For Meetings

Use hilarious jokes and fun questions to break the ice instead to capture everyone’s attention and make sure they’re awake and alert for all the excellent points you’re about to make:.

2) “I threw a boomerang a few years ago. I now live in constant fear.”

3) “What’s a comedian’s least favorite drink? [Booze]”

4) “My friend took me to what he said was an escape room. Turns out, he just locked me in the closet.” (Brain Champagne)

5) “What did the duck say when she bought lipstick? Put it on my bill!” (Best Life)

6) “I like to practice magic. Last night, I was driving, and I turned into a driveway.” (Wiley)

Pro-tip #2: Not comfortable making jokes? That’s okay. Use fun and funny facts about your team to break the ice at your next meeting. You can even source a complete bank of surprising and hilarious facts about your teammates using Water Cooler Trivia .

Not only will you receive praise for introducing an amazing team building activity , but you’ll also get plenty of fun facts you can use to laugh with (and maybe at) your teammates. You can also use a funny team building joke or quote to make sure everyone can relax during the meeting. It truly is a win-win!

Icebreaker Jokes For Speeches

A good ice breaker joke tells your audience that you’re charming and funny, someone they’ll enjoy talking to as much as their best friend. Once you get that key point across, your audience will likely listen to everything else you have to say.

Find the best ice breaker for your next speech below:

1) “Do you know what I love most about baseball? The pine tar, the resin, the grass, the dirt. And that’s just in the hot dogs.” (David Letterman)

2) “I’ve been getting into astronomy so I installed a skylight. The people who live above me are furious.” (Steven Wright)

3) “I heard a story that the band Blink-182 incorporated under the name ‘Poo Poo Butt LLC’ to embarrass their accountants in serious conversations.”

4) “I thought I’d begin by reading a poem by Shakespeare, but then I thought, why should I? He never reads any of mine.” (Spike Milligan)

5) “Before coming here tonight I was discussing my talk with my [partner] and [they] said to me: ‘Don’t try to be too charming, too witty or too intellectual, just be yourself.’” (Laffgaff)

6) “What’s the best thing about Switzerland? I don’t know, but its flag is a big plus!” (Best Life)

Pro-tip #3: Champion humor in your workplace by using an employee recognition platform such as Nectar to provide peer-to-peer rewards for making others laugh or smile.

Icebreaker Jokes For Presentations

Rapport is especially important for presentations where you’re trying to persuade an audience of strangers, and you can build rapport with people you’ve never met (and may not have anything in common with) by using some of the funniest jokes you can find. If you are looking for an opening joke for your next presentation, then check out these kick-starters.

1) “By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he’s too old to go anywhere.” (Billy Crystal)

2) “I have a piece of paper, don’t mind me. I am a professional, but I have a lot of Nutrasweet in my system and I don’t have a good short-term memory.”

3) “I have, you know, a lot of things I want to discuss with you and I don’t even remember what they are. I have them on a piece of paper. Don’t mind me.”

4) “If I glance over, it’s not because I don’t care, it’s because I can’t remember anything.” (Janeane Garofalo)

5) “I was sitting in traffic the other day. Probably why I got run over.” (Best Life)

6) “I can’t believe my parents support my choice of profession! I told them that I wanted to become a stand-up comedian. They laughed at me.” (Upjoke)

7) “What should you do at a Halloween party if a zombie rolls their eyes at you? Roll them back so they can see!” (Beano)

8) “When my son told me to stop impersonating a flamingo, I had to put my foot down.” (CNN Dad Joke Generator)

Pro-Tip #4: Get plenty of fodder for your jokes by introducing your team to Quizbreaker , an icebreaker tool that makes it easy to create and share quizzes about your team, with your team. The results of any quiz can be a gold mine for customized joke material that hits with your audience (a.k.a co-workers) because it was designed specifically for (and maybe even incorporates) your audience.

Icebreaker Jokes For Large Groups

Use a strategically placed joke to break the ice and make a large group feel like a small gathering of friends.

1) “A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don’t need it.” (Bob Hope)

2) “Did you hear about the person that died while opening a window? So did everyone else on the submarine.”

3) “Here’s a funny fact: Nicolas Cage once purchased an octopus to help him with his acting.”

4) “You know you must be doing something right if old people like you.” (Dave Chappelle)

5) “How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice…or your spine for that matter.”

6) “When I meet women, I immediately start talking about global warming. It’s a real ice breaker.” (Laffgaff)

Pro-Tip #5: Make sure you pick a joke you love. You must believe your joke is funny if you hope others will find it funny…kind of like you (hopefully) wouldn’t use pick up lines that have no chance of at least earning a wry smile. In fact, it may not hurt to chuckle a bit yourself. Laughter is contagious, after all.

Icebreaker Jokes For Small Groups

Ingratiate yourself to your tight-knit audience by opening with a little humor.

1) “I used to work at McDonald’s making minimum wage. You know what that means when someone pays you minimum wage? You know what your boss was trying to say? ‘Hey, if I could pay you less, I would, but it’s against the law.'” (Chris Rock)

2) “You don’t need a parachute to go skydiving. You need a parachute to go skydiving twice.”

3) “Did you know that there are more plastic flamingos in America than real ones?”

4) “Did you hear the rumor about butter? Never mind, I shouldn’t spread it.” (Best Life)

5) “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. I did an original sin. I poked a badger with a spoon.” (Eddie Izzard)

6) “You ever get a handwritten letter in the mail today? You’re like, ‘What the hell? Has someone been kidnapped?'” (Jim Gaffigan)

Pro-Tip #6: Pick a joke and frame it around your real-life experience . If you’re familiar and passionate about your joke, you have a better chance of getting a reaction from others. They’ll be able to feel your authenticity.

Icebreaker Jokes for Conferences

Try injecting humor into conferences for an instant icebreaker that instantly puts people at ease.

Jokes not only lighten the atmosphere but also create a shared sense of joy, easing tensions and fostering a friendly environment. Mundane facts and numbers-based conferences can be humanized and livened up with a perfectly timed joke!

Here are a few ideas for inspiration!

1) “I always try to go the extra mile at work, but my boss always finds me and brings me back.” — Anonymous.

2) The CEO of Google was late to a press conference scheduled for 4:00… 4:04 Page not found.

3) “To make an error is human; to blame it on someone else shows management potential.”

4) So, I went to an abstinence conference the other day… All we did was wait.

5) “I like work: It fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.” — Jerome K. Jerome.

Pro-tip #7: The best jokes relate humor directly to unique aspects of the conference, making them relatable to everyone.

Q: What makes an icebreaker joke funny?

Illustrating a generally harmless mistake, misunderstanding, or departure from the norm
Commenting on the current social climate
Disrupting expectations or norms on a concept, situation, or idea.
Playing to what makes an audience similar

Q: How do I start my work presentation?

A: Start your work presentation with an icebreaker joke . Many jokes work a little like social glue. Not only do they get people laughing, but they may also point out similarities of experience, opinions, and values and make a group feel more closely bonded.

Q: Where can I find icebreaker jokes for work?

A: You can find good icebreaker jokes for work in this roundup , which includes office-appropriate icebreaker jokes for presentations, speeches, meetings, and more.

Q: Are there any good icebreaker jokes for a work meeting?

A: There are plenty of good icebreaker jokes for a work meeting. For example, you could use a popular Jerry Seinfeld technique and say, “Have you ever noticed…” and fill in the blank with something funny or ridiculous you’ve observed lately.

Q: How do I tell a good joke at work?

A: Tell a good joke at work by first finding an icebreaker joke you love and then practicing your delivery. Watch your favorite comedians to get inflection inspiration. Try it out on a few of your best work buddies. Before long, you’ll have a go-to joke that never fails to get laughs.

Q: What kinds of jokes are appropriate to tell at work?

A: Icebreaker jokes are always appropriate to tell at work. Some other work-safe jokes include dad jokes, puns, and a myriad of other clean and not-always-cheesy jokes that don’t leverage taboos or inappropriate subjects.

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57+ Hilarious Opening Presentation Jokes to Break the Ice

Introduction.

Presentations can be daunting, but a touch of humor can make the audience more receptive and engaged. With our collection of opening presentation jokes, you’ll have the perfect icebreakers to kickstart your talk with a smile.

Let’s dive into the world of laughter and clever punchlines to set the stage for your next big presentation.

Read More: Jokes About Real Estate Agent

Opening Presentation Jokes

Why did the computer start the presentation with a joke? Because it wanted to break the ice… pixels!
What do you call a presentation by a magician? A “spell-binding” talk!
Why don’t presentations ever get tired of speaking? Because they have PowerPoint!
What do you get when you cross a presentation with a stand-up comedian? A “stand-out” performance!
Why did the PowerPoint presentation go to therapy? It had too many “transitional” issues.
What did one slide say to the other before the presentation? “Let’s make this presentation ‘slide’ into success!”
Why was the presentation feeling confident? Because it knew it had the audience in the palm of its hand!
How do you make a presentation more exciting? Add some “slid-ventures”!
Why was the pie chart always cheerful? Because it knew how to dish out the facts with a slice of humor.
What’s a presentation’s favorite holiday? “Presentation” day!
Why don’t presentations ever get lost? Because they’re always on the “right slide” of things.
What do you call a presentation by a musician? A “sound” argument!
Why was the presentation invited to the party? Because it could really “wow” a crowd!
What do you get when you cross a presentation with a map? A “directional” talk!
Why don’t presentations ever go to the beach? Because they’re afraid of being “washed out.”
What did the slideshow say to the presenter? “You’ve got my ‘slide’ of approval!”
Why did the presentation start a stand-up comedy career? Because it had a knack for making “slides” laugh!
What’s a presentation’s favorite type of music? “Slide” guitar!
Why don’t presentations ever play hide and seek? Because they prefer to “slide” into view.
What do you call a presentation in a forest? A “tree-mendous” talk!
Why did the pie chart get a promotion? Because it could always “slice” through the competition!
What do you get when you cross a presentation with a joke book? A “comic-slided” show!
Why was the presentation such a great chef? Because it knew how to “cook up” compelling content!
What’s a presentation’s favorite game? “Slide” and seek!
Why did the bar graph become a comedian? Because it could always “raise the bar” on humor!
Why did the slideshow get a round of applause? Because it was so “well-rounded”!
What’s a presentation’s favorite type of weather? A “clear forecast” for success.
Why did the bar chart enroll in a comedy class? To improve its “bar” none humor!
What do you call a presentation about gardening? A “root” awakening talk!
Why did the pie chart become a mathematician? Because it wanted to “pie-thagorize” everything.

Funny Opening Presentation Jokes

What’s a presentation’s favorite subject in school? “Speech” class, of course!
Why did the data graph attend the comedy club? Because it wanted to “graph” some laughs.
What do you call a presentation by a farmer? A “crop-talk”!
Why did the Venn diagram attend the art gallery? It wanted to explore some “intersections.”
What’s a presentation’s favorite type of exercise? “Slide” lunges!
Why did the keynote speaker bring a ladder to the presentation? To reach new “heights” of engagement.
What do you get when you cross a presentation with a detective? A “case” closed with humor.
Why don’t presentations ever play hide and seek with their slides? Because they want to “unveil” the truth.
What’s a presentation’s favorite musical instrument? The “saxo-slide”!
Why did the infographic start a comedy podcast? Because it had a flair for “info-tainment.”
What do you call a presentation in the library? A “silent slide” show!
Why did the line graph go to a comedy open mic night? To prove it had some “lines” worth sharing.
What’s a presentation’s favorite animal? The “slide-therin” snake!
Why did the chart bring sunglasses to the presentation? To deal with all the “bright” ideas.
What do you call a presentation about space exploration? An “out-of-this-world” talk!
Why did the data table become a motivational speaker? Because it could “table” the obstacles.
What’s a presentation’s favorite dance move? The “slide-step”!
Why did the graph paper go to the comedy club? To witness some “graph-ic” humor.
What do you get when you cross a presentation with a zookeeper? A “wild” talk!
Why was the scatter plot the life of the party? Because it could always “scatter” some fun.
Why did the data chart go on a diet before the presentation? It wanted to shed some “data-weight”!
What’s a presentation’s favorite board game? “Slide-rago.”
Why did the statistics report get invited to all the parties? Because it could “percent” a good time!
What do you call a presentation in a bakery? A “crumb-licious” talk!
Why don’t presentations ever play hide and seek? Because they prefer to “reveal” their message.
What’s a presentation’s favorite planet? “Slide-turn.”
Why did the line graph never tell secrets? Because it couldn’t “keep a straight line”!
What do you call a presentation about photography? A “snap” shot at success!
Why was the PowerPoint presentation always in a hurry? It had to make its “points” quickly.
What’s a presentation’s favorite book genre? “Slide-fi”!

Jokes About Recruitment

Jokes About Applied Behavior Analysis

Incorporating humor into your opening presentation can be a game-changer. It sets a positive tone, engages the audience, and helps you connect with your listeners. So, don’t be afraid to add a dash of wit to your next presentation and make it memorable.

How can I use humor effectively in an opening presentation?

Start with a light, relatable joke or anecdote to break the ice and make your audience feel at ease.

What’s the key to a successful presentation with humor?

Balance is crucial. Make sure the humor aligns with your message and doesn’t overshadow the content.

Can humor work in all types of presentations?

Yes, humor can be incorporated into various presentation styles, from business pitches to educational talks. Just tailor it to your audience and subject matter.

50+ Fun Icebreakers For Your Next Presentation

If you’re looking for the perfect icebreaker to open your presentation and connect with your audience from the get-go, look no further! With the help of our presentation experts here at 24Slides, we have compiled the ultimate list of icebreakers you can use in your next presentation, meeting, or conference.

We’ll also go through some quick icebreakers 101, solving questions like:

What is an icebreaker?

Why should I start my presentation with an icebreaker?
What makes a good icebreaker for presentations?

And, of course, you’ll get our compilation of over 50 icebreaker examples for your next presentation. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all, we’ve divided our presentation ice breakers into categories depending on the context of your presentation, so you can go straight to the ones that will work the best for you!

In this article, you’ll find:

Icebreakers for one-on-one presentations

Icebreakers for small group presentations (2-10 people), icebreakers for medium group presentations (11-30 people), icebreakers for large groups (31+ people), icebreakers for business and sales presentations, icebreaker ideas for training sessions and workshops.

Virtual presentations icebreakers
Fun icebreaker examples for playful presentations
Great simple icebreaker questions

So, are you ready to become an expert in using icebreakers in your presentations?

Imagine you’re in a room with a bunch of people where you know only a few of them or even none at all. You’d probably start feeling awkward and self-conscious, uncertain to interact with those around you. When you’re uncomfortable, your attention will probably be divided between wanting to listen to the speaker and making sure your elbows don’t touch your unknown neighbor.

And, if you’re the speaker, you might feel pretty awkward too. Speaking in front of an audience is never easy, and you might wonder how to approach your presentation’s topic, especially if it’s dense or very important.

An icebreaker is precisely what its name suggests: it breaks the ‘ice’ of uncomfortableness between you and everyone else around you. Icebreakers are usually short activities meant to help your audience to connect first as people before approaching your presentation’s topic - making your audience more relaxed and likely to hear out your ideas.

Icebreakers can take many forms and shapes, from simple questions to engaging games. They can require people to talk with each other, answer a poll, or even move around the room. Anything that will make your attendees open up could be an icebreaker as long as it makes people feel more at ease!

Benefits of icebreakers

The main objective of using an icebreaker in a presentation is to help people get more comfortable and avoid the common awkwardness when first speaking to a new audience.

Icebreakers can accomplish many things - presenting yourself, getting people more at ease, and even as an introduction to your presentation’s topic. But they also offer a wide array of side benefits, like getting people more involved with your presentation and making it more memorable.

If you’re thinking to yourself, ‘Why should I add an icebreaker to my presentation? I’m just fine without one!’ here are 6 of the top benefits of using an icebreaker in your next meeting.

It breaks down the awkwardness

For people who aren’t 100% an extrovert, presentations and meetings are likely to create a certain degree of awkwardness. And having a room full of people who feel uncomfortable around each other can be detrimental to your presentation. Icebreakers help lessen this feeling in your presentation – making people relax and be more at ease so they can put all their energy into listening.

Icebreakers help people relax and have fun

When people relax, they’re more likely to entertain new ideas. An icebreaker may be the turning point to make them feel more receptive to what you’re going to say. It also opens up more possibilities for inviting your audience to participate and ask questions. Icebreakers are a great way to make them feel welcomed and more likely to volunteer or join whatever activity you’ve prepared for them onstage.

Help you connect with your audience

A presentation where the speaker starts right away can feel a little jarring. Icebreakers are the perfect way to introduce yourself and your topic without throwing your audience headfirst into the presentation. A good icebreaker can help you connect better with your audience – making them, in turn, more likely to hear you out!

Gives your audience an energy boost

Some presentations can feel like they take forever. When you’ve been sitting down for what seems like hours, you might feel yourself starting to nod off. An icebreaker doesn’t necessarily happen just at the start of the presentation. It can be a great way to wake up your audience after a quick break and bring them back to the topic at hand.

Gives a chance to network with others

The right icebreaker can get your audience talking and help them find things in common. After all, your audience is all in the same meeting for a reason! By giving them the opportunity to interact with one another, you are also giving them the extra value of finding people who can work with them in the future.

And, of course, icebreakers are great ways to get the ball rolling, so by giving your audience a chance to talk with one another, you might also get more interesting and unique takes on questions and ideas later on.

Creates a positive atmosphere

A positive atmosphere is created when people lower their barriers and defense mechanisms, making it more conducive to learning. A negative atmosphere, on the other hand, is felt when people don’t feel at ease and give their neighbors the cold shoulder. ‘Breaking the ice’ needs to get done as soon as possible!

5 Practical Tips for a Good Icebreaker

What makes a good icebreaker? This is a tricky question to ask. Many icebreakers that work in certain situations will not work in others, as their use depends on context.

Here are key factors to consider when planning your next presentation’s icebreaker:

Know your audience

Take the time to research your audience. The most important thing when planning your presentation’s icebreaker is to remind that you want your audience to feel less awkward — not more.

Taking your time to learn about the people in front of you is the easiest way to avoid doing or saying something that could potentially offend your audience. Even if you do it unintentionally, the damage will still be done.

Identify your presentation objective

The right icebreaker will help you achieve your presentation objective, so take some extra time to think about it. For example, if you’re giving a presentation on cooperation and teamwork, you can do a game where your audience needs to rely on one another. Or conduct a poll to ask your audience how confident they are in their teamwork skills.

Making your icebreaker closely relate to your presentation’s topic will not only open up your audience but also allow you to transition smoothly to the rest of your presentation.

Involve everyone

The icebreaker should be inclusive, meaning it shouldn’t exclude anyone from joining. For instance, if you have a disabled person in the crowd, then you wouldn’t want him or her to feel awkward for not being able to join.

Have a backup icebreaker just in case the first one excludes someone. The point is that fun icebreakers should make everyone feel more at ease — and not at the expense of the outliers of the crowd.

Make sure you understand the context

To pick the right icebreaker for your presentation, you must know the overall setting in which it will take place. A presentation to the board of directors where you need to explain where the sales have been going down is probably not the best place to use a joke as an icebreaker. Or, if you’re giving a quick 15-minute presentation, you might not want to begin with a game that will take at least 10 of them.

Taking into consideration general setting cues like time frame, space and resources availability, and presentation tone, will help you pick the perfect icebreaker.

The Ultimate Presentation Icebreakers List

Here you’ll find the perfect icebreaker for your presentation. Since not every icebreaker will work on every situation, here you’ll find them divided into several categories:

Icebreakers depending on your audience size
Icebreakers depending on your presentation’s tone and context
Quick and easy questions to break the ice

Do feel free to browse through the entire list: most icebreakers will be easy to adapt to fit your specific needs and your presentation!

Presentation Icebreakers for Every Audience Size

While in a small crowd, you might be able to ask person by person their input, this will most likely not be the case in large groups. On the flip side, a game that needs the audience to divide into teams might be a good pick for a medium-sized crowd, but not a one-on-one presentation.

Among the many options of icebreaker options all over the web, we’ve compiled and edited a list of which ones will work the best for each audience size:

Introduce yourself. Unless you already know each other, introducing yourself is the easiest way to look proactive and get your presentation going. After all, it’s in your best interest for your prospect to warm up to you before your pitch or presentation!
Have a conversation . Don’t go straight to your topic. Always warm up your prospects and engage them in conversation first. Try to ask open-ended (instead of just ‘yes’ or ‘no’) questions. You can tackle topics like current events, or even just the weather! Just talking in a more casual way will make the person feel more at ease and more likely to give you their undivided attention.
Ask them about their personal life. If it’s someone you already know, build rapport by showing you care about them. You can ask about their kids, vacations, or even their favorite sports team. Remembering what they care about can be a huge plus when building a better atmosphere!
Let them tell you what they expect from your presentation. It’s the easiest way to make sure you live up to your expectations! It also allows you to introduce the topics of your presentation seamlessly. Even better, you’ll feel and look more confident and under control by taking charge of the presentation’s rhythm and agenda.
Ask something related to your presentation topic. Ask them if they know anything about your company, product, competitors, or something to that effect. It’s not only a great way to start your presentation without spending too much time on what they already know, but it’ll also help you gauge their knowledge so you can decide how in-depth you need to get in your presentation.
Give them a small present just for showing up. Especially if the meeting is not an obligation for them, being appreciative if they show up can go a long way. After all, they’re investing their time and energy into you!
Compliment them. It’s always nice to get compliments. But don’t overdo it, and always, always be genuine. If your prospect feels like you’re using flattery to get the sale, then it can seriously backfire on you later on. You’ll lose face and credibility.
Introductions but with a twist. Ask everyone to introduce themselves and state something unusual or a fun fact about them. Towards the end of the presentation, ask them if they remember anything other people said during the introduction. If they get something right, reward them.
Ask people to line up alphabetically . You can do this with their first names or last names. Or even their nicknames. This gets people talking and getting to know each other’s names.
Charades . This is one of the best fun icebreakers on this list. It’s a party favorite but can also be used in presentations, meetings, and conferences. You probably already know how this works, but if not, here’s a funny charades video on Jimmy Fallon’s show.

String a story together . Storytelling is a powerful element in presentations. But for this icebreaker, you’ll need everyone’s help to create a story. Start the first sentence yourself and then ask the first person in front of you to continue the story. Each person gets to decide the direction the story takes, one sentence at a time.
Play word games . There are many different kinds of word games. But this is something you may find useful. Identify the subject or category the words should belong to, like animals or food. If the first person chooses ‘DOG,’ the next person must identify an animal that starts with the last letter of the previous word. In this case, it would be something that starts with the letter G, like GOAT.
One word to describe him or herself . Give your audience one minute to think about the perfect word that describes them. And let the others assess if they agree with that word or not.
Social media icebreaker . Let people open up their favorite social media accounts and then share a photo they’re most proud of. Ask them to share a line or two about why they love that photo.
Switcheroo. Ask everyone to stand up and switch seats with the people in front of them. Do this when you notice people are starting to get drowsy and need some stimulation.
Human bingo. This is a fun way to get to know people. Prepare the cards and the pen/pencil. The cards should already be filled out with various traits, characteristics, hobbies, etc. Then, your participants will need to go around and interview each person and check off a box that applies to them. The person who completes their card first gets a prize.
Friendly debate. Group your participants into two. One should be the ‘pro’ group and the other is the ‘anti’ group. For instance, you can choose pizza lovers and pizza haters. Give them a few minutes to present their arguments and let the great debate begin!
Two truths, one lie. Just like the title says, make your participants come up with 3 things about themselves, in which one of them is false. Then, in groups or pairs, the others would have to try and guess which one is the lie. It’s a great icebreaker to make your audience interact more with one another.
Guess game. Just like the last one, it’s easier to make participants interact with one another through a game. Make everyone write on a piece of paper something fun, like an unlikely hobby or the oddest job they ever had. Your audience must try to guess who wrote which one. It’s not only a fun icebreaker, but it also helps people find out the things they have in common.
Going to the beach. It’s an easy game, but a fun one! Each person will start by saying ‘I went to the beach and I took…’ plus an object, like a beachball, a towel, or a surfboard. Then, the next person must repeat the same sentence and add a new object to the list. The more people, the more the list will grow, and the first person who forgets an item loses! It’s also a good icebreaker for making attendees learn each other’s names by adding who brought what to part of the list they need to repeat.
Paper planes. Make your audience write something about themselves on a piece of paper, and then instruct them to make a paper plane out of it and throw it! When they pick up a new paper plane, their goal will be to find the correct person. It’s the perfect icebreaker to get people moving and getting to know each other!
Stretch. This one’s easy and straight to the point, but it does help break the boredom. Ask people to stand up and stretch for a few minutes. You can lead the exercise or play a short video on stage. After this short exercise, you can expect to see a bunch of awake and attentive faces.
Treasure hunting. Hide a few prized items throughout the venue and send your participants on a treasure hunt. It’s always exciting to look out for a prize! Even better, by making them solve clues, you’d encourage your audience to work on their teamwork skills.
Stress buster. Hand small slips of paper to everyone and ask them to write down the things that are causing them stress lately. Then, during or after the presentation, ask them to rip it to shreds.
Snowball fight. Divide your group into two sides, and give each person 3 pieces of paper to crumple. Give them 1 or 2 minutes to try to get as many ‘snowballs’ into the other team’s side. A healthy amount of competitiveness will help you break the ice in no time!
This or that. Another great icebreaker to highlight the things in common! Ask your audience to stand in the middle of the room, and ask them questions that will make them pick a side of the room. Things like ‘Dogs or cats?’ or ‘Night Owl or Early Bird?’ will have them jumping from one side to the other.

Icebreakers depending on your presentation’s tone

When planning your next icebreaker, you must always take into account the context of your presentation. After all, giving a sales report to your boss is not the same as giving a fun workshop on teamwork.

If you’re looking for the perfect icebreaker for a specific situation, here you might find the one you’re looking for!

If you’re looking for a more professional way to warm up your audience for your work presentations, these icebreakers are the one for you. Most business presentations are more serious and straight to the point, just like these icebreaker ideas!

Storytelling. This one is the king of icebreakers for business presentations and for a good reason! Storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool to add to your presentations, as it helps to both exemplify your point and connect emotionally with your audience. And of course, this makes it the perfect option to break the ice and get their entire attention from the get-go.
The highlight of the week. This icebreaker is great for getting your audience into a positive mood. When planning your next business presentation, take some extra time to find something good that happened that week or that month. Maybe you record sales for that month, or you got an exceptionally good review from a customer.
Would you rather? When planning your sales presentation icebreaker, this one will help to get your potential customer right where you want it. Highlight the value they’ll get from your product, and how they are missing out on it. From our experience, asking, ‘What do you prefer, struggling 5 hours per week on PowerPoint, or getting your presentations done by a professional team of designers in 24 hours or less ?’ really puts things into perspective!
Give kudos. The best way to put people in a good mood is to spread out some positivity! Giving the spotlight to someone who has done outstanding work recently can be a great way to break the ice.
Brainstorming session. Group brainstorming is another great way to get people to exchange ideas. You hit two birds with one stone – an icebreaker and an idea generator rolled into one!

The best icebreakers for training presentations and workshops are those that incentivize teamwork and learning skills. These icebreakers will help your team get to know each other better and work together in tandem.

Live polls. There are many apps that allow your audience to make live polls and display the results immediately. This is a great icebreaker, as it can be as serious or lighthearted as you want. You can use it to ask the audience’s mood, their favorite food, and how much they know about the topic at hand.
Word cloud. Just like a poll, a word cloud can be a great option to explore what your audience thinks about a prompt or concept you give them and to get the ball rolling. You can make them write down in groups, have them add their ideas to a board, or even make one through an app !
Problem-solution icebreaker. Present a real or hypothetical problem, and ask people to pitch in their solutions. You can ask them for their input individually, or you can divide them into pairs. As the saying goes, two heads are better than one.
Finish a puzzle together. This is great for group work as everyone can contribute. For example, you can give them a few pieces each, and they’ll then work as a team to complete the puzzle.
Pop quiz. This icebreaker is the best to keep your audience on their toes and on a learning mood. You can add it at the end of your presentation, before or after a coffee break, or even at the beginning to see how much previous knowledge your audience has.

Virtual presentation icebreakers

Not sharing a physical space can make breaking the ice even more of a challenge, especially since many icebreaker ideas would not fit an online presentation. So here you’ll find some icebreaker options that are specifically designed for virtual meetings!

Drawing battle. You don’t have to be a professional artist to enjoy this one! There are many apps and websites that allow you to add this game to your virtual meetings. Just propose a topic and let people try to guess what one of them is drawing! You can even divide them into teams to make it more interesting.
Try a virtual escape room. If you have time, try giving your audience this challenge to build cooperation and teamwork. It’s not only great for learning to work together but also to have fun and loosen up.
Count till 20. Your team must try to count to 20 by shouting one number each… but without agreeing in which order they’ll go. This icebreaker will definitely make people wake up, and probably also laugh as they try to avoid talking at the same time.
Emoji movies. Just like charades, your audience must try to guess the movie or book. But instead of someone acting, they must guess it from the emojis. It’s a great adaptation of a classic game for virtual meetings!

Fun icebreaker ideas for playful presentations

Icebreakers can also help your presentation be more playful and fun! If you like your icebreakers a little silly to make sure people loosen up their inhibitions, then take a look at these ideas.

The no smiles challenge. If you’re making a fun, playful presentation, a great way to make it even funnier is to tell people smiling and laughing aren’t allowed in your presentation. This will most likely have the opposite effect, making people even more ready to laugh at your jokes!
Human rock paper scissors. This is a fun, high-energy game, but may not be feasible for older participants. Check this video to see if this is something you can use in your presentation.

GIFs mood barometer. If you want your audience to be a little bit playful, having them share their mood as a GIF is the perfect way. If you want to keep some control of what they share, you can also use a live poll to give them options to choose from. It’s the perfect lightweight activity that still gives you valuable insights into your audience and their energy levels.
Bad jokes contest. The only thing funnier than a good joke is an extremely bad one. Have your audience try to use their best dad jokes on each other while avoiding laughing at the jokes of the rest.

10 Great Icebreaker Questions for Any Presentation

Sometimes simpler is better, and the easiest way to get people talking is to ask them to do so! These icebreaker questions will help your audience open up without taking much time or extra preparation.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and what would be your superhero name?
What's the most random piece of trivia you know and why?
What is the oddest job you ever had, and how did you end up working there?
If you could make a reality show, what would it be about?
What cartoon character would you like to hang out with?
Where is the most embarrassing place you ever fell asleep?
If they made a sitcom about your life, what would the theme song be?
What were the best and worst workshops/meetings/conferences you ever attended?
If the zombie apocalypse began, what three people in this meeting would you want on your team?
If you had to teach a class right now, what would the subject be?

As a speaker or presenter, it’s important that you prepare fun icebreakers for your audience. You want people to be comfortable not just with you, but with their neighbors and groupmates as well. The icebreakers in this list are just the tip of the iceberg concerning the wide array of possibilities you can choose from. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get creative with your icebreakers!

Need more time to prepare for your presentation? 24Slides has you covered!

Now that you’ve begun thinking about your presentation, and the best way to break the ice with your audience, you might wish to have more time to prepare for it. Luckily, 24Slides can help with that !

You can focus on your presentation’s content and how to make your audience as comfortable as possible, and 24Slides professional designers will tackle the visual aspects of it all. In less than 24 hours , you can get a custom-made, fully editable presentation that will wow your audience and make it even more memorable.

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40 Funny Speech Opening Lines: Make ‘Em Laugh Before You Even Begin!

Think of your speech opening line like the first bite of a delicious meal – it sets the tone and leaves you wanting more. A well-crafted, funny speech opening lines can instantly break the ice, make your audience feel at ease, and build anticipation for what’s to come.

But crafting that perfect line? It can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! If you read our article about “ How to Write a Powerful Speech Opening ?” you will get a full understanding of how to craft your speech opening.

Below, you’ll find 40 funny speech opening lines that cater to a wide range of topics and situations. Whether you’re addressing a formal business conference or a casual wedding reception, these lines will help you the ice and kick things off with a bang.

General Icebreakers

Everyone loves a good laugh, right? These funny speech opening lines are designed to do just that – break the ice and get your audience smiling. They’re perfect for any occasion where you want to start things off on a light and friendly note.

“Before we start, can everyone please look under their chairs? I lost my contact lens, and it might be a little blurry up here…”
“Good evening, everyone! Or as I like to call it, the part of the day where I try to sound smarter than I actually am.”
“It’s a pleasure to be here tonight. Or as my therapist would say, ‘It’s a start.'”
“Thank you for that warm welcome. I was worried you’d all be asleep by now.”
“Hello, everyone! I’m here to talk to you about [topic]. Or as my kids call it, ‘The thing that makes dad boring.'”
“Before I begin, I want to thank the person who invented coffee. You are the real MVP.”

Self-Deprecating Humor

Want to show your audience you don’t take yourself too seriously? Try poking a little fun at yourself ! These self-deprecating funny speech opening lines can help you appear more relatable and down-to-earth.

“I wasn’t sure what to wear tonight, so I asked my cat. He said, ‘Meow’ (which I think means ‘go for the tuxedo’).”
“I’d like to thank [person] for that glowing introduction. I must say, I’ve never heard myself described as so… fictional.”
“I’ve been practicing this speech in front of my dog. He hasn’t understood a word, but he sure does wag his tail a lot.”
“I’m a little nervous tonight, so bear with me. I’m not used to talking to people who aren’t my plants.”
“I promise to keep this speech short. My attention span is about as long as a goldfish’s.”
“I know what you’re thinking: ‘This guy doesn’t look like a public speaker.’ Well, you’re right. I’m actually a ninja in disguise.”

Situational Humor (Weddings, Business, etc.)

Every event has its unique flavor, and your opening line can reflect that! Use these tailored jokes to match the mood of your specific occasion.

(Wedding) “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s an honor to be here tonight. And for the single folks out there, don’t worry, your time will come. Or it won’t. Either way, there’s cake.”
(Business) “I’m here to talk to you about increasing productivity. But first, let’s be honest, who here is secretly checking their email?”
(Graduation) “Congratulations, graduates! You made it. Now go out there and prove your parents wrong about that whole ‘art history degree’ thing.”
(Birthday) “Happy birthday, [person]! You don’t look a day over… well, let’s just say you look amazing.”
(Retirement) “Congratulations on your retirement! Finally, you can stop pretending to know what the young people are talking about.”
(Awards) “I’m truly honored to receive this award. Although, I must admit, I was hoping for a cash prize.”

Read our funny maid of honor speeches guide if you plan to do a speech on your friend’s big day.

Pop Culture References

Do you love movies, TV shows, or music? Sprinkle in a pop culture reference! It’s a fun way to connect with your audience, especially if you share a common interest.

“I’m so nervous, I feel like I’m about to go on stage for the first time since my middle school production of ‘Grease.'”
“I’m not sure if I’m qualified to give this speech. I mean, I’ve never even won an Oscar.”
“If this speech were a Netflix series, it would be called ‘Awkward Silences and Dad Jokes.'”
“I hope my speech isn’t as forgettable as the last season of ‘Game of Thrones.'”

Audience Participation

Want to make your speech even more fun? Get your audience involved ! These funny speech opening lines are designed to spark interaction and create a lively atmosphere. They’ll help you build a connection with your listeners right from the start.

“Can I get a show of hands? Who here actually read my bio in the program?”
“Who’s excited to be here tonight? [Pause for response] Liars.”
“I have a joke, but it only works if you laugh. So, on the count of three, everyone laugh… One, two, three… [Pause] Well, that was awkward.”
“Let’s play a game. I’ll say a word, and you shout out the first thing that comes to mind. Ready? [Topic of your speech].”

Bonus Lines (Just for Fun)

Looking for something a little extra? These lines are just for fun. They might be a bit silly, but they’re sure to get a chuckle out of your audience.

“I’m not saying I’m lazy, but I once hired someone from fiverr to watch a YouTube video for me.”
“I’m so bad at math, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve said ‘I’m bad at math.'”
“I’m not a morning person. I’m barely even a person before noon.”
“I’m not sure why I was asked to give this speech. I think they confused me with someone who’s actually interesting.”
“My therapist told me to take up public speaking to overcome my fear of judgment. So, feel free to judge away!”
“I’ve been told I have a face for radio. But hey, I’m here, aren’t I?”
“I’m like a fine wine… I get better with age. Or at least, that’s what I tell myself.”
“I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I’ve never been wrong… yet.”
“I’m not sure what’s more nerve-wracking, giving this speech or trying to parallel park in front of all of you.”
“I’m so glad you all came to hear me speak. I was starting to worry I was only talking to myself.”
“I’m not sure what’s more confusing, the economy or my love life.”
“I’m like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get. But hopefully, it’s not salmonella.”
“I’m not saying I’m old, but I remember when Netflix was just a DVD rental service.”
“I’m like a good book… worth sticking with until the end. Or at least, the first few chapters.”

Watch this compilation video of comedians delivering hilarious opening lines during their stand-up routines.

Remember, your opening line is your first chance to make a lasting impression. It’s your secret weapon to grab your audience’s attention and set the tone for an unforgettable speech.

We’ve covered a wide range of options to get you started:

General Icebreakers: Perfect for warming up any crowd with lighthearted humor.
Self-Deprecating Humor: Show your audience you don’t take yourself too seriously.
Situational Humor: Tailor your jokes to your specific event and audience.
Pop Culture References: Connect with your audience on a shared cultural level.
Audience Participation: Get everyone involved for a truly interactive experience.
Bonus Lines: Just for fun, because who doesn’t love a good laugh?

So, take a deep breath, step up to that microphone, and let your humor shine! Experiment with different types of speech opening lines until you find the perfect fit for your personality and your audience.

And if you’re ready to dive deeper into crafting a speech that truly resonates, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide on speech structure . It’ll give you all the tools you need to build a presentation that’s not only funny but also informative and engaging from start to finish.

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68 Best Conference Jokes for Events

By: Grace He | Updated: August 27, 2022

You found our list of funny conference jokes .

Conference jokes are fun and creative ways to break the ice and get a meeting going. These jokes help participants feel more comfortable and encourage participation. Examples include one-line jokes and plays on words. You can use these sayings to get the attention of team members and start your meeting in an entertaining way.

These lines are similar to icebreaker jokes , team building jokes and conference quotes .

This list includes:

conference opening jokes
virtual conference jokes
one-liner jokes for meetings
conference networking jokes
sales conference jokes

Here we go!

Conference opening jokes

There were four engineers driving in a car. It sputtered and died, so they pulled over. At first, the electrical engineer said, “the coil is bad, we should replace the core.” Then, the chemical engineer said, “no! It is the fuel. We should drain it then replace it.” Next, the mechanical engineer said, “It is the valve lifter. We need to get in there and take it apart.” After a moment, the computer engineer says, “maybe we should all get out then get back in.”
I was at an abstinence conference last week. All we did was wait.
The CEO of each beer company is at a bar together. The CEO of Budweiser orders a Bud Light, the CEO of Miller orders a Miller Light, the CEO of Coors orders a Coors Light. This continues until the bartender finally asks the CEO of Guinness what he would like. This CEO orders a coke. All the other CEOs ask him why he did not get a Guinness. He replied, “If none of you are drinking beer then why should I?”
It is funny, as I was getting ready to speak this morning, I realized that we have a lot in common. Neither of us knows what I am going to talk about!
At a hotel bar, a group of men was sitting and ordering drinks. Another guy at the bar asked if he was with the convention. They replied they were with the Gynecology convention. The guy answered, “I was this close to becoming a gynecologist” and held up his finger and thumb about an inch apart from each other. The group asked what he did. The guy replied, “I’m a proctologist.”
When Ted Bundy was first arrested, police departments from different states and regions met together. During their conference, they shared knowledge about everything they had figured out. It was the first Ted Talk.
A bison, a cow, and a swordfish all attended a business conference. They were steak-holders.
I gave a speech last week. After, my boss came up to me and said I was both original and good. However, the original parts were not good and the good parts were not original. So, I have some work to do.

Virtual conference jokes

An elderly man who is a professor of classical languages was in Rome for a conference. As he was getting in his taxi at the airport, the driver pointed to a sign that read in English, “Tell the driver your destination.” The professor did not speak Italian, and he assumed the driver did not speak English. So, the professor gave directions in Latin, since Italian came from Latin. The taxi driver nods and replies in English, “Whoah, you have not been to Rome in a long time!”
You can learn a lot in meetings. I do, at least. Like, did you know you can make a pretty cool S by bending a paper clip once?
An employee found a genie in a bottle. The genie told the employee he would grant three wishes. The man replied he loved visiting Hawaii, but he hated flying and did not want to take a boat. So, his wish was for a highway to go to the islands so he could drive. This shocked the genie. The genie started rubbing his head. He mentioned sinking pilings in the Pacific and the sheer amount of supplies…it would be nearly impossible. So, the employee changed his tactic. He asked the genie to attend a shareholder meeting for his company and get everyone on board. The genie replied, “Were you picturing a one-land bridge or two?”
Is there a difference between complete and finished? The dictionary has never been able to give a satisfactory answer. When asked, a linguist described the difference this way: when you marry the right person, you are complete. If you marry the wrong person, then you are finished. However, if the right person catches you with the wrong person, then you are completely finished.
Police brought me down to the station to ask me some questions about my dad. He is a road worker and his company accused him of stealing from the job. I could not believe he would do such a thing. However, when I got home, all the signs were there.
A statistician was afraid to fly. So, he spent months studying flying patterns and history and found that there was a one in one million chance a bomb would be on a plane. He could not accept those odds. Then, a colleague saw him at a conference that was a long way from his home. When asked how the statistician got there, he replied he flew. The colleague asked him how he found the courage to fly. The statistician replied, “I realized the chance of having two bombs is one in one million times one in one million. I can live with those odds, so I bought my own bomb!”
A conference call is the best way for 10 people to say bye a total of 250 times.
Me, “This show is so boring.” My boss replied, “Once again, this is a Zoom meeting.”
A new proposal for online meetings…they cannot last longer than the battery, or a bladder.

One-liner jokes for meetings

Ten doctors received invitations to a conference. Nine of them signed up and went. The tenth doctor did not agree and did not go.
When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a banker. However, as I got older, I kept losing interest.
I have a deep-seated fear of moving stairs, and it is escalating.
Why are barbers the best drivers? They know the best short-cuts.
Do you hate it when a person answers their own questions? I certainly do.
Why are penguins so awkward? They find it difficult to break the ice.
When I meet a woman, I start talking about global warming. It is always a real icebreaker.
Committees are really great at keeping minutes. But they seem to lose hours.
It is hard to explain puns to kleptomaniacs, they take things so literally.
I went to a conference for stargazing last weekend. The turnout at the event was astronomical.
I am not usually one to complain about customer service. But, I had to say something after the stockbroker pushed me over when I asked him to check my balance.
What do you call a meeting for the Knights of the Round Table? A sir conference.
My dream job is to start a hot air balloon business. However, I cannot seem to get it off the ground.
We have been trying to find a guest speaker for the Imposter Syndrome conference, it has been a nightmare. Each person I asked said they do not deserve to do it.
A group invited Mary and Joseph to a virtual conference call but could not attend, there was no Zoom at the Inn.
I started a bakery, but I just could not maintain it. It was not making enough dough.
If this job does not work out, then I could really see myself being a mirror inspector.
Does refusing to go to the gym count as resistance training?
Cowboys could have avoided most of the conflict in Wild West towns. They had needed to build them big enough for everyone.
What do nuclear scientists eat for lunch in England? Fission chips.
If you see a homeschool mom talking to herself, then do not worry. It is a parent-teacher conference.
Where there is a will, there is always a relative.
I have never liked Russian dolls. They seem so full of themselves.
I have never been good at Greek mythology. It is my Achilles’ elbow.
How many opticians does it take to change a light bulb? One, or two? One…two? Two, or one?
My first job was working for a paper company. I lost my job when the company folded.
The first time I used a universal remote control I realized, this changes everything.
My girlfriend said she wanted a break. So I gave her a Kit Kat.
I bought velcro from the store yesterday. It was such a rip-off.
Nothing tops a plain pizza.
How do seismologists close a business deal? They shake on it.
With the rise in popularity of self-driving cars, it is only a matter of time before someone sings a country song about a guy’s truck leaving him, too.
People have told me I am condescending. That means I talk down to people.
My supervisor seems like a great guy. He told me to think of him not as a boss, but as a friend who is never wrong.

Conference networking jokes

Why do engineers and architects have to get along? Well, if architects designed and built their own buildings, then they would fall under their own weight. But, if engineers designed and built the buildings, then they would be so ugly, people would tear them down. So, engineers and architects have to get along.
A boss asked his new employee to attend a meeting. During the appointment, he realized that someone else always brought his boss a drink, he never got one for himself. The new employee asked his secretary why he did not get his own. She replied, “you have to hand it to him, he hates the punchline.”
Several engineer professors got on a plane to go to a conference. The pilot came back to tell them their students are the ones who designed and built the plan they are sitting on. All but one of the professors jumped up and started to run off the plane. When they noticed one professor stay in his seat, they asked him why. He replied, “If my students built this plane, then I know for a fact that the plane will not even start.”
A man was driving around town with ten penguins in the back seat of his car. A police officer saw the animals and pulled the man over. The officer said he could not have penguins in the city, and needed to take them to the zoo. The man said he was on his way there now. The next day, the police officer saw the same man driving with the same ten penguins. So, he pulled him over again. The officer said, “I thought you took these animals to the zoo!” The man replied, “I did. And now I’m taking them to the movies.”
While interviewing potential employees, a supervisor told the first applicant that they needed someone really responsible to fill this role. The applicant responded, “At my last job when something happened, my boss always told me I am responsible!”
As I get older, my body is more and more like the economy. My hairline is in recession, my stomach seems to be always inflating, and the combination of the two has me in a depression.
There is a story about a man who visited a beautiful monastery. It was in the mountains and the only way to reach the monastery was in a rope basket that was pulled up to the chapel. The man noticed the rope was quite frayed. So, he asked a monk how often they replace the rope. The monk answered every time it breaks!

Sales conference jokes

As I was preparing my speech for tonight, my wife gave me some advice. She said, “Do not try to be too charming, witty, or intellectual. Just be yourself!”
My three favorite things are eating my family and not using commas.
If you want a gambling hotline to perform well, then simply make every eighth caller a winner!
I recently bought my first home, it is a bungalow. I considered purchasing a house, but that is another story.
I was at a bar last night talking with a limo driver. He had been in the business for more than 20 years. Yet, complained of never having a client. Such a shame, so much work and nothing to chauffeur it
My boss asked me to create a presentation for my department. He also said I should put a joke on the first slide. Apparently, a picture of my pay stub is not what he meant.
A banker was out on a boat with his friends. When he fell overboard, the friend who owned the boat ran over with a life preserver. Not knowing if the banker could swim, the friend asked, “Can you float alone?” The banker replied, “Of course, I can, but this does not seem like the time to discuss business!”
My boss is a fan of meetings. But, he could not figure out why enough work is being done. He declared we would keep having meetings every day until he figured out why people were not getting their work done.
I have always struggled with Roman numerals, they do not make sense. I have a really hard time getting to 159. But, at 160, it just CLIX
After giving my first presentation to our company, my boss came up to congratulate me. He told me, “Whatever your speech missed in the content you made up for in length!”

Conference jokes are a great way to lighten the mood at a meeting with participants who might not be familiar with each other. The purpose of these jokes is to be fun and lighthearted. When team members laugh with each other, they feel more comfortable. Then, they are more likely to work together on important tasks.

Feel free to check out conference entertainment ideas and high-energy songs for conference gatherings .

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FAQ: Conference jokes

Here are answers to questions about conference jokes.

What are some good jokes for conferences?

Some good jokes for conferences are ones about topics that all team members can appreciate. For example, one-liners about remote controls or Roman numerals.

How can you use jokes at conferences?

You can use jokes at conferences in different ways. Using a joke as an icebreaker to open a meeting can set a lighthearted tone and encourage participation. You can also tell jokes throughout longer meetings to break up the information and give participants a break.

What topics are off-limits for jokes at conferences?

There are some topics that you should avoid when telling jokes at conferences. While there is no hard and fast rule, it is important to understand the audience and temperament of the company. In general, crude or sexual jokes are not appropriate at work meetings. It is also wise to avoid topics that can be deeply personal, such as religion.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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Home » Games » 91 Good Icebreaker Jokes

91 Good Icebreaker Jokes

Generating a laugh is an excellent way to break the ice. We have collected some of the best icebreaker jokes available and arranged them according to length to make it easy for you to find the perfect joke to begin a speech, get your party going, or help those in a group activity relax.

Table of Contents

Super Short Icebreaker Jokes

Choose one in our collection of super-short icebreaker jokes perfect for a quick break in a speech if you feel you are losing the attention of your audience. Learn to tell three or four so you are always prepared.

Everyone is gifted, but some people never open their package.
There were three tomatoes, a mom, a dad and a son. The son lagged behind and fell splat on the floor. His dad yelled to him, “Ketchup, son”.
How can you get four suits for a dollar? Buy a deck of cards.
How do you make a hot dog stand? Steal its chair.
How do you make an egg laugh? Tell it a yolk.
How do you prevent a summer cold? Catch it in the winter!
How does a pig go to hospital? In a hambulance.
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
If a long dress is eveningwear, what is a suit of armor? Silver ware.
What bone will a dog never eat? A trombone.
What can you hold without ever touching it? A conversation.
What clothes does a house wear? Address.
What country makes you shiver? Chile.
What did Delaware? Her New Jersey.
What did one elevator say to the other? I think I am coming down with something!
What did Tennessee? The same thing Arkansas.
What did the mother broom say to the baby broom? It is time to go to sweep.
What did the necktie say to the hat? You go on ahead. I will hang around for a while.
What did the right eye said to the left eye? In between us, something smells!
What did the rug say to the floor? Donot move! I have got you covered!
What did the traffic light say to the car? Donot look at me.I am changing.
What do you call a country where everyone has to drive a pink car? A pink car-nation.
What do you call a country where everyone has to drive a red car? A red carnation.
What would the country be called if everyone in it lived in his or her cars? An in-car-nation.
What do you call a personwho is born in Columbus, grows up in Cleveland, and then dies in Cincinnati? Dead.
What do you call a song sung in an automobile? A cartoon.
What do you call nuts hanging on your wall? Walnuts.
What do you call the best butter on the farm? A goat.
What do you get if you cross a chicken with a cement mixer? A bricklayer!
What do you get if you cross an elephant and a kangaroo? Big holes all over Australia!
What do you get if you cross an insect with the Easter rabbit? Bugs Bunny.
What do you get when two peas fight? Black-eyed peas!
What do you get when you cross a stream and a brook? Wet feet.
What do you get when you cross poison ivy with a 4-leaf clover? A rash of good luck.
What happens when frogs park illegally? They get toad.
What has six eyes but cannot see? Three blind mice.
What has many keys but cannot open any doors? A piano.
What has one horn and gives milk? A milk truck.
What is a tree’s favorite drink? Root beer.
What is the best thing to do if you find a gorilla in your bed? Sleep somewhere else.
What kind of bird can lift the most? A crane.
What kind of cat likes to go bowling? Alley cats.
What kind of eggs does a wicked chicken lay? Deviled eggs.
What lies on its back, one hundred feet in the air? A dead centipede.
What is gray, eats fish, and lives in Washington, D.C.? The Presidential seal.
What is green and loud? A frog horn.
What is round and bad-tempered? A vicious circle.
Where do fortunetellers dance? At the crystal ball.
Why did the tomato blush? It is because he saw the salad dressing!
Why does a chicken coop have two doors? Because if it had four, it would be a chicken sedan!
Why does the Easter Bunny have a shiny nose? His powder puff is on the wrong end.
Why was Cinderella thrown off the basketball team? She ran away from the ball.
Why was the math book sad? Because it has many problems.
Why were the teacher’s eyes crossed? She could not control her pupils.
Why did the chicken cross the road halfway? She wanted to lay it on the line
Why did the chicken cross the basketball court? He heard the referee calling fowls
Why did the chicken cross the playground? To get to the other slide
Why did the chicken scientist cross the road? To invent the other side
Why did the chicken cross the road? Because he wanted to get to the other side.
Why did the gum cross the road? Because it was stuck to the chicken’s foot.
What do you get when you cross a chicken and a pit bull? Just the pit bull.
How does a farmer count a herd of cows? With a cow-culator.
Why is it that cats do not play poker in the jungle? There are too many cheetahs.
What do cats like to eat for breakfast? Mice Krispies.
What do you get when you cross a dog with a telephone? A Golden Receiver!
What did the dog say when he sat on the sandpaper? Rough! Rough!

Icebreaker Story Jokes

Our longer icebreaker story jokes work well at the beginning of a speech or activity to get participants relaxed and ready to listen or participate.

There is a bear den near my house, with three bears living there, a mother and two cubs. For months, their behavior baffled me. Sometimes I would see them and they would be as joyful as could be, frolicking gleefully about the forest. Other times they would be stone somber. How could that be? Gleeful, somber, gleeful, somber. Then I figured it out. They are bipolar bears!
Three birders walk into a bar. The fourth one ducks. (Ha, ha!)Birder 1: What kind of bird is that?Birder 2: A gulp.Birder 1: A gulp? Never heard of it.Birder 2: It is like a swallow, only it is bigger.
A man is driving down the road with twenty penguins in the back seat. The police stop him and say that he cannot drive around with the penguins in the car and that he should take them to the zoo. The man agrees and drives off.The next day, the same man is driving down the road with twenty penguins in the back again. He is stopped by the same police officer who says, “Hey! I thought I told you to take those to the zoo.”The man replies, “I did. Today, I am taking them to the movies.”
Three older women were discussing the problems that come from getting older. One said, “Sometimes I catch myself with a jar of mayonnaise in my hand in front of the refrigerator and cannot remember whether I need to put it away, or start making a sandwich.”The second woman chimed in, “Yes, sometimes I find myself on the landing of the stairs and cannot remember whether I was on my way up or on my way down.”The third one responded, “Well, I am glad I do not have that problem; knock on wood.” As she rapped her knuckles on the table, she told them, “That must be the door. I will get it!”
This is a little story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody would not do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.Jack strode into John’s stable looking to buy a horse. “Listen here” said John, “I have just the horse you are looking for. The only thing is thatan interesting fellow trained him. He does not go and stop the usual way. The way to get him to stop is to scream, “Hey, hey!” The way to get him to go is to scream, “Thank God!”
Jim nodded his head, “Fine with me. Can I take him for a test run?”
Jim was having the time of his life. This horse sure can run, he thought to himself. Jim was speeding down the dirt road when he suddenly saw a cliff up ahead. “Stop!” screamed Jim, but the horse kept on going. No matter how much he tried, he could not remember the words to get it to stop. “Yo, yo!” screamed Jim but the horse just kept on speeding ahead. The horse was 5 feet from the cliff when Jim suddenly remembered. “Hey, hey!” Jim screamed. The horse skidded to a halt just 1 inch from the cliff.Jim could not believe his good fortune. He looked up to the sky, raised his hands in the air, breathed a deep sigh of relief, and said with conviction, “Thank God!”
Two men, Jim and John, were walking their dogs when they passed by a restaurant. “Let’s go in and get something to eat,” Jim suggested.“We cannot,” responded John. “Do you not you see the sign? It says ‘NO PETS ALLOWED’.”“Ah, that sign,” said Jim. “Do not worry about it.” Taking out a pair of sunglasses, he walked up to the door. As he tried walking into the restaurant, he was stopped at the door.“Sorry no pets allowed.”“Can you not see?” said Jim. “I am blind. This is my seeing eye dog.”“But, it is a Doberman pincher. Who uses a Doberman pincher as a seeing eye dog?” the man asked.“Oh,” Jim responded. “You must not have heard. This is the latest type of seeing eye dog. They do a very good job.”Seeing that it worked, John tried walking in with his Chihuahua. Even before he could open his mouth, the door attendant said, “Do not tell me that a Chihuahua is the latest type of seeing eye dog.”Thinking quickly John responded in an angry voice, “You mean they gave me a Chihuahua?”
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson go on a camping trip, set up their tent, and fall asleep. Some hours later, Holmes wakes his faithful friend. “Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.”Watson replies, “I see millions of stars.”“What does that tell you?” continues Holmes.Watson ponders for a minute. “Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, it is evident the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?”Holmes is silent for a moment, and then speaks. “Watson, you idiot, someone has stolen our tent.”

Funny Directions on Product Packages

Use one or more of these funny product package directions to break the ice and entertain a group.

On a bag of corn chips: “You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.” (The shoplifter special!)
On a bar of antibacterial soap: “Directions: Use like regular soap.” (And that would be how?)
On a child’s superman costume: “Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.” (I do not blame the company. I blame parents for this one.)
On a food processor: “Not to be used for the other use.” (I have to admit, I am curious.)
On a hair dryer: “Do not use while sleeping.” (Gee, that is the only time I have to work on my hair.)
On a chainsaw: “Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals.” (Was there a lot of this happening somewhere?)
On an airline packet of nuts: “Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts.” (Step 3: Fly another airline.)
On a bottle of cough medicine for children: “Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication.” (We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5-year-olds with head colds off those forklifts.)
On frozen bread pudding: “Product will be hot after heating.” (As night follows day!)
On most brands of Christmas lights: “For indoor or outdoor use only.” (As opposed to what?)
On a liquid sleep Aid: “Warning: May cause drowsiness.” (One would hope so.)
On packaging for a flat iron: “Do not iron clothes on body.” (But this would save me more time!)
On a package of peanuts: “Warning: contains nuts.” (Talk about a news flash!)
On some frozen dinners: “Serving suggestion: Defrost.” (Nevertheless, it is “just” a suggestion.)
On frozen tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom): “Do not turn upside down.” (Too late!)

Whether you choose a short icebreaker joke or joke question, a longer story joke, or one of our funny icebreaker story jokes, initiating laughter always works to get a group relaxed and ready to go. Have fun with our selection of icebreaker jokes!

Susan majored in English with a double minor in Humanities and Business at Arizona State University and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Liberty University. She taught grades four through twelve in both public and private schools. Subjects included English, U.S. and world history and geography, math, earth and physical science, Bible, information technologies, and creative writing.

Susan has been freelance writing for over ten years, during which time she has written and edited books, newspaper articles, biographies, book reviews, guidelines, neighborhood descriptions for realtors, Power Point presentations, resumes, and numerous other projects.

Read full bio

Thanks for the laughs!

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120+ Clever and Hilarious Icebreaker Jokes

Tell a joke that’s guaranteed to get laughs! These 120+ hilarious icebreaker jokes are a great way to start any meeting or conversation.

If you’re looking for some new and interesting icebreaker jokes to help break the ice at your next meeting or social gathering, look no further!

We’ve gathered over 120 of the best and funniest icebreakers out there, so you’ll be sure to have plenty of material to work with.

Whether you’re looking for a way to loosen up a tense situation or just want to make everyone laugh, these jokes are sure to do the trick. So go ahead and give one of these icebreakers a try—we promise you won’t be disappointed!

Get acquainted with your coworkers !

Work can be lonely when you don’t really know your colleagues. Gather the gang together for a team-building event ! Our expert guides will help you choose the perfect group activity to suit your needs. Build employee bonds, improve productivity, make training more fun, and more!

Icebreaker Jokes That ALWAYS Get a Laugh

How can you get four suits for a dollar? Buy a deck of cards.
What do you get if you cross an elephant and a kangaroo? Big holes all over Australia!
What washes up on very small beaches? Microwaves
What did the rug say to the floor? Do not move! I have got you covered!
What kind of bird can lift the most? A crane.
Penguins are never full from dinner… they like to have ice pudding for dessert!
Did you hear about the magic tractor? It was driving down the road and suddenly turned into a field!
How do you make a hot dog stand? Steal its chair.
Why didn’t the lifeguard save the hippie? Because he was too far out. Ha!
What travels around the world but stays in one corner? A stamp
Do you know what batman loves to eat? His diet isn’t very varied, he loves just-ice.
What has one horn and gives milk? A milk truck
Why did the chicken cross the road? Because he wanted to get to the other side
You know what a clean desk is a sign of? A cluttered desk drawer.
Why did the duck get kicked out of rehab? He couldn’t lay off the quack.
Why was the math book sad? Because it has many problems.
How does a farmer count a herd of cows? With a cow-culator.
What did one hat say to the other? You stay here, I’ll go on a head!
What has six eyes but cannot see? Three blind mice.
What do you get if you cross an insect with the Easter rabbit? Bugs Bunny.
I’ve only been fired from a job once. It was a calendar factory. All I did was take a day off.
Why are penguins socially awkward? They find it difficult to break the ice.
How does a pig go to the hospital? In a hambulance.
Why did the gum cross the road? Because it was stuck to the chicken’s foot

Discover EVEN MORE great icebreaker questions for small groups .

Why did the frog take the bus to work today? His car got toad away.
If shorts are called shorts, why aren’t pants called longs?
Did you hear the rumor about butter? Never mind, I shouldn’t spread it
What did the man say when he slipped and fell on ice? Nothing he just gave everyone the cold shoulder!
When I meet women, I immediately start talking about global warming. It’s a real ice breaker.
What do cats like to eat for breakfast? Mice Krispies.
Want to hear an icebreaker? Fat penguin
What did one elevator say to the other? I think I am coming down with something!
What occurs when you are alone and you get too cold? You are totally ice-olated.What is the best thing to do if you find a gorilla in your bed? Sleep somewhere else
What do superheroes put in their drinks? Just ice!
Did you hear about the traveling snowman? He did his sales calls by i-cicle
There were three tomatoes, a mom, a dad, and a son. The son lagged behind and fell splat on the floor. His dad yelled to him, “Ketchup, son”.
What kind of cat likes to go bowling? Alley cats.
What did the right eye say to the left eye? Just between you and me, something smells!
Why does the Easter Bunny have a shiny nose? His powder puff is on the wrong end
What does the ice say to the fire? Fire listen, you might be hotter, but I’m cooler.
How do you make a hot dog stand? Steal its chair
I recently started speed reading. So far, I can read “War and Peace” in ten seconds. It’s only three words, but it’s a start.
What do you call an alligator in a vest? An investigator!
We both have something in common. You don’t know what I’m going to say, and neither do I.
What’s at the bottom of the ocean and shivers? A nervous wreck!
What do you call a country where everyone has to drive a pink car? A pink car-nation.

Sick of jokes? Give a riddle a try! These icebreaker riddles are sure to stump your colleagues.

What do you call a cat on ice? One cool cat!
What’s the best thing about Switzerland? I don’t know, but the flag is a huge plus.
Where do you learn to make ice cream? Sundae school.
Why were the teacher’s eyes crossed? She could not control her pupils.
Why did the scarecrow get a promotion? Because he was outstanding in his field.
What is green and loud? A frog horn.
What country makes you shiver? Chile.
What did the mother broom say to the baby broom? It is time to go to sweep.
A man has died after falling in a vat of coffee; it was instant.
Are you a 45-degree angle? Because you’re acute-y.
What did Delaware? Her New Jersey.
What bone will a dog never eat? A trombone.
Why does a chicken coop have two doors? Because if it had four, it would be a chicken sedan!
What has many keys but cannot open any doors? A piano.
What did the green grape say to the purple grape? BREATHE!! BREATHEEEEE!!!!!
Why did the gum cross the road? Because it was stuck to the chicken’s foot.
“Do you know what really bugs me? Discreetly placed microphones
Why couldn’t anyone get a job at the ice rink? There was a hiring freeze.
What is round and bad-tempered? A vicious circle.
What is worse than raining cats and dogs? Hailing taxis!
If the formula of water is H₂O , then what is the formula of ice ? H₂O cubed
What did the duck say to the woman who bought lipstick? Put it on my bill!
What do you call the cheese that is not yours? Not-yo-cheese (Nacho cheese)
I just wrote a book on reverse psychology. Do not read it.
How do you get an ice cube to melt faster? Talk to it and get into a heated argument!
Do you know what Jack Frost likes to eat? He always orders ice-bergers.
How do you prevent a summer cold? Catch it in the winter!
If you want to serve a polar bear a drink before bed, just give him an ice-cap.
What’s a comedian’s least favorite drink? Booze!
How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice.
If a long dress is evening wear, what is a suit of armor? Silverware.
What do you call the best butter on the farm? A goat.
What is a tree’s favorite drink? Root beer.
Why can’t the bike stand on its own? Because it’s two-tired
What do you get when you cross a stream and a brook? Wet feet.
Why do Eskimos build so many igloos? Because they love to ice-o-late themselves.
My sister once froze a dollar in a block of ice. It was cold hard cash.
Why does the Easter Bunny have a shiny nose? His powder puff is on the wrong end.
What did the iceberg take-away have on its menu? Freshly caught ice-skate.
Life without you would be like a broken pencil…pointless
My girlfriend told me she needed to take a break from me. So I gave her a Kit Kat.
What is Jack Frost’s favorite mode of transport? A tr-Ice-cycle.
What is every ice cream parlor owner’s side hustle? Sundae school teacher.
How do you make an egg laugh? Tell it a yolk.
Did you hear the arctic circle has its own toy store? They’ve called it Fisher Ice.
What’s not a good icebreaker? Global warming.
What can you hold without ever touching it? A conversation.
What kind of eggs does a wicked chicken lay? Deviled eggs.
Why was Cinderella thrown off the basketball team? She ran away from the ball.
What happens when frogs park illegally? They get toad

Jokes aren’t the only way to get a laugh. Try one of these funny icebreaker questions out!

Why do cows wear bells? Because their horns don’t work
Did you hear about the adventurous snowman? He had quite the ice-capade.
What do you call a song sung in an automobile? A cartoon.
Everyone is gifted, but some people never open their packages.
What did Tennessee? The same thing Arkansas.
Nobody is born cool, except of course… an ice cube
I can’t take my dog to the park because the ducks keep trying to bite him. I guess that’s what I get for buying a pure bread dog.
How do Eskimos make their beds? With sheets of ice and blankets of snow!
Do you know what really bugs me? Discreetly placed microphones.
You know what can really ruin a Friday? Remembering it’s only Thursday.
What did the traffic light say to the car? Don’t look at me. I’m changing!
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
What did the Buffalo say to his son when he left for college? Bi-son
What do you call kids that love to spend time on the ice? Chill-dren.
What did the necktie say to the hat? You go on ahead. I will hang around for a while
What did the big furry hat say to the warm woolly scarf? You hang around while I go ahead!
What clothes does a house wear? Address.
Why did the man put his money in the freezer? Because he wanted cold hard cash!
What do you get when you cross poison ivy with a 4-leaf clover? A rash of good luck.
What do you call a person who is born in Columbus, grows up in Cleveland, and then dies in Cincinnati? Dead.
How did the hipster drown? He ice-skated before it was cool.
What does the ice cube say? I was water before it was cool.
What do you call a frozen crocodile? A croc-ice.
Why are mountains funny? Because they’re hill areas.

Let’s get weird! Try out these wacky and weird icebreaker questions with your team.

Socialize on a scavenger hunt !

Whether you’re looking to get to know new friends or reconnect with familiar faces, a scavenger hunt is an awesome activity! While you roam through a city, tracking down each stop, you’ll get fun facts about local attractions. You and your fellow explorers will need to remember what you’ve learned because trivia will help you earn points. It’s a game, n adventure, and the perfect way to share a unique experience with others. Find one near you !

Featured Products & Activities

Best MC Jokes For A Conference

There’s nothing like making people laugh. That’s why I’ve made an entire career out of it.

But if I’ve learned anything over the years, performing at business meetings and conferences, it’s that a little humor can go a long way. Not only does humor help to break the ice amongst the audience.

It can also help you form business relationships down the line. So, let’s get cracking into some of the best jokes you can share with your colleagues.

See Related: How To Emcee A Meeting

Icebreaker jokes for your co-workers

You might be sitting down for a video conference. Or maybe you’re getting ready to present the first slide of your presentation.

Either way, acting as a corporate MC means getting your audience to laugh. And that’s the first step in kicking off fun meetings. Not to mention it makes everyone in the company feel like a team.

That’s why these favorite jokes of mine are all about clean comedy. There’s no use dividing the room when what you really want to do is bring folks together.

And you definitely don’t want that one guy to not understand it while everybody else does. So here are some surefire jokes that you can fire off amongst your colleagues.

My favorites:

“Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves ?”
“What has one horn and gives milk? A milk truck.”
“Why did I leave my last job, you ask? Because the company relocated and wouldn’t tell me where!”
“I propose a new rule: This meeting will only last as long as my computer battery does.. or my bladder!”
“I lost my job as a psychic… I didn’t even see it coming!”
“I used to work as a lumberjack but it didn’t take me long to quit. I just couldn’t hack it.”

Meeting jokes to kick things off

Let’s say you want to impress the Vice President of the company as they sit in on a meeting. Or maybe the material you’re discussing is just in need of a little lift.

Gather your notes together with a paper clip and deliver jokes

So, without further ado, here are a couple of fun ways to break the ice and make this meeting the best one yet.

“You know what a clean desk is a sign of? A cluttered desk drawer.”
“A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station…”
“What do you call a quick video conference at the Mazda factory? A zoom-zoom zoom Zoom.”
“I saw a famous astrobiologist at a conference and asked what in particular he was studying. He said, ‘Nothing at the moment, but we’re working on that.'”
“Old photographers never die, they just stop developing.”
“Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you do criticize them, you’re a mile away and have their shoes.”
“There was once a businessman who was so rich he had two swimming pools. One was always empty. It was for people who couldn’t swim.”

Icebreaker jokes when you’re a keynote speaker

Speaking at a conference can feel somewhat intimidating. And if you’re not used to speaking in front of people, then you’ll definitely want a joke or two to start off your presentation.

After all, jokes remind us to have fun. When we get tense, they release the tension.

So offer up a joke or two. Even if it’s only for you. There’s nothing wrong with trying to get on the audience’s good side when you first step on the stage.

“Want to hear an icebreaker? Fat penguin.”
“I’ve only been fired from a job once. It was a calendar factory. All I did was take a day off.”
“Before coming here tonight, I was discussing my talk with my partner and they said to me: ‘Don’t try to be too charming, too witty or too intellectual. Just be yourself”
“Well, at least we can all agree with one thing. We’re lucky that the last minute exists.”
“If somebody asks you if you want to break into the jewelry business, think carefully about what they’re actually offering.”
“If Apple delved into the car manufacturing market, would they have Windows?”
“I started my business with nothing. And I still have most of it.”

Good icebreaker jokes for a presentation

If you’ve been preparing all night for a presentation, then you’ll probably need a joke just to let off some steam. That’s why one-liners are great.

An emcee like Adam Christing is an expert at breaking the ice

When you tell your joke, everyone will start to laugh. And that gives you a moment to breathe.

“The trouble with being punctual for for a business meeting is that nobody’s there to appreciate it.”
“I heard a story that the band Blink-182 incorporated under the name ‘Poo Poo Butt LLC’ to embarrass their accounts in serious conversations.”
“My wife tells me I talk in my sleep all the time. But I’m skeptical. Nobody at work ever mentions it.”
“A committee is a group of people who keep minutes but lose hours.”
“A banker fell overboard from a friend’s sailboat. The friend grabbed a life preserver, held it up, not knowing if the banker could swim, and shouted, ‘Can you float alone?’ ‘Obviously,’ the banker replied, ‘but this is a heck of a time to talk business.”

Bonus: What Does The Master Of Ceremonies Do?

Meeting jokes for large groups

Sometimes, there are certain jokes that are better left for larger crowds. And besides, those are the exact kind of audiences you’ll want for a joke that solidifies you as the most amazing speaker yet.

So start your event off with a humorous quip. Or infuse humor into the entire event if you will.

Just because you started your presentation off with something funny doesn’t mean that has to be where the funny ends. In fact, when you create a funny atmosphere, you keep everyone in a jovial mood.

And your speech may even get better traction that way too. So it’s as much a way to create a community amongst the group as it is a business strategy.

“A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don’t need it.”
“An employee is getting to know his new co-workers when the topic of his last job comes up. One coworker asks why he left that job. ‘It was something my boss said,’ the man replies. ‘Well, what did he say?’ the coworker asks. ‘You’re fired.'”
“My teachers told me I’d never amount to much because I procrastinate so much. I told them, ‘Just you wait!'”
“You ever notice how on a liquid sleep aid it says, ‘Warning: may cause drowsiness.’ Well, one would hope so.”
“A guy goes to a pet store to buy a goldfish. The salesman asks him, ‘Do you want an aquarium?’ The guy responds, ‘I don’t care what star sign it is!'”

Jokes for small groups

Of course, these are just a couple of funny ideas for you to tossle with. And there may be times when joking with a large crowd simply doesn’t make sense.

Jokes help to break the ice in a space full of strangers

Or maybe your manager will take more of a liking to you. Either way, breaking the ice between folks is the best way to start doing business and forging relationships.

“I bought the worst thesaurus in the world yesterday. Not only is it terrible, it’s terrible.”
“I recently started speed reading. So far, I can read ‘ War and Peace ‘ in ten seconds. It’s only three words, but it’s a start.”
“He gave a great 10-minute business speech yesterday. The only problem was it took him an hour to deliver it.”
“A boss tells their employees, ‘We need somebody for this role who is responsible.’ So I spoke up and said, ‘Not a problem, sir. Every time something went wrong at my old job, my manager told me I was always responsible.'”
“When I was younger, I really wanted to work at a work. But I kept losing interest.”

Jokes for a sales meeting

Let’s say you’re about to talk solely about numbers. Well, that doesn’t seem too thrilling, does it?

Then why not go ahead and start the meeting off with something funny? Bring the room to life, then dive into the material you need to share.

You’ll find that that little dose of humor is the best thing for a successful presentation or meeting. The idea is simply getting everyone to let their guard down so that they can face the material and focus in a good mood.

“So I turned to my business partner and said, ‘I can’t believe you told me to put our business money with this.’ He asked, ‘Why, what’s wrong?’ ‘The bank is in trouble,’ I replied. ‘How?’ he asked, ‘They’re one of the biggest companies in the world.’ I don’t know about that,’ I said, ‘My check returned with a note saying “insufficient funds.”‘”
“Why did the electrician close business once a week? Because business was light.”
“I invented a new word… Plagiarism!”
“Two cows are in a field. The first one says, ‘Mooooo!’ The second one replies, ‘That’s what I was going to say!'”

FAQs about corporate jokes

Hopefully, these funny bits can get incorporated into your next meeting, just to lighten up the room. But if you’ve got questions, then I’ve got answers:

What makes a perfect joke?

A good joke will always have a setup and a punchline . But aside from the technicalities of joke making, it really boils down to whether or not it’s genuine.

At the end of the day, these jokes are here to forge relationships and make people laugh. So long as your intention stays true, and your jokes stay clean, they should hear your message loud and clear.

Do you have to have a background in creative writing to craft a good joke?

Not necessarily. After all, there are plenty of comedians out there who don’t have a formal education in creative writing, per say.

Sure, it might help. But typically, a good joke is one that resonates with people.

What kind of jokes are appropriate to tell at work?

The kind of material I take into a corporate event will always be light and jovial. Never divisive or offensive.

After all, I’m the founder of Clean Comedians with a motto of, “It doesn’t have to be filthy to be funny!” And that’s true!

So steer clear of making a comment that’s offensive or crass. Work isn’t the place for that kind of comment and it does more harm than good.

Why is humor important in the workplace?

Have you heard about how laughter actually boosts productivity? Well, it does.

And that’s why all of these jokes aren’t simply jokes. They’re tools to use at your disposal to help the work flow at your particular organization.

Why start business meetings with a few jokes?

Not only can you get people to laugh. But you get people to trust you.

People tend to let their guard down when they laugh because, well, they’re literally releasing tension. And that’s a kind of bond that really can’t go underestimated.

Are one-liners better than long form jokes?

In a corporate setting, I’d say yes. Long form jokes are all good and fun.

But when you want to break the ice, it has to be quick and to the point. Besides, with a corporate event, you likely only have a couple of minutes to break the ice with the audience – so it better be a good one-liner.

Wrapping up

As an event emcee , I’ve seen the power of humor in a conference room . Not only does it get folks to light up.

It brings people together. So if you’re needing a little extra help in your presentation, start with a joke.

It should always be tasteful. Never offensive.

Because your goal is uniting the room. Not dividing it.

So go on out there and give it your best. I’ll be rooting for you!

Keep Reading: How To Host A Hybrid Event

Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000 company meetings , special events , gala celebrations , and more. He is the author of several books and founder of CleanComedians.com . For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram , Facebook , Pinterest , LinkedIn , and YouTube .

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16 Funny Quotes to Start Your Next Business Presentation

Searching for a humorous way to start a presentation look no further..

y combinator, startup school, audience, speech, ashton kutcher

Scrambling to create a business presentation ? Here's a tip. Start with a slide showing a series of funny quotes just to warm up the room. It makes people realize your talk is not going to be a total borefest and you plan to keep things lively. Here are my favorite quips that you can borrow--just cut and paste the ones you like into your slides.

1. "Big business never pays a nickel in taxes, according to Ralph Nader , who represents a big consumer organization that never pays a nickel in taxes." Dave Barry

2. "Eagles soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." Steven Wright

3. "I don't want yes-men around me. I want everyone to tell the truth, even if it costs them their jobs." Samuel Goldwyn

4. "Right now, this is a job. If I advance any higher, this would be my career. And if this were my career, I'd have to throw myself in front of a train." Jim Halpert, The Office

5. "It's much easier for me to make major life, multimillion-dollar decisions than it is to decide on a carpet for my front porch. That's the truth." Oprah Winfrey

6. "Success in almost any field depends more on energy and drive than it does on intelligence. This explains why we have so many stupid leaders." Sloan Wilson

7. "The light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off due to budget cuts." Anonymous

8. "The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one." Oscar Wilde

9. "Few great men would have got past personnel." Paul Goodman

10. "The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate you away from those who are still undecided." Casey Stengel

11. "The most ineffective workers are systematically moved to the place where they can do the least damage: management." Scott Adams (Dilbert)

12. "Every time you feel yourself being pulled into other people's drama, repeat these word: Not my circus, not my monkeys." Polish Proverb

13. "My boss doesn't believe that money equals happiness. So instead of raises, he gives us Prozac." JokeQuote.com

14. "Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't." Margaret Thatcher

15. "Only one man in a thousand is a leader of men--the other 999 follow women." Groucho Marx

16. "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses." Attributed to Henry Ford

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

Oratory Club

Public Speaking Helpline

Humor and Jokes on Public Speaking

Jokes on public speaking can lighten the mood during presentations and help speakers connect with their audience. Many people find public speaking daunting, so using humor can help alleviate tension and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Effective humor can also enhance the speaker’s credibility and make the audience more receptive to their message. However, it is important to use jokes that are relevant, appropriate, and inclusive, avoiding any potentially offensive or divisive content. With the right balance, jokes can be a powerful tool for engaging the audience and making public speaking a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Table of Contents

Importance Of Humor In Public Speaking

Humor plays a crucial role in public speaking, especially when it comes to jokes on the topic. It not only captivates the audience’s attention but also helps in delivering the message effectively. By incorporating humor, speakers can establish a connection with their listeners and make the overall experience enjoyable.

Humor As An Icebreaker:

Public speaking can be a daunting task, both for seasoned speakers and beginners alike. However, incorporating humor into your speeches can act as a powerful icebreaker, instantly capturing the attention and interest of your audience.
Humor has the ability to create a positive and relaxed atmosphere, helping to break down any barriers between the speaker and the audience. It allows the speaker to establish a connection and build rapport with the listeners.
Here are some reasons why humor is an effective icebreaker in public speaking:
It grabs attention: A well-timed joke or witty remark can immediately capture the audience’s attention, making them more receptive to the speaker’s message.
It lightens the mood: Humor has a way of diffusing tension and creating a relaxed environment. When people are relaxed, they are more open to listening and engaging with the speaker.
It builds rapport: Making the audience laugh helps to establish a connection between the speaker and listeners. Sharing a humorous moment creates a sense of camaraderie and trust.
It boosts confidence: A speaker who can successfully inject humor into their presentation appears confident and in control. This confidence can inspire confidence in the audience as well.

Relaxing The Audience:

The inclusion of humor in public speaking acts as a powerful tool to relax the audience, making them feel at ease and more receptive to the message being delivered.
Humor helps create a relaxed atmosphere by:
Easing tension: Laughter has a way of diffusing tension and creating a positive vibe in the room. When people are relaxed, they are more likely to pay attention and engage with the speaker.
Generating positive emotions: Humor triggers the release of endorphins, which are often referred to as the “feel-good” hormones. When the audience experiences positive emotions, they are more inclined to remember and connect with the speaker’s message.
Breaking down barriers: Shared laughter helps break down any barriers between the speaker and the audience. It creates a sense of unity and promotes a feeling of inclusiveness.
Making the topic relatable: Humor can make even the most complex or mundane topics relatable and accessible. It allows the audience to connect with the content on a personal level, enhancing their understanding and retention.

Enhancing Engagement And Retention:

Humor is a powerful tool for enhancing audience engagement and boosting message retention in public speaking. Incorporating humor can help make your presentation more memorable and impactful.
Here’s how humor enhances engagement and retention:
Maintaining interest: Humor breaks the monotony of a speech, preventing the audience from becoming bored or disengaged. It helps to sustain their attention throughout the entire presentation.
Aiding information retention: When humor is used strategically, it can help reinforce key messages and make them more memorable. Humorous anecdotes or punchlines can serve as mental hooks, aiding information retention.
Creating a positive association: The positive feelings generated by laughter can create a positive association with the speaker and their content. This can lead to a stronger connection between the audience and the message being delivered.
Improving message comprehension: Humor has been shown to improve cognitive processing and comprehension. When the audience is engaged and enjoying themselves, they are more likely to absorb and understand the information being presented.

Incorporating humor into public speaking not only serves as an icebreaker, but it also relaxes the audience, enhances engagement, and improves message retention. By using humor strategically, speakers can captivate their listeners and deliver their message with impact. So, don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed joke or funny anecdote in your next public speaking engagement.

Credit: m.youtube.com

Incorporating Jokes Into A Public Speaking Presentation

Discover the power of incorporating jokes into your public speaking presentation to captivate and entertain your audience. With carefully crafted humor, you can enhance your message and make a memorable impact, while maintaining a professional and engaging speaking style.

Public speaking can be nerve-wracking for many individuals, but incorporating jokes into your presentation can help break the ice and engage your audience. Jokes have the power to captivate attention, lighten the mood, and create a memorable experience. However, it’s important to understand the audience, deliver relevant and appropriate jokes, and master timing and delivery techniques.

Let’s explore these aspects further.

Understanding The Audience:

Research the demographics and interests of your audience.
Consider their cultural background and values.
Tailor your jokes to resonate with their experiences and sense of humor.
Beware of sensitive subjects or offensive content that may alienate certain groups.
Take into account the venue and event type to gauge the overall tone.

Delivering Relevant And Appropriate Jokes:

Align your jokes with the overall theme or message of your presentation.
Use anecdotes or personal experiences that relate to your topic.
Relate the humor to the subject matter to ensure relevance.
Balance the level of humor to suit the audience’s preferences.
Avoid inside jokes that only a select few would understand.

Timing And Delivery Techniques:

Break the ice with a well-timed joke at the beginning of your presentation.
Incorporate humor throughout the speech to maintain engagement.
Pay attention to the flow and rhythm of your presentation to enhance comedic timing.
Use pauses and facial expressions to accentuate punchlines.
Practice your delivery to ensure naturalness and confidence.

Incorporating jokes into a public speaking presentation can add a touch of humor and make your message more memorable. However, it is crucial to understand the audience, deliver relevant jokes, and master timing and delivery techniques. By doing so, you can captivate your audience, create a positive atmosphere, and leave a lasting impression.

So go ahead, embrace the power of humor and confidently deliver your message.

Categories Of Public Speaking Jokes

Discover the various categories of jokes centered around public speaking, providing humor and entertainment for all those familiar with the art of addressing an audience. Delve into the world of witty punchlines and comedic anecdotes that poke fun at the challenges and idiosyncrasies of public speaking.

Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience for many individuals. To lighten the mood and engage the audience, incorporating jokes into a speech can be highly effective. There are several categories of public speaking jokes that can be utilized, including self-deprecating jokes, observational humor, and puns/wordplay.

Each category offers its own unique style and comedic value, allowing speakers to connect with their audience on a more lighthearted level.

Self-Deprecating Jokes:

Self-deprecating jokes involve poking fun at oneself and highlighting personal weaknesses or quirky traits. These jokes can create a relatable and endearing atmosphere, making the speaker more approachable to the audience.
Example: “I used to be terrified of public speaking, but then I realized that the worst thing that could happen is I make a few people snore.”

Observational Humor:

Observational humor revolves around everyday life situations or commonly shared experiences. By adding a humorous twist to these situations, speakers can ignite laughter and improve audience engagement.
Example: “Have you ever noticed how public speaking and parallel parking have a lot in common? Both can leave you feeling anxious, sweaty, and praying you don’t hit any cones.”

Puns And Wordplay:

Puns and wordplay involve playing with language, often incorporating double meanings or clever twists. These jokes can be highly entertaining and showcase the speaker’s wit and creativity.
Example: “Speaking in public can be like trying to herd cats. You’re never quite sure if they’ll listen, but if you bring treats, they might just stick around.”

Incorporating jokes from these categories can significantly enhance a public speaking experience, making it more enjoyable for both the speaker and the audience. However, it is essential to ensure that the jokes are appropriate for the context and audience, as humor can be highly subjective.

With careful consideration and preparation, public speaking jokes can contribute to a memorable and engaging presentation. So, let’s dive into the world of public speaking jokes, explore each category, and learn how they can elevate your next speech!

Jokes For Presentations

Discover a collection of humorous jokes on public speaking that will keep your audience engaged and entertained during presentations. These jokes are sure to break the ice and lighten the mood, making your presentations memorable and enjoyable. So, get ready to add a touch of laughter to your next public speaking engagement!

Opening Jokes To Grab Attention:

Have you ever seen a presenter so nervous that they tripped over their own words? Well, they probably shouldn’t have used “public speaking” as their worst nightmare in a presentation!
Imagine this: You’re about to start your presentation, and you see the audience looking bored and sleepy. Well, worry not! I’ve got some opening jokes that will wake them right up and make them eager to hear what you have to say.
Let’s face it, starting a presentation can be daunting. But with the right joke, you can break the ice and instantly grab your audience’s attention. Here are a few opening jokes that will inject a dose of humor into your presentation and set the tone for an engaging talk:
“Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field! Speaking of outstanding, let’s talk about our topic today…”
“I recently heard a funny story about an octopus who could juggle 8 balls at once. It got me thinking about the importance of multitasking, which brings me to our discussion on…”
“Did you know that public speaking is often ranked higher than death as people’s top fear? Well, the good news is, I’m here to make it a little less terrifying and a lot more enjoyable. Let’s dive in, shall we?”

Transition Jokes Between Main Points:

Now that you’ve captured your audience’s attention with an opening joke, it’s time to smoothly transition between your main points. Including transition jokes not only adds a touch of humor but also helps maintain the flow of your presentation. Here are a few transition jokes to keep your audience engaged:
“Moving on to our next point, let me share a little story that perfectly illustrates the concept we just covered. Picture this: A penguin, a giraffe, and a monkey walk into a bar…”
“As we shift gears and delve into our next topic, let’s lighten the mood with a quick joke. What did one wall say to the other? I’ll meet you at the corner!”
“Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details of our next idea, can I just share something funny I stumbled upon? Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!”

Closing Jokes To Leave A Memorable Impression:

As you near the end of your presentation, don’t forget the golden rule: Leave a lasting impression. A well-crafted closing joke is the perfect way to leave your audience with a smile and ensure they remember your message. Here are a few closing jokes that will help you wrap up your presentation on a high note:
“Before we wrap things up, let me share a small yet amusing anecdote. Did you hear about the mathematician who was afraid of negative numbers? He’ll stop at nothing to avoid them! Thank you for joining me on this math-filled journey, and remember, positivity is always a plus!”
“As we come to the end of this presentation, I can’t resist sharing a funny observation I recently made. Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they always use honeycombs! Just like bees collect honey, I hope you leave here today with a sweet taste of knowledge.”
“Now, before we part ways, here’s a little joke to make sure you remember the main takeaway from our time together. How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together! Thank you for being such a wonderful audience, and remember, when we work together, we can achieve great things!”

Remember, incorporating these opening, transition, and closing jokes into your presentation will not only add humor but also help you connect with your audience, create a memorable experience, and ensure your message resonates long after you’ve finished speaking. So go ahead, make them laugh, and enjoy the journey of public speaking!

Jokes For Business Presentations

Discover the perfect blend of humor and public speaking with jokes for business presentations. Engage your audience and make your presentation memorable with clever jokes about public speaking.

Using Jokes To Lighten The Mood During Serious Discussions

Oh, the dreaded business presentations! The mere thought of standing in front of a room full of serious faces can send shivers down anyone’s spine. But fear not! Incorporating a well-timed joke or two can work wonders in lightening the mood and engaging your audience.

After all, laughter is the best medicine, even in the corporate world. So, let’s sprinkle some humor into those serious discussions!

Incorporating Industry-Specific Humor

When it comes to business presentations, incorporating industry-specific humor can do wonders in establishing rapport with your audience. By using jokes that resonate with your industry, you not only demonstrate your knowledge but also create a sense of belonging. Here are some ways to incorporate industry-specific humor:

Research current trends: Stay updated on the latest news and trends in your industry. Find humorous anecdotes or situations that tie in with your topic. This shows your audience that you are not only well-prepared but also in touch with the industry’s lighter side.
Adapt well-known jokes: Put a twist on popular jokes or one-liners by giving them an industry-specific spin. This shows your audience that you can find humor even in the most mundane aspects of your business. Just remember to keep it light and avoid sensitive subjects!
Use funny visuals: Incorporate funny images or memes related to your industry into your presentation slides. Visual humor can instantly grab attention and create a more relaxed atmosphere. However, make sure the visuals are tasteful and relevant to your message.
Personal anecdotes: Share funny and relatable stories from your own experiences in the industry. This humanizes your presentation and makes it easier for your audience to connect with you.

Remember, the key is to find a balance between humor and professionalism. Humor should enhance your message, not overpower it. By incorporating industry-specific humor into your business presentations, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your audience.

Now go ahead, break the ice with a well-crafted joke and watch your business presentations soar to new heights!

Jokes For Academic Presentations

Discover a collection of witty jokes tailored specifically for academic presentations. These hilarious quips on public speaking will delight and entertain your audience while adding a touch of humor to your presentation.

Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience for many individuals. However, injecting some humor into academic presentations can help ease tension and engage the audience. Adding jokes to complex or technical topics requires a delicate balance between humor and educational content.

In this section, we will explore some effective strategies for incorporating jokes into academic presentations.

Adding Humor To Complex Or Technical Topics:

Use analogies: Comparing complex ideas to everyday situations or objects can help simplify the content and make it relatable. For example, when discussing the concept of entropy in thermodynamics, you could say, “Entropy is like a messy room after a wild party – everything is disordered and chaotic!”
Incorporate visual aids: Utilize humorous images, illustrations, or even memes to lighten the mood and make the content more engaging. Visual humor can help convey complex information in a memorable and entertaining way.
Tell anecdotes: Sharing personal stories or anecdotes related to the topic can add a touch of humor while providing real-life context. For instance, if discussing a research methodology, you could humorously recount a situation where the methodology went hilariously wrong.
Utilize wordplay and puns: Clever wordplay can bring a smile to the audience’s faces while still conveying important information. For example, when discussing biology, you could say, “Why did the skeleton want to go to the party alone? Because he had no body to go with him!”
Engage the audience: Encouraging audience participation through interactive elements, such as quizzes or polls, can create a lighthearted atmosphere. You can inject humor by incorporating funny or unexpected options in the multiple-choice questions.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between humor and educational content. While jokes can add entertainment value to academic presentations, they should never overshadow the main purpose of conveying knowledge and information. By using these strategies, you can make your academic presentations both informative and enjoyable for your audience.

Benefits Of Using Jokes

Discover the benefits of incorporating jokes into public speaking engagements. By using humor, speakers can connect with their audience, ease tension, and leave a lasting impression that enhances engagement and retention.

Building connection and likeability:

Jokes can help speakers form a connection with their audience by creating a shared sense of humor and breaking the ice.
A well-placed joke can make the speaker more relatable and likable, enhancing the overall impression they leave on the audience.

Breaking the monotony and engaging the audience:

Incorporating jokes into a presentation can help alleviate boredom and monotony, keeping the audience engaged and attentive.
Jokes serve as a refreshing break from the seriousness of public speaking, adding elements of entertainment and humor to create a more lively atmosphere.

Making the presentation memorable:

Funny and memorable moments tend to stick in our minds. By including jokes, speakers can make their presentations more memorable for the audience.
Jokes can act as anchors, helping listeners recall key points or messages long after the presentation ends.
Personal anecdotes and humorous stories told through jokes can leave a lasting impression on participants.

Remember, humor should be used tactfully and in moderation. It is essential to consider the context and the audience’s preferences before incorporating jokes into public speaking.

Challenges Of Using Jokes

Using jokes in public speaking can present several challenges. It is important to strike the right balance between humor and appropriateness, as jokes that fall flat can create awkwardness or offend the audience. Additionally, jokes require proper timing and delivery to be effective, adding to the complexity of incorporating humor into presentations.

Cultural And Language Considerations:

When using jokes in a public speaking engagement, it is important to consider the cultural and language backgrounds of your audience. Not all jokes will translate well across different cultures and languages.
Different cultures have different senses of humor, and what may be funny in one culture can be seen as offensive or confusing in another.
Language barriers can also pose a challenge when using jokes. Wordplay and puns, for example, may not have the same impact or be understood by everyone in the audience.

Risks Of Offending Or Alienating The Audience:

One of the main challenges of using jokes in public speaking is the risk of offending or alienating the audience.
Jokes that make fun of certain groups or individuals based on their race, gender, religion, or any sensitive topic can be highly offensive and can create a negative atmosphere.
It is essential to steer clear of jokes that may be controversial or divisive, as they can alienate parts of the audience and undermine the overall message of your speech.

Balancing Humor With Professionalism:

Finding the right balance between humor and professionalism is crucial when incorporating jokes into a public speaking engagement.
Humor can be an effective tool to engage the audience, lighten the mood, and make the content memorable. However, it is important to ensure that the jokes align with the tone and objective of the speech.
Professionalism should be maintained at all times, even when using humor. Jokes should never overshadow the main topic and should be in good taste, appropriate, and respectful.
Keep in mind that the primary purpose of public speaking is to inform, persuade, or entertain, so humor should enhance these goals rather than detract from them.

Identifying Potential Joke Opportunities In The Content

Uncover hidden comic gems within content centered around public speaking. Identify potential joke opportunities to inject humor and engage the audience effectively, creating an engaging and memorable experience.

Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people, but injecting a little humor into your presentation can lighten the mood and captivate your audience. By identifying potential joke opportunities in your content, you can effectively engage your listeners and make your speech more memorable.

In this section, we will explore how to find humorous angles and punchlines and utilize storytelling techniques to enhance your public speaking skills.

Finding Humorous Angles And Punchlines

Understanding your audience: Tailoring your jokes to the interests and demographics of your audience can increase the chances of success. Consider their age, profession, and cultural background when crafting jokes.
Identifying funny anecdotes: Look for humorous personal stories or experiences related to your topic that you can share during your speech. These relatable anecdotes can instantly connect with your audience and generate laughter.
Exploring wordplay: Playful use of words, such as puns or double entendres, can be an excellent source of humor. Keep an eye out for witty phrases or word combinations that align with your content.
Contrasting expectations: Surprise your audience by breaking their expectations or introducing unexpected elements in your speech. This creates tension and sets the stage for a well-timed punchline.
Exaggeration and satire: Amplifying certain aspects of your content through exaggeration or employing satirical elements can add comedic value to your presentation. Be mindful of the balance between humor and content relevance.

Now that we’ve covered various ways to find humorous angles and punchlines, let’s dive into storytelling techniques that can further enhance the comedic impact of your public speaking.

Testing And Refining The Jokes

Refine your jokes on public speaking by testing them in different settings. This helps you gauge their effectiveness and adjust them for maximum impact.

Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people. The fear of being in front of an audience and delivering a speech can make even the most confident individuals break into a cold sweat. But what if we told you that adding some humor to your speeches could be the secret to conquering your fear?

In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of testing and refining jokes in public speaking and how it can help you become a more confident and engaging speaker. So let’s dive in!

Practicing Delivery And Timing:

Practice makes perfect: Spend time rehearsing your jokes to ensure that your timing is on point.
Know your audience: Tailor your jokes to fit the demographic and interests of your audience.
Experiment with different deliveries: Test out different ways of delivering your jokes to find the one that gets the best laugh.
Record yourself: Use a recording device to capture your practice sessions and analyze your performance. This will help you identify areas for improvement.
Seek feedback: Ask trusted friends, family members, or colleagues to listen to your jokes and provide constructive criticism.
Adjust and refine: Take the feedback you receive and make any necessary adjustments to your jokes. Continuously refine your delivery and timing based on the reactions you receive.

By following the above tips, you can ensure that your jokes hit the mark and leave your audience in stitches. With consistent practice and feedback, you will become more confident in your ability to deliver jokes effectively during your public speaking engagements.

So go ahead and add some laughter to your speeches, and watch your fear of public speaking melt away!

Guidelines For Using Jokes Effectively

Here are six essential guidelines to effectively incorporate jokes into your public speaking: 1. Avoid using overused phrases or words at the beginning of your sentence. 2. Keep your sentences concise, limiting them to a maximum of 20 words. 3. Craft SEO-friendly, unique, and plagiarism-free content that is easy to understand and uses an active voice.

4. Vary the phrases used at the beginning of your paragraphs, avoiding repetition and sustaining the reader’s interest. 5. Omit a conclusion paragraph. 6. Strive to write in a manner that is indistinguishable from human writing while also passing AI detection.

Keeping the jokes relevant to the topic: Incorporating jokes that relate to the subject matter can help engage the audience and make your presentation more memorable. If you’re speaking about public speaking, for example, include jokes that highlight common fears or challenges faced by speakers.
Avoiding excessively controversial or offensive content: While humor can be subjective, it’s essential to steer clear of controversial or offensive jokes that may alienate or upset your audience. Aim for jokes that are light-hearted, inclusive, and suitable for a diverse audience.
Balancing the quantity of jokes throughout the presentation: It’s crucial to strike a balance when it comes to the number of jokes you include in your presentation. Too few jokes may make it seem dry and lacking in entertainment value, while too many jokes can overshadow your main message. Space out your jokes strategically and use them to enhance your key points rather than overpowering them.

Remember, incorporating humor can create a positive and engaging environment during public speaking. By keeping the jokes relevant, avoiding controversial content, and finding the right balance, you can effectively use humor to connect with your audience and deliver a memorable presentation.

The Power Of Laughter In Public Speaking

Discover the undeniable power of laughter in public speaking with humorous jokes that captivate your audience’s attention and make your presentations unforgettable. Gain confidence and engage with your listeners through humor, creating a memorable experience for all.

Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience for many, but did you know that incorporating well-placed jokes can actually enhance your presentation? The power of laughter is undeniable, and when used effectively in public speaking, it can leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Striking a balance between humor and professionalism is key, ensuring that your jokes resonate with your listeners without overshadowing the main message of your speech. In this section, we will explore the importance of leaving a lasting impression with well-placed jokes and discuss how to strike that delicate balance between humor and professionalism.

Leaving A Lasting Impression With Well-Placed Jokes:

Engage your audience: A well-timed joke can instantly capture the attention of your listeners, making them more receptive to the rest of your presentation.
Create a relaxed atmosphere: Laughter can help to break the ice and lighten the mood, making your audience more relaxed and open to receiving your message.
Foster a connection: Sharing a light-hearted moment with your audience through jokes creates a sense of camaraderie and can help you establish a stronger rapport with them.
Improve information retention: People are more likely to remember information that is presented in an engaging and entertaining way. Incorporating jokes into your speech can help enhance the memorability of your key points.
Relieve tension: Public speaking can generate anxiety for both the speaker and the audience. Well-placed jokes can help diffuse nervous energy and reduce tension, creating a more enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.

Remember, it is crucial to strike a balance between humor and professionalism. Avoid jokes that may offend or alienate your audience and ensure that the humor aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your speech. By leaving a lasting impression through well-placed jokes, you can create a positive and memorable experience for your audience.

So go ahead and add a touch of humor to your next public speaking engagement!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i overcome public speaking anxiety.

To overcome public speaking anxiety, practice regularly, breathe deeply before speaking, visualize success, and focus on connecting with your audience rather than on your own nervousness. Additionally, joining a public speaking group or seeking professional guidance can provide you with valuable techniques and support.

What Are Some Tips For Delivering A Funny Speech?

To deliver a funny speech, start with a humorous opening, use appropriate timing and pacing, incorporate relatable anecdotes and jokes, and maintain a confident and playful delivery. Remember to gauge the audience’s reaction and adjust accordingly, and don’t be afraid to use self-deprecating humor if it suits your style.

How Can Humor Enhance A Public Speaking Engagement?

Humor can enhance a public speaking engagement by capturing the audience’s attention, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere, and helping to build a connection between the speaker and the audience. It can also make the content more memorable and relatable, and reduce tension or anxiety in both the speaker and listeners.

Public speaking can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. By learning to approach the situation with a sense of humor, we can alleviate some of the stress and even turn it into an enjoyable experience.

Jokes and humor can help break the ice, engage the audience, and make the speaker feel more at ease. Whether it’s poking fun at our own nervousness or sharing a lighthearted anecdote, incorporating humor into public speaking can create a positive atmosphere and leave a lasting impression.

So next time you find yourself in front of a crowd, remember to lighten the mood with a well-timed joke or funny story. Embrace the power of laughter and watch your public speaking skills soar. Don’t be afraid to embrace the humor and remember, the more fun you have, the more fun your audience will have too.

Public speaking doesn’t have to be scary, it can be a whole lot of fun!

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8 Presentation openers that grab your audience from the get-go

Andy Rodriguez Feb 1, 2022 1:57:11 PM

Your message is concrete. Your argument is watertight. But are you opening your presentation in the most engaging way? Here are 8 tried and tested techniques for opening your presentation with a bang.

1. Amplification technique

Take something minor and demonstrate it's a serious problem. Take something farfetched and make it seem real. Take something alien and make it close to home. The surprise factor will have them hanging on to your every word.

Good for: Grabbing your audience's attention, challenging expectations.

Example: It's widely accepted that girls tend to do better than boys in school. Philip Zimbardo begins his talk with a series of startling facts – 'Boys are 30% more likely than girls to drop out of school [...] Girls outperform boys now at every level, from elementary school to graduate school' – turning this idea into a nationwide issue.

The reverse of this is to take something seemingly scary or complicated and make it very simple.

We know that Malaria kills half a million people each year, and we've had a cure for it since the 1600s. Wait, what? Now speaker Sonia Shah has our full attention.

2. Sensory technique

Stimulate your audience's imagination by describing a scene in vivid detail, or ask them to remember a particular memory and recall what they saw, smelled, heard and felt. You could even make them aware of their physical surroundings in some way.

Tying what you're saying up with physical memories will help your audience retain information for longer.

Good for: Creating a lasting impression, making your ideas come alive.

Example: Amy Cuddy makes her audience 'do a little audit' of their bodies. She asks them 'how many of you are sort of making yourselves smaller? Maybe you're hunching, crossing your legs, maybe wrapping your ankles?' Activating the audience's sensory awareness (before revealing what those body habits mean) gives her talk greater resonance.

3. Personalization technique

Even well-meaning people sometimes won't act until an issue affects them personally. Make the problem relevant to your audience by showing that it's relevant to (or is caused by) them or their community.

An effective twist on this is revealing an unimagined connection between our current actions and things happening in the future or in far-flung places.

Good for: Making your audience care, making complex ideas simple.

Example: Emily Wapnick asks the audience 'Raise your hand if you've ever been asked the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?"', bringing cultural attitudes towards skills and work into the spotlight and revealing how it affects our perceptions of ourselves.

4. Puzzle technique

Opening with a puzzle piques your audience's curiosity from the get-go. It could be a problem, a riddle or the conundrum at the heart of your theory. It could be a real-world puzzle or a metaphor for the ideas in your talk.

Leave the puzzle open-ended but direct your audience to some place they can find the answer if you want them to continue engaging with your content after the talk. Or, promise to tell them the answer at the end so they listen throughout.

Good for: Waking up your audience's brains, inspiring curiosity.

Example: If someone gave you a candle, some thumbtacks and some matches, could you attach the candle to the wall so the wax doesn't drip onto the table? Dan Pink's candle puzzle challenges us and provides a springboard for discussion of what motivates us in the workplace.

5. Question technique

Your questions could probe the listener's personal memories, sense of identity, or general knowledge – whatever gets the cogs turning. Asking questions can be an effective way of prompting your audience to have an 'aha!' moment.

Opening questions are usually rhetorical as you're asking the listener to self-analyse, but you might like to direct them somewhere that they can share their ideas or experiences with you.

Good for: Helping the audience recognize a problem or come to some conclusion.

Example: Kelly McGonigal asks her audience to raise their hand if they've experienced different levels of stress over the past year. Almost the whole audience responds and demonstrates, very quickly and simply, how endemic a problem stress is.

6. Quotation technique

Quoting a famous person is an easy way to borrow a little of their power, especially if it's someone respected by your audience. If they're a more obscure choice, there's no harm in reminding your audience of that person's credentials.

Your audience may read personal things into your choice, so choose carefully. People are likely to have personal associations with famous quotes or speakers so be mindful of these too.

Good for: Giving your talk respectability, summing up an argument or an idea.

Example: Elizabeth Nyamayaro's chosen quote – 'As Africans, we must uplift all the people of Africa' – serves as the heart and soul of her entire presentation. It expresses the principles at the heart of her work, and tells her audience something of her as a person.

7. Story technique

Stories are perhaps the most effective tool for inspiring empathy and understanding in the listener. It's also a vastly underrated skill in the business world, even though it can engage your audience's mind in incredible ways .

Telling a personal story may make us feel vulnerable, but it's an opportunity to show confidence and character. Telling the story of someone you admire demonstrates your values. The story of a customer proves you listen and take pride in providing a good service.

Good for: Explaining ideas in an accessible way, synchronizing the audience's emotions with your own.

Example: Peter Attia begins his story 'I'll never forget that day back in the spring of 2006' – and now nor will we. His story is powerful not just because it's illustrative of the wider problem he's describing – but because he expresses genuine emotion as he tells it.

8. Humor technique

Making a joke makes your audience feel warmer towards you and more receptive to your ideas. The best presentation jokes involve self-deprecating humor, so being able to laugh at yourself is a must. You could also exaggerate a story for effect.

Your sense of humor tells your audience a lot about your values and can be a shortcut to building trust. It may also help them feel more comfortable about sharing their ideas and joining in if that's a part of your presentation.

Good for: Relaxing your audience, building rapport.

Example: Shawn Anchor's perfect comic timing makes this opening anecdote side-splittingly funny. The humor makes it easier for us to open up to what he's trying to say, making the serious message of his talk all the more impactful.

You can find more about these and other useful techniques at changingminds.org . Which is your favorite?

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Fear of Public Speaking

I Want to Be Funny-How to Add Humor to Your Speech without being a Clown

Want to add humor to your speech? Quite often, when we are designing speeches and presentations for a professional audience, we discount the value of entertainment and humor. However, a good presentation should be both informative and entertaining. You have to have both. If you aren’t providing the audience with good information, then you’re wasting their time. If you aren’t providing some type of entertainment, though, you will likely bore your audience. As a result, they will lose interest. So, by adding a little humor to your speech, you keep your audience engaged throughout your presentation.

Should I tell Jokes to Add Humor to My Speech?

When I first started speaking, I had a mentor who had been a speaker and trainer for over three decades. Very early on in my training, she advised me to “Never tell jokes in your speeches.” Later on, though, she encouraged me to add funny stories and anecdotes to my presentations. This contradiction was confusing. In fact, I never really figured out why she and other public speaking coaches were so anti-joke. My guess is that it is an extreme overreaction to a negative experience at some point.

For instance, if a speaker starts a speech with a joke and it bombs, it is difficult to recover. Or perhaps it has something to do with the fact that many jokes are pretty off-color or inappropriate. One of our professional presentation coaches also teaches people how to do Comedy Improv. He mentioned to me that a major factor in whether a joke is funny or a flop is timing. As a result, I suspect that many presentation coaches discourage jokes because it is difficult to teach timing.

Whatever the case, I’d wager that every single professional keynote speaker has at least one joke in their keynote speeches somewhere. So eliminating jokes from your presentations entirely is probably a bad idea.

The Difference Between a Joke and Just a Funny Story.

If you look at the definition of a joke, according to www.dictionary.com , a joke is…

A thing that someone says to cause amusement or laughter, especially a story with a funny punchline.

So, according to these great public speaking coaches, a funny story or funny anecdote is okay, but a “story with a funny punchline” is not okay? Huh? That doesn’t make any sense.

In my experience, there is absolutely no difference between a joke and a funny story. The only exception is if you insert a joke that has absolutely nothing to do with your presentation. Often, this type of forced delivery can backfire on you. Your jokes need to be appropriate to the point that you are making. In addition, you will want to practice them over and over so that you have them down cold. A poorly delivered joke (or funny story) can be very challenging to overcome.

Make Your Point with Humor

One of my first big clients, Ron, was the manager of a truck dealership in Ft Worth. Ron was famous (maybe infamous) for starting every meeting with a corny joke. Every week, before he or his managers discussed any business, he’d start the meeting with something corny. Everyone would both laugh and somewhat cringe at the same time. It became part of the culture. (By the way, it really worked. Folks loved to come to his meetings.) Ron was a virtual encyclopedia of clean, corny jokes.

For Ron, this technique worked really well. However, I don’t encourage people to do this. I doubt that I would as successful with the technique if I used it. For most speakers, using your funny stories as a way to add showmanship to the point that you are making works much better.

The following techniques will give you much better results:

Tell a Self-Deprecating Story about How You Screwed Up.

Find a funny joke that reinforces your bullet point..

Add a Funny Analogy.

As you go through your list of main bullet points to cover in your speech, try this. Ask yourself, “Have I ever had an experience, related to this point, where I totally screwed up?” You will be surprised at how often a funny incident will pop into your head. Keep in mind that sometimes, these incidents seem horrifying to us. However, when we tell the stories to others, they have a high potential for humor.

For instance, I often start my presentation classes by telling the audience about a huge failure I had as a speaker. When I experienced this failure, it was not funny. It was actually, probably quite sad. However, when I relay the story now, even I get a chuckle out of it. In the story, I prepared a 15-minute speech. I practiced over and over. When I delivered it, though, I spoke really fast. So, I finished in less than four minutes. After I said my last sentence, I looked around the room at all of the confused faces. Panic sat in. Having nothing more to say, I just abruptly returned to my seat and sat down. Glancing around the table, I noticed that the entire room was still staring at me. They all still had confused looks on their faces as well. It was quite awkward.

Self-deprecating humor is almost always the best (and easiest) type of humor to add to a presentation. The easiest way to make an embarrassing story funny is to exaggerate what happened.

Google the word “joke” followed by the main idea in your bullet point. For example, I was recently writing a speech on how to improve listening skills in the office. I typed “joke listening” into Google, and I got the following ideas.

Recently, my wife asked me, “Are you even listening to me?” I thought that was a really weird way to start a conversation.
Job interviewer: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” “I’d say my biggest weakness is listening.”
“You know it is times like these when I wished I had listened to what my mom told me.” “Really? What she say?” “I don’t know. I wasn’t listening.”

Any of these can, with a little creativity, be tied into the point that I’m making.

For instance, I could start with the phrase, “The third listening level is what we call ‘Selective Listening.’ That reminds me of a conversation my wife and I had recently. She heatedly asked me, ‘Are you even listening to me?!” I thought, “That is a strange way to start a conversation.'”

This technique takes a little timing and practice, but it can pay off in a positive way.

Add a Funny Analogy to Add Humor to Your Speech.

I use analogies a lot in my presentations. An analogy is basically making a comparison of something you are trying to explain with something more commonplace. What makes these fun and funny is when you compare things that absolutely and totally unrelated.

For instance, a young lady who was a technician at an electric company came through my class a few weeks ago. Her presentation was about new software that would help their sales reps find prospective customers better. She started the explanation by saying the following:

“When you think of good combinations you think of things like peanut butter and jelly or salt and pepper. You don’t really think about things like salad and ketchup. That is a bad match. So when the program analyzes a potential client and sees a manufacturing company, it identifies that potential client as a ‘peanut butter and jelly’ type prospect. However, with a small retail company that uses very little electricity, that would be more of a ‘ketchup and salad’ combo.”

What made the delivery funny was that she used this bad combination expression a few times, and every time that she did, she got a bigger laugh. The audience eventually started identifying whether the match was peanut butter and jelly or salad and ketchup.

The humor worked because she picked an absurd combination with ketchup and salad, and the food items have absolutely nothing to do with electricity consumption. The great news about analogies is that even if they don’t get a laugh, they still work well as showmanship.

Add Colloquialism’s to Your Speech

Being from Texas, this is one of my favorite techniques. Dr. Phil, the blunt psychologist who became famous on the Oprah Winfrey show is the king of these. His down-home speech allowed people to laugh and lower their defenses. Mark Twain was also famous for this. The folksy sayings in

Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn made those books very popular.

Type “[Your State or Region] colloquialism” into Google, and you will find funny sayings unique to your area. I did this with Texas, and I got a list of “Texas Sayings”. My favorite was “He’s all hat and no cattle.” I tried it again for “Southern colloquialism” and I got, “That’s a hard dog to keep on the porch” and “He’s happier than a tick on a fat dog.”

This technique is harder to pull off, but if you do, you can have your audience rolling in the aisle.

Just remember to make your presentations fun. Add humor to your speech, and you will easily do this.

Podcasts | humor , jokes

10 Public Speaking Ice Breakers That Actually Work

An icebreaker is an activity in public speaking that is designed to engage the audience and break the ice to get them ready to hear what you’re about to say. However, many of the icebreakers out there that the internet sites recommend are pretty average at best and in most cases downright awkward to use.

So I wanted to compile the list of 10 icebreakers that actually work.

[youtube id=”7hXF7vVEs5A” mode=”normal”]

So what are these 10 icebreakers that actually work?

Now I’m going to break these into two distinct categories:

1) icebreakers for larger groups of people

2) icebreakers for smaller groups of people.

Now I’m going to assume that you’re in a more formal public speaking setting.

When you’re in a more informal, maybe a really small training group, where it is very hands on then these icebreakers might not work as well and you might need something that is more interactive.

But I’m assuming we’re at corporate meeting or a conference,or a church event or something like that Where it’s more formal public speaking engagement. So what are some of the icebreakers that we can use?

Public speaking ice breakers for large groups

1. make a joke at your own expense.

Now, I want to say – avoid making really lame,very generalised jokes that don’t have to do with you. Definitely avoid jokes that might offend someone as well!

You don’t want to make a joke at the expense of anyone in the audience, a joke at the expense of the company, or a joke at the expense who’s introduced you, but the joke at the expense of yourself tends to work really well because you’re pointing at yourself so people can just laugh along with that.

Jokes like…

“Before coming here tonight I was discussing my talk with my wife and she said to me: ‘Don’t try to be too charming, too witty or too intellectual, just be yourself.’”

Don’t expect full blown laughter with any of these jokes, but it’s just kind of a teaser, just kind of warms it up.

If you’re at a formal dinner setting, and everyone’s getting the same meal or they have two alternating meals, you can say:

“Don’t you think it’s amazing that 200 of us all came together tonight and we all chose the same meal?”

They’re corny but sometimes they can work.

You could say: “Look, I have a bad feeling about this, I was talking to [whoever introduced you], they said they were going to tell a joke before I spoke but instead they just introduced me.”

So you’re implying you’re the joke.

These are some ideas for a couple of jokes that you can do, obviously one that you come up yourself is probably better.

Tie in the context of the company you work for or the situation you’re in. The more personal and more appropriate to the situation, the better are the jokes going to work.

2. OPEN WITH ‘RAISE-YOUR-HAND’ QUESTIONS

You want to do a couple of things before when you’re doing raise your hand questions.

Firstly, you want to be positive with your raise your hand questions . Like: “Raise your hands if you want to be happy in life!” “Raise your hand if you want to make a million dollars!”

You don’t want to create negative raise your hand questions , because then you’re going to create a negative environment. So you’re saying: “Raise your hand if you don’t have much to show for the last year!” It’s not going to make people feel very good about themselves.

And when you’re doing raise your hand questions try to ask questions that most people are going to raise their hand to.

The whole idea of the raise your hand questions is to get audience’s engagement, and to get group involvement, so the people on the outskirts who aren’t really getting into your talk feel like they should get into your talk.

So if you open with a raise your hand question to which only person in the room can raise hand to, it’s going to be pretty awkward for that person. But if you ask a question where 9 out of 10 people raise their hand, that one person that doesn’t raise their hand kind of feels awkward because they’re not doing it.

It’s like using positive peer pressure.

3. START A STORY BUT DON’T FINISH IT

So when you get there, just say: “I just want to tell you a story that I think it is very important for my speech today.” Or you go on and tell your story, but you leave the conclusion out and you say: “I’ll get back to that towards the end.”

And so what you’re doing – you’re drawing people in with stories, but you’re not finishing your story so it keeps them engaged.

4. GET AN INTRODUCTION

A lot of people wouldn’t classify this as an icebreaker, but it really is. Get someone to introduce you and talk you up a little bit and get people warmed up for you as you come on to the stage.

Then the audience is anticipating your coming and you don’t need to break the ice as much because it’s already been a little bit broken for you.

5. BREAK SOME NEWS (BIG OR SMALL)

I was recently reading Robert Kiyosaki’s book, Retire Young, Retire Rich. And he talks about an investment talk that he did, and he couldn’t think how to open his presentation.

As he was reading the morning paper, he came across a story about a couple who had retired about 10 years early. But he then used that news to tie into his story.

So when you get up on stage and you say: “I’ve read this really interesting article in the paper today,” or “Something really interesting or strange happened to me today.”

We are inclined as a culture to want to be ‘in the know’ so when something is happening in the news and people are talking about it we want to hear what it is.

So that’s a good way to get people engaged – to break some sort of news, whether it’s news that’s happened in your country or on the globe or whether it’s just something new that has happened in your life that’s a bit odd and a bit interesting.

6. ASK EVERYONE TO COMPLETE A SIMPLE TASK

Get the audience to say to the person next to them: “I’m so glad you’re here today.”

So everyone in the audience has to say that. Or tell them to give the person next to you a high five or give the person a handshake or turn around and say hello to the person behind you or in front of you.

So you get people to complete this small menial task that engages them with people around them and just kind of opens them up and gets them a little more engaged in your presentation.

7. OPEN WITH A QUOTE

Probably not the best icebreaker in the world but it can work especially if it’s a great quote and if it’s very specific to what you’re going to be talking about. Keep it specific to the context or make it a little bit funny.

So surf the internet and look for some quotes and potentially open with a quote.

PUBLIC SPEAKING ICE BREAKERS FOR SMALLER GROUPS

So public speaking icebreakers for smaller groups.

8. GET EVERYONE TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES AS A SUPERMARKET ITEM (OR SOMETHING ELSE)

Get everyone to introduce themselves in a strange way.

You could say: “I want everyone to go around the room and I want you to introduce yourself, introduce your name, and then tell us what item in the super market you would be?” or “what item in a hardware store you would be?” or “what kind of fruit you would be?” or “what kind of dish you would be?”

Or you could even do something like: “What is your porn star name?” (which is the name of your first pet, and then your last name as your porn star name is the name of the first street you lived in). So use these sorts of funny things, funny ways for people to introduce themselves.

9. GET EACH PERSON TO INTRODUCE THE PERSON NEXT TO THEM, GIVING THEM A FICTITIOUS LIFE

This can work if the group doesn’t know each other at all, but it can also work if the group does each other and so you just say: “Look, this is Bob, and he’s actually a super hero at night, he moonlights as a super hero, and his super power is that he can spit fire,” or you make up whatever it is and people are inspired to use their creativity.

10. DO A QUIZ

This can be something like you just asking questions to the audience and they have to raise their hands if it’s yes or leave it down if it’s no.

You can have it in such a way that people stand up and if they’re wrong, then they have to sit down.

If you’re at a conference, you can do it based on previous content that they should have heard and remembered. Or you can do it based on anything.

Ice Breakers That Actually Work

So there’s some icebreakers for you – 10 icebreakers that aren’t too awkward.

They aren’t mindblowingly amazing but they do work. They are very effective and I hope that gives you a starting place to look out where you’re going to open up your speech.

12 thoughts on “10 Public Speaking Ice Breakers That Actually Work”

very exciting kind of ice breakers. I like them

I enjoyed that.

We would like to know more about ice breakers

super way to address meetings

It’s really interesting and hope to learn more in future.

this is so gonna help me with my presentation next tuesday thank you so much

Pingback: A Common Problem Among Scientists: Not Being the Best Presenters – Lesson One – The Early Career Voice

I love this! I have a graduation speech next month and will be speaking and am going with number 6! I’ve tweaked it a little bit I know its going to loosen the mood and make us connect more!

this helped me so much during my speech!!!! i recommend that you read this!!!!

I really, really liked these icebreakers. I’m gonna use them for sure in the future.

thanks so much. this is really helpful for my public speaking speech i have to prepare and give over. i feel a little more confident now.

Questionable Presentation Advice: Open With a Joke

"The beauty of a canned joke is that it has usually withstood the test of time. For someone just starting to add humor, this is the best technique." – Advice from a(nother) renowned speaker training organization

“I was thinking I’ll start with a joke.”

We meet a lot of people who either a) are convinced this is a great idea or b) believe they should start with a joke because “that’s what people do.”

Every once in a while, we even encounter a speaker who pulls it off.

But we discourage speakers from using canned jokes in their opens (or elsewhere) in speeches. Here’s why.

1. If you’ve heard it before, at least some of your audience probably has too.

That’s always a good thought to keep in mind when you are telling canned jokes—or canned stories, for that matter.

The very joke that delighted you when you heard it for the first time last week may be old news for half your audience.

Our least favorite is the joke used to “warm up” the audience, one that has nothing to do with the speaker’s topic.

Not only is that joke likely an old one, but it’s a time-waster. The audience will notice. At best, they’ll groan. At worst, they’ll develop a sudden distaste for the speaker.

2. You’re probably not a comedian—nor do you want to be.

“Never begin a speech with a joke. Not even if it’s funny. Nothing betrays the amateur faster,” writes Reid Buckley in Strictly Speaking .

We urge speakers to use humor , any time it’s appropriate, to build rapport and to make their presentations more engaging.

But a canned joke to open:

May be hard for you to deliver, because they’re not your words.
May sound inauthentic, again, because they’re not your words.
May leave the audience feeling duped, if they think at first these ARE your words, then you deliver the canned punch line.

3. There are better ways to add humor.

Your stories, your experiences, your hilarious mistakes and misunderstandings—these can be much better material for making your point, engaging an audience, and building rapport.

The advantages of humor that comes from your personal experience are many:

The material will be fresh for the audience, because it’s yours.
You will tell it better, because you experienced it.
Self-deprecating humor tends to be safe, in addition to making you more likeable.
You can tell stories that are essential to your speech, rather than jokes that feel tacked on.

Of course, some speakers have success with jokes.

As we say in every program, speaking is an art. Absolutes do not apply.

But, if you’re thinking of opening with a canned joke, we hope you’ll give it careful consideration. We’re willing to bet that you can come up with an equally good and original, if not all-out better, way to get the audience chuckling.

Imagine the audience naked? Approach the lectern as if it’s a red-hot cast iron skillet ? Come across some public speaking advice you question? We’d love to know about it and weigh in (even if you got the advice from us), so send us an email !

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Presentation Jokes

It is with great confidence that we present to you this collection of funny presentation jokes! Don’t worry, we haven’t let our standards slide – they’re hilarious!

Funny Presentation Jokes

He had every degree and certification you could imagine, but he settled on a surprising choice: cleaning mirrors.

The committee decided to kick all of the racist people out of its board.

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Jokes For Public Speaking - Lighten The Mood ... Laugh A Little

Jokes for public speaking are an amazing weapon in your arsenal as you strive for really advanced presentation skills .

Why is public speaking important and why do we need to minimize public speaking fear ?

In a nutshell - public speaking is today's "must have" life skill" - for every one ... not just for motivational speakers !

So, keep those nerves under control, lighten the mood and laugh a little.

Our suggestions and words of wisdom for incorporating public speaking jokes in great funny speeches will soon have you more relaxed and ready to write your own public speaking book !

Hey ... check it out!

Click on the first few and they will take you straight to a free written speech that shows you how to use jokes for public speaking creatively and effectively in your speech.

Someone once said that the best audience is one that is intelligent, well-educated and ... a little drunk ! If that is the case - then I have definitely got an amazing audience here tonight.

Lord Reading offered the following advice on presenting a speech: "Always be shorter than anyone dared to hope!" and tonight, Ladies and Gentlemen, you may be very hopeful!

Franklin D. Roosevelt said: "Be sincere; be brief; be seated" .

"I'm very pleased to be here. Let's face it - at my age...I'm very pleased to be anywhere!" - George Burns

Now, I've been told that a successful speech needs to have a great introduction and a memorable ending - and that both of these should both be close together with not too much in between .

So, Ladies and Gentlemen, to reiterate what King Henry said to each of his many wives ... "I shall not keep you long!"

"It's quite simple. Say what you have to say and when you come to a sentence with a grammatical ending, sit down!" - Winston Churchill

" Public speaking is the art of diluting a two-minute idea with a two-hour vocabulary." - John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking . Number two is death! Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy !" - Jerry Seinfeld

" The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops ... until you stand up to speak in public ." - George Jessel

"There are two things that are more difficult than making an after dinner speech: climbing a wall which is leaning towards you and kissing a girl who is leaning a way from you." - Winston Churchill

"Unaccustomed as most people are to public speaking ... they still insist on doing it!" - Unknown

"Make sure that you have finished speaking before your audience has finished listening! " - Dorothy Sarnoff

"The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you have got it made!" - Jean Giraudoux

"There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave ... and the one you wish you gave." - Dale Carnegie

Jokes for public speaking - a secret weapon whether you are attending public speaking courses , searching for public speaking online or just trying to address your anxiety public speaking .

Some final words of wisdom ... "No one ever complains about a speech being too short." - Ira Hayes

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The DNC’s Thanks for Joe Biden Were Laid on Very Thick. One Wonders if He Minded.

The president’s valedictory wasn’t meant to be one..

About 20 minutes before President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 election, Teresa Saavedra Woorman, a Maryland state legislator and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, got a call from the Biden campaign asking if she was still on board with his candidacy. When the alerts came in 20 minutes later that Biden had dropped out, she thought, “Whoa, OK. That was quick.”

Numerous delegates I spoke to Monday, on the first day of the DNC, similarly had their temperature taken in the last weeks of the Biden campaign. Tim Allison, the executive director of a teachers union in California, said it happened “multiple times.” Megan Kerr, who serves on the Long Beach City Council, also had gotten “some calls” about what her intentions were.

They all said they would support Biden. These were, after all, Biden delegates that the president had won through the primary process, and their support was pledged to him.

“I told them straight up,” Allison said, “the decision is the president’s. He has earned the nomination of the party, and the decision is his. I was elected as a delegate to Joe Biden . So I was with Joe Biden until he said he was no longer in the race.”

Many delegates remember vividly where they were when Biden said—or rather, submitted a letter announcing—that he was quitting from the race. Kerr was on a bike ride with a group, which they stopped for a few minutes to sit down and check their phones. Cindy Yoe, a Maryland county party chair, heard the news as she was getting on a plane home from Montana, so missed the next several hours of rapid-fire developments. Larry Olsen, the South Dakota state party treasurer—whose camo “WALZ” hat earned him a compliment from Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar while we were speaking—said he was “probably doing some kind of work on the farm.”

While some of them first had panicked thoughts—what’s going to happen next? Is there going to be an open convention free-for-all?—Biden’s ensuing endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris soon cleared up any confusion. Within the next few days, most state party delegations would officially endorse and then formally vote to nominate Harris to replace Biden atop the ticket. Allison proudly noted that in the California delegation’s virtual meeting, he seconded Nancy Pelosi’s motion to pledge support to Harris. Once Biden threw his support behind Harris, Biden delegates did too, without a second thought.

If you think of Harris’ delegates, then, as Biden delegates first—people chosen for their roles because of presumed loyalty to Joe Biden—it’s almost surprising that there isn’t more resentment within the DNC toward the way he was shown the door. I didn’t pick up much of it. Yoe, from Maryland, said she “had a little problem with the ageism thing,” saying that as she’s “getting older, it hits home a little closer.” But there wasn’t any appetite for Donald Trump’s fantasy scenario, in which Biden emerges at the convention wanting to “take the convention back.”

“It’s going to be a night for nostalgia,” Allison told me. “He’s been a strong president who’s done remarkable things for the country, and I think he did one last remarkable thing for the country by deciding it was time to hand off the baton.”

“Nobody’s perfect,” Olsen, of South Dakota, said. “But do I think he was a competent leader? Yes. Do I think he got a tremendous amount of things accomplished? Yes. Do I think he could have continued? Yes. But I think he made the right choice for himself, made definitely the right choice for the country. Unselfish sacrifice.”

Similar homages were made through the first evening’s programming.

“Thank you, Joe, for your lifetime of service and leadership,” Hillary Clinton said.

“President Biden, America is so much better because of you—a true patriot who has always put the people first,” Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock said. “Thank you, Joe!”

“Mr. President, thank you— thank you —for elevating a great leader in Kamala Harris,” Biden’s top ally in the Senate, Chris Coons, said in his speech introducing the Biden family segment of the evening.

I’ve wondered how well Biden—the candidate on whom the party has just turned out the lights—takes it when it’s laid on this thick. It’s not like he was left with a much of a choice on the matter by the time he dropped out. The party had abandoned him and had the ability to keep ratcheting the heat up further. And Monday, while speakers were feting him with their deepest thanks for hour after hour, they were also delaying his speaking window until after prime time on the East Coast. But they did so from the bottom of their hearts.

Biden took the stage at 10:26 p.m. Central Time to a minuteslong standing ovation. Every delegate was holding up a “WE Nancy Pelosi. Members of the Delaware delegation put on aviators.

Most of Biden’s speech could’ve been taken—and likely was—from a draft of a renomination speech. He reiterated the stakes of the race, ran through his legislative record, and made the case against Trump. There were calls to put Harris and Tim Walz in office. But not really much, ultimately about as much as the sum total of the unscripted “not a joke,” “not hyperbole,” and “I mean that literally” asides scattered throughout. After about 50 minutes, speakers and delegates didn’t need to thank him. They just needed to let him finish.

“I can honestly say I’m more optimistic about the future than I was when I was elected a 29-year-old United States senator,” he said toward the end of his speech as it stretched into the one-hour mark.

“I was too young to be in the Senate,” he then ad-libbed in a joke, “and too old to be the president.” Biden had come out firing in his speech but had been beginning to sag a bit as things went on. But he delivered that joke well. Perhaps because it was no joke at all, and he meant that literally.

Kamala Harris Addresses Economy In Speech—Here’s What To Know About Her Policy Agenda

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Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled more details about her economic agenda in a speech Friday in North Carolina, proposing an “opportunity economy” as the Democratic nominee focused on lowering the price of groceries and prescription drugs and addressing the housing crisis with an eye on bolstering the middle class.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh, N.C., on Aug. 16.

Grocery Prices: The candidate would work in her first 100 days to help Congress pass a national ban on “price gouging” for food and groceries, as well as give the Federal Trade Commission and prosecutors authority to go after companies they determine price gouge, support small businesses in the industry, take a closer look at mergers between big grocery companies and “aggressively” investigate price-fixing in meat supply chains specifically.

Housing Costs: Harris wants to provide $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers and is calling for the creation of three million new housing units within the next four years, proposing a tax credit for developers who build starter homes and investing $40 million in an innovation fund to tackle the housing crisis.

Rental Costs: Harris would also expand a tax credit for housing developers who build affordable housing rental units, and is calling on Congress to pass legislation that would stop predatory investors who buy up rental homes and collude with each other to raise rental prices.

Child Tax Credit: Harris proposed giving families a $6,000 tax credit for newborns in their first year of life, and restore a pandemic-era tax credit of $3,600 per child for middle and lower-class families.

Taxes: Harris also wants to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit for workers in lower-income jobs, which would cut taxes by up to $1,250, and has previously said she would continue President Joe Biden’s promise not to raise taxes on American households earning $400,000 or less annually, and does support raising taxes for high earners and corporations, according to The New York Times.

No Tax On Tips: Harris has separately endorsed a plan to get rid of taxes on tips for hospitality and service workers, echoing a proposal by former President Donald Trump—which has been criticized by some experts—though a campaign official told CNN tips would still be subject to payroll taxes, and would include an income limit and guardrails to prevent people like hedge fund managers from taking advantage of the policy.

Prescription Drug Prices: Harris proposed a $35 cap on insulin and capping out-of-pocket expenses on prescription drugs at $2,000 per year on Friday, also saying she would speed up Medicare negotiations on the price of prescription drugs—after the Biden administration announced a deal lowering costs on 10 medications—and crack down on anti-competitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry that cause higher prices.

Healthcare: The Harris campaign also announced her intention to work with states to cancel Americans’ medical debt, and she proposed expanding subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans that would save health insurance customers an average of $700 on their health insurance premiums.

Paid Leave: Harris has not released a specific paid leave proposal, but she has previously co-sponsored 12-week paid leave legislation, Politico notes, with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., telling the outlet, “I absolutely believe that when they are in office, we will get a paid leave bill done finally.”

Minimum Wage: Harris called for raising the minimum wage in a Las Vegas speech earlier in August, but her campaign has not specified how high she believes it should be raised.

Fed Independence: Harris has vowed to maintain the Federal Reserve’s independence after Trump said he believed “the president should have at least [a] say” on the Federal Reserve’s decisions, with Harris telling reporters, “The Fed is an independent entity and as president I would never interfere in the decisions that the Fed makes.”

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Crucial Quote

Harris said Friday she’d be “laser focused on creating opportunities for the middle class” if elected president, calling for “an economy where everyone can compete and have a real chance to succeed.” “Now is the time to chart a new way forward, to build an America where everyone’s work is rewarded and talents are valued, where we work with labor and business to strengthen the American economy, and where everyone has the opportunity not only to get by, but to get ahead,” the vice president said.

What To Watch For

Harris said in her North Carolina speech that she intends to unveil more economic proposals in the weeks ahead. The vice president has still not issued a full policy platform or unveiled proposals for policy issues beyond the economy, and those are also expected in the near future.

How Do Harris’ Policies Compare With Biden’s?

Harris’ economic policy agenda is largely in line with Biden’s economic platform, with some tweaks to emphasize causes that are more important to her, like the child tax credit. “Same values, different vision,” a Harris aide told The Guardian. “She’s not moving far away from him on substance, she will highlight the ones that matter most to her.” The initial plans from Harris’ campaign also suggest the vice president plans to be more aggressive in her policy approaches than Biden, however, as polls have suggested voters hold dim views of how the president has handled the economy. While Biden has also opposed price gouging, Harris’ proposal to enable the FTC and U.S. attorneys to go after companies that hike up prices goes beyond what the president has proposed, Politico notes , and her proposed $40 million investment in the housing crisis is double the amount the Biden administration spent.

Harris’ economic agenda released Friday didn’t go fully in depth about her proposals, which The New York Times reports is by design. The Times reported prior to Harris’ speech that the Harris campaign has adopted a “strategic vagueness” for her economic proposals, believing that being more of a “blank slate” will help ward off attacks and attract more support from business groups.

How Do Harris’ Policies Compare With Trump’s?

Trump’s economic agenda is largely focused on raising tariffs on imported goods, which Harris has said she opposes. The ex-president has also called for cutting taxes and regulations in hopes of lowering inflation, including lowering the corporate tax rate, and has encouraged increasing oil production in order to lower energy prices. In addition to his “no tax on tips” proposal that Harris has also endorsed, Trump has called for ending taxes on Social Security benefits, which Harris has not yet responded to. Experts believe the ex-president’s proposal could speed up Social Security and Medicare becoming insolvent, with the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget projecting exempting taxes on benefits would result in Social Security and Medicare receiving $1.6 trillion less in revenue between 2026 and 2035. The Trump campaign opposed reports of Harris’ economic proposals Wednesday, with spokesperson Steven Cheung saying in a statement, “Kamala Harris can’t hide from her disastrous record of skyrocketing inflation … Americans are struggling under the Biden-Harris economy, and now she wants to gaslight them into believing her bald-faced lies.”

42%. That’s the share of voters who trust Harris more to handle the economy, according to a Financial Times/University of Michigan poll released Sunday, versus 41% who trust Trump more. That’s down from Trump holding a six-point lead over Biden in July, though the poll also showed 42% believe a Trump presidency would leave them better off financially, while only 33% said the same for Harris.

Key Background

Harris became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in July after Biden stepped down suddenly from the presidential race, following weeks of pressure over mounting concerns about his mental fitness. While the vice president has quickly garnered Democrats’ support and risen in the polls, Harris has released few concrete policy proposals in the first few weeks of her campaign—drawing some criticism as a result—with her speech Friday expected to be the most substantive remarks she’s given on policy so far. Her focus on the economy comes as polling has repeatedly shown it’s the most important issue to voters in this election cycle, with the vice president hoping to attract support amid low approval ratings for Biden’s handling of the economy. Harris’ speech also comes days after news that inflation fell in July to its lowest point in more than three years, with federal data released Wednesday showing inflation at 2.9% in July, the first time it’s been below 3% since March 2021.

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UAW President Shawn Fain wears 'Trump is a scab' shirt in DNC speech: Watch

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain threw his endorsement behind Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during the opening night of the Democratic National Convention Monday.

Fain became the face of a resurgent labor movement during the union's contract negotiations and strike against the major American automakers in 2023. Fain thanked President Joe Biden for walking a picket line during the strike and pointed to when Harris herself walked a picket line as California Senator.

Fain framed the election as a battle between a pro vs. anti-working class battle, in an echo of an earlier segment featuring six union presidents . "For us in the labor movement it's real simple Kamala Harris is one of us," Fain said.

Fain wore a shirt reading, "Trump is a scab" and used the phrase as an applause line in the speech.

The absence of Teamsters President Sean O'Brien appears to be a rebuke of keynote speaker on the first night of the Republican National Committee convention in Milwaukee last month, though O'Brien sought to speak at both conventions. The Washington Post reported that the union will have a presence onstage in Chicago and Harris campaign will meet with the Teamsters after the convention.

Who are they : President of the United Auto Workers union.
What role they play : Labor has been a historic bloc of support for the Democratic party and has seen a resurgence under the Biden administration. Six labor leaders spoke ahead of Fein, throwing the support of multiple unions behind the nominee.
Key quote : "For the UAW and for working people everywhere it comes down one question: what side are you on? On one side we have Kamala Harris and Tim Walz who have stood shoulder to shoulder with the working class. On the other side we have Trump and Vance, two lap dogs for the billionaire class who only serve themselves."

Democratic convention live updates: What to know about the line up, live stream and more

When and where is the 2024 DNC

The Democratic National Convention will take place from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois.

The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the main venue for the DNC.

Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second time.

How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC

The convention will air live on its website , from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.

USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.

What are the themes for each night of the DNC?

The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention. The title of the convention is "For the People, For Our Future."

Here are the themes for each night:

Monday: "For the People"
Tuesday: "A Bold Vision for America's Future"
Wednesday: "A Fight for our Freedoms"
Thursday: "For our Future"

IMAGES

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