43. Andrew Tarvin on Engineering Humour Into Your Presentations
Feb 18, 2020
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In this episode, humor consultant Andrew Tarvin, founder of Humor That Works and a sought-after speaker, shares his insights on integrating humor into presentations. He discusses whether humor and seriousness can coexist and explains the vital difference between comedy and humor. Andrew reveals how dabbling in stand-up can enhance presentation skills and introduces his 'MAP Method' to craft humor strategically. With anecdotes from his journey, including his transformation from a computer scientist to a humor engineer, the conversation is both enlightening and entertaining.
Humor strategically enhances business communication by fostering better audience engagement and improving workplace relationships and outcomes.
Developing humor involves understanding its structure and practicing in safe environments, allowing anyone to become funnier over time.
Deep dives
Leveraging Humor for Business Success
Humor can be an effective tool in business communication, offering a unique approach to solving human challenges. By strategically incorporating humor into presentations and interactions, individuals can enhance their communication skills and foster better connections with their audience. For instance, Andrew Tarvin's experience shows how humor helped him succeed in his role as an IT project manager, enabling him to convey ideas more effectively and engage with colleagues. Overall, humor not only enhances presentations but also serves as a strategic method to improve workplace relationships and outcomes.
The Science and Art of Humor
Humor is a skill that can be developed through both understanding its structure and practicing its application. Tarvin emphasizes the importance of learning the scientific aspects of humor, such as comedic devices and timing, while also honing the artistic side through practice in a safe environment. Workshops can guide individuals on this journey, helping them embrace their unique sense of humor to enhance their presentations. As a result, anyone can become funnier over time, regardless of their starting point.
Understanding Humor vs. Comedy
There is a distinction between humor and comedy, with humor encompassing a broader spectrum of amusing elements. While comedy often involves structured jokes and punchlines, humor can include storytelling and playful interactions that engage audiences without necessarily aiming to provoke laughter. Incorporating humorous elements into a presentation can keep the audience's interest alive and encourage active participation. By using humor intentionally, presenters can make their messages more relatable and memorable.
The Role of Humor in Effective Communication
Using humor effectively requires understanding the context, audience, and purpose behind its use in communication. Tarvin’s analogy highlights the importance of being both efficient and effective, noting that merely delivering a presentation isn't enough; it should also engage the audience meaningfully. By leveraging humor strategically, presenters can enhance audience engagement and improve retention of their message. Ultimately, the goal is for humor to serve as a tool that supports the overall purpose of the communication rather than simply being an afterthought.
Hello and welcome to episode forty-three of The Presentation Boss Podcast. Way back in episode three, this guy got a mention and Kate has been following his work for years and years. Thomas too wanted Andrew Tarvin on this podcast to share his unique perspective on adding humour into any and every presentation. Kate and Thomas sat down for a fascinating chat which of course includes a lot of laughs along the way!
About Our Guest
Andrew Tarvin is the founder and CEO of Humor That Works, a consultancy that strategically leverages humour for better business results. He has partnered with some of the worlds leading organisations including Microsoft, United Nations and the FBI to solve human challenges with humour solutions. Andrew is a best-selling author, has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Forbes and was named a visionary under 40 by the P&G Alumni Network. His TEDx Talk on 'The Skill of Humor' has been viewed more than six million times, only half of which were his mother. He loves puns and chocolate.
What You'll Learn
• Whether humour and seriousness are mutually exclusive
• The difference between comedy and humour
• How having a go at stand-up can benefit your presentations, even if you don't want to be funny
• Exactly the difference between effective and efficient, and which is better for communication
• The 'MAP Method' for building humour into a presentation
• Exactly where to start with adding humour into your presentations
• Why you should be collecting humorous material always
Mentioned In The Show
• Andrew's website: Humor That Works
• Phil M Jones, Exactly How To Sell
• Ian Altman, Same Side Selling
• Michael Port's Podcast, Steal the Show
Resources and Links
• Email us: podcast@presentationboss.com.au
• The Presentation Boss Podcast: https://presentationboss.com.au/podcast/
• Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-norris/
• Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-krafft/
• Presentation Boss on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/presentationboss/
• Presentation Boss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/presentation-boss
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