David Nihill - Do You Talk Funny

The Power of Storytelling

• Stories are vital for human connection and learning.
• Stories transform life experiences into more powerful and meaningful experiences.
• Personal stories resonate more because the storyteller knows them best.
• Audiences tend to respond more favorably to personal anecdotes initially before referencing others.
• A well-crafted story includes a hero/protagonist, obstacles, specific emotions, and a clear lesson.
• Stories should be framed to allow the audience see themselves within the narrative.
• The "secret source of all stories" is: "Who wants what and what stops them from getting it?"
• Every story need to adhere to a three-act structure: setup, confrontation, and resolution.

Humor as a Learnable Skill

• Humor involves an attitude and approach to life, not just telling jokes.
• Individuals who use humor connect more deeply, build relationships, increase productivity, and are more memorable,.
• Tragedy plus time can equal comedy. Trial and error are essential for learning where the best "laugh lines" are.

Adding Humor: Techniques and Strategies

• Start with relatable content, then add personal details.
• Eliminate unnecessary details to focus on the funny parts.
• Use joke structure, which stands for preparation, anticipation, pause, and punchline.
• Put joke hinges at the end of sentences.
• Incorporate local references to connect with the audience.
• Use descriptive details from the position of a blind person.
• Add "attitude" to writing using words like "weird, amazing, scary, hard, stupid, crazy, or nuts."
• Incorporate inherently funny words, paying attention to sounds; "K" sounds are often considered funnier.
• Cut out filler words like "In my opinion that just actually truly and very."
• Use the Rule of Three, where the audience laughs the biggest on the third joke in a series.
• Add funny images and video to enhance engagement.
• Build a story list and identify the key areas where they can be included.

Rehearsed Spontaneity

• Consistent practice is crucial for developing stage presence.
• Practice standing up and using hand gestures.
• Record, study, and evaluate each performance to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
• Use memory palace techniques to recall material.
• Make images bizarre in order to make them more memorable.

Delivery

• Start strong with a quick laugh to establish affinity.
• Speak loud enough so everyone can hear you.
• Keep the microphone near your chin.
• Amp up your punchline by stepping forward and raising your voice.
• Don't bring visible notes on stage.
• Use pauses to create curiosity and build tension.
• Wear dark colors to hide sweat patches.

Controlling the Audience

• Control comes from having the microphone.
• Repeat obvious comments and questions to generate laughter.
• Never exceed allocated time.

Permanent Beta

• Continuously evaluate every performance and seek to improve.
• Evaluate each bit based on laughs per minute to eliminate personal bias.
• Test different openings and closings of jokes and stories.

Why is storytelling important for public speaking?

• Stories transform life experiences into clearer and more meaningful moments and enhance memory.
• Storytelling allows audiences to connect with the message on a deeper level and creates shared experiences.

How does humor enhance public speaking?

• Humor connects you with your audience, helps build relationships, increases productivity and influence.
• Humor also makes the speaker appear relatable.

What are the essential elements of crafting a great story?

• The story needs a personal element featuring the storyteller, a protagonist facing challenges, and evokes emotion.
• A great story should include a lesson, twists, and a three-act structure.

What is the "rule of three" and how can it improve my speaking?

• The "rule of three" is a writing technique and is more impactful when presented in groups of three for tension and surprise.

How can I find the funny in my own experiences?

• Recognize comedy stems from difficult experiences, focus on humor in everyday situations, and repeat funny things you hear.
• The safest and most original humor comes from personal stories.

What techniques can I use to add humor to my stories or presentations?

• Relate your story to a general topic before getting specific.
• Cut out unnecessary words and use joke structure that includes setup, anticipation, and punchline.
• Work in local references and use descriptive details.

How should I rehearse for a public speaking engagement?

• Practice standing, engage your hands, record yourself, and develop a "memory palace" to remember material.

How can I control the audience and manage unexpected situations during a presentation?

• Establish control early and acknowledge the obvious.
• Use self-deprecating humor, and if interrupted, repeat the comment, be mindful to stay within the allocated time limit.