Public Speaking w Humour
Bring more authentic humour to your speaking
Short Description
Public Speaking with Humour - Level 1 is a comprehensive introduction to using humour as a communication tool. The program develops participants’ understanding of how humour is constructed and delivered, from both technical and intuitive approaches. The program teaches the principle of prepared spontaneity when speaking with humour, enabling one to adapt to different audiences and responses.
Programme Overview
History
Public speaking is one of the oldest and most influential human arts. Across history, strong speakers have shaped culture, inspired movements, built trust and changed minds. Humour has long been one of the most powerful tools available to speakers, not only because it entertains, but because it helps people connect, learn, relax and be inspired.
In contemporary life, the ability to communicate with humour is valuable across many settings — from presentations, workshops and team leadership, to sales, training, media, content creation and everyday professional, and even personal communication.
Scope
This program is designed to breakdown the process of using humour effectively in speaking by offering practical and specific instruction on both the attitudes and skill components, of communicating your message in a warm, humorous and highly impactful way.
It is important to note that simply studying humour theoretically will not make someone a more humorous speaker. The development of real speaking confidence and comedic fluency requires application in live situations — testing ideas, refining delivery, learning to read a room and developing the capacity to respond to how the audience is responding to ones use of humour. Within the program, participants will have consistent opportunities to practise in front of their fellow laughmates, receiving constructive feedback on both content and delivery.
Importantly, an ability to use humour effectively is widely acknowledged to be a primary factor when it comes to actually getting paid as a speaker.
Participant Profile
This program is suitable for:
Experienced speakers who want to really ramp up their use of humour in a measured and strategic way
Beginner speaking who want to become more confident with using humour
Business owners, leaders and professionals who want to communicate in more humorous and entertaining way
Presenters, trainers and facilitators who want to hold attention more with humour
Content creators who want to become funnier
Individuals who want to improve their confidence, communication and audience connection
Learning Outcomes
By the end of Level 1, participants will be able to:
Use structured humour techniques and formulas to strengthen talks, presentations and spoken communication
Deliver 5–8 minutes of engaging spoken material from memory, with humour integrated strategically
Demonstrate understanding of the philosophical foundations of humour in communication
Read audience energy more effectively and adapt their delivery with greater flexibility
Articulate the key traits of their speaking style and communicative identity
Demonstrate understanding of the principle of prepared spontaneity and its role in effective speaking
Curriculum Outline
Session 1 - Foundations of Speaking with Humour
Session one introduces the key perspectives, psychology and performance practice that underpin the rest of the program. It offers foundational understandings of how to construct humour that is relevant and appropriate for your message and audience.
Origin Stories
Humour Speaking Structure
Humour Lab (Part 1)
Comedic Risk & Reward
Your Comedic Voice
Session 2 - Foundations of Humorous Communication
Session two explores joke construction in more detail balancing practical writing techniques with flexible and intuitive approaches. Participants begin shaping their ideas into material that can work in talks, presentations, workshops and everyday communication.
The Modular Mindset
Saying More with Less
Humour Lab (Part 2)
Your Communication Goldmine
Prepared Spontaneity (Part 1)
Session 3 - Presence, Timing & Reading the Room
— 🎬 1st Video Session —
Participants will have the opportunity to practice their speaking in a constructive, non-judgemental environment. The session also builds on principles from the earlier sessions while introducing some practical rules for using humour in front of real people.
Rules of the Game
Earning the Right
Trust, Tension & Timing
First Impressions, Lasting Signals
Kafoofling
Session 4 - Systems, Stories & Saving Lines
This session introduces systems for capturing, organising and strengthening material while developing the principle of prepared spontaneity. Participants are also introduced to more of the formulas, styles and techniques that provide structure to the creative process of constructing humour.
Catching Lightning
Humour Lab (Part 3)
The Duck Metaphor
Building Your Safety Net
Prepared Spontaneity (Part 2)
Session 5 - Real Talk: Pressure, Nerves & Momentum
This session examines where humour comes from and how structured escalation works within spoken communication. It also includes some real talk about nerves, confidence, pressure and how different speakers create impact in different ways.
Working the Room
Throwing Combinations
Humour Lab (Part 4)
Breaking Rules
Where Humour Comes From
Session 6 - Subtext, Credibility & Communicative Intelligence
— 🎬 2nd Video Session —
This second video session builds on the first and includes constructive feedback on participants’ speaking material and delivery. Participants examine not just what they are saying, but what sits underneath it and why some speakers naturally command trust and attention.
Performance Psychology
The Subtext of Speaking
Credibility Under the Surface
The Humorous Perspective
Styles, Types, Forms & Techniques
What Lands, What Lingers
Session 7 - Flexibility, Range & Speaking on Your Feet
This session shows participants how to become more flexible speakers, use humour across a wider range of contexts, and develop the confidence to stay effective when conditions are less than ideal.
Speaking on Your Feet
Communication Consciousness
Writing Lab (Part 5)
Carrying Your Material Lightly
Cultivating Flexibility
Owning the Moment
Session 8 - Building a Talk That Lands
This session prepares participants for their final live presentation by redefining what preparation actually means. They then build a customised pre-performance process that strengthens both message and delivery.
The Eight Eyes of Humour
Power & Presence
Writing Lab (Part 6)
The Balance of Power
Bringing It Together
Preparing to Connect
Session 9 - Speaking with Humour in Action
— 🎬 3rd Video Session —
The third and final video session is participants’ opportunity to deliver their best five minutes of spoken material in front of their fellow participants, building on previous sessions and integrating what they have learned throughout the program.
Constructive Feedback
Punching Up Your Presentation
Positive & Negative Humour
Post Mortem / Kill Sheets
Know Your Audience
Sharpening the Signal
Session 10 - Full Circle: The Speaker’s Next Stage
This final session provides perspective on the entire program. The core material is mapped together into a coherent framework. Participants then design a clear 30- and 90-day plan to continue developing their speaking style beyond the course.
Making Writing a Habit
The Communicator’s Mindset
Slow Lane or Fast Lane
The Big Picture Mind Map
The Total Package
Your Next 90 Days
Teaching Methods
Public Speaking with Humour uses a combination of:
Structured live sessions (including recorded speaking sessions)
Complete online program manual
Self-directed activities through member portal
Active online learning community
3 x 1-on-1 coaching sessions – 45 min each (via Zoom)
Delivery
Public Speaking with Humour is delivered in the following formats:
Live (In-Person)
10 x Structured Weekly Sessions Delivered In Person
3 x Recorded Speaking Sessions
Live Online (Zoom + In-Person Performance)
7 x Structured Weekly Sessions Delivered via Zoom
3 x Recorded Speaking Sessions (Weeks 3, 6 & 9) Delivered Live In Person
This program is delivered in both Live and Virtual formats
Participants unable to attend In-Person Speaking Sessions due to location or accessibility issues may complete the entire program via Zoom
Format
10 x Structured Weekly Sessions
Tuesday or Wednesday evenings, 7:00pm start
1.5 hours per session
3 x Recorded Speaking Sessions (Weeks 3, 6 & 9)
Duration: 10 Weeks | 15 Contact Hours
Recommended commitment: approximately 2.5–3 hours per week, including session time and between-session activities.
Prerequisites
Working proficiency in English
Willingness to speak and participate
Access to a computer and stable internet connection (for online participation)
No prior speaking, comedy, writing or theatre experience required
Assesment
Participants may choose to complete the program as an assessed pathway.
A Certificate of Completion is awarded to participants who complete at least 80% of the prescribed coursework and activities, including participation in speaking sessions.
Assessment is based on engagement, preparation and completion of set work — not on how naturally funny or confident a participant already is.
Participants who are unable to attend a speaking session may arrange an alternative where appropriate.