Whatever the contents of the funny
speech you are delivering, or the nature of the event in which you
are delivering it, there are simple tips and tricks for the delivery-
which is everything about the performance of the words separate from
the written words themselves.
Whether
you have written a funny speech yourself, or have used a professional
funny speech writer, or comedy writer, whether it's for a wedding,
anniversary, birthday or business event, or even a public or
political function, with a little guidance regarding delivery, you
can seriously up your speech-giving game, and powerful audience
response will be the proof.
First
of all, read through the speech text a few times. Start off reading
it silently to yourself even, if you like. Then start reading it out
loud, alone somewhere-- it could be an empty room, the backyard, a
secluded sidewalk, on a hiking trail, it doesn't matter. Just become
familiar with the words and rhythms of the text. Note the feel of the
different parts- where is it dead serious setup, where are the lists
of items, where are punchlines, where are the harsh roast jokes?
Sit
down with a pen or pencil and underline sentences of note, words that
you need to hit harder, or “bold underline” with your voice, as
it were. Use arrows and side notes if need be to add sidebars or
extra needed words, note specific emphasis you want to add with your
voice. It could be an increase in volume, an uplift in your tone, a
character voice, a snide panache. You may want to note (even if in
your head) physical gestures, hand or body moves, You might make use
of facial expressions that go with a certain line or word.
Study
great comedic deliverers on YouTube or other platforms, just audio
can help but video is preferable. For the basic building blocks of
comedic delivery, start with comedians. For a dry, wry approach,
watch some Steve Colbert, Ellen Degeneres, or David Letterman. For
something with medium energy and animated style, look at Ricky
Gervais, Jim Gaffigan or Jerry Seinfeld. For something even “bigger”
and more energetic watch Louie CK, Bill Burr or Chris Rock. Think,
compare, analyze and ask people you know- which style best suits you?
Now
find and watch some great funny speeches on YouTube- whether they're
professional speakers or just a guy delivering a fantastic wedding
speech. Let it sink in, absorb the rhythms, attitude and emphasis of
what parts that work incredibly well. Apply the template of what you
have learned and absorbed from other effective speech delivery
situations to the speech you
have to give.
Practice
it out loud using this new template of attitude, emphasis and timing,
along with gestures and physicality, to take control and gain mastery
over your own speech.
In
general, timing requires an understanding and application of which
words are much more important than other words, usually meaning that
they deliver an unexpected twist, a left turn, what we call a
punchline.
You can and should hit punchlines hard.
Good
timing also involves understanding when you can speed up slightly
during certain lines or sentences- usually when you have to cram a
relatively longer passage of “setup”, or dry straight
information leading up to a funny payoff.
The
last specific delivery tip I'll give is convincing yourself before
you start performing your speech that you are by far the most
important thing these people will be hearing all day or night. You
need to carve out space for each single word you are saying, to a
subtle extent. You never need to uncomfortably rush or cram words in
as if apologizing for having to say them. If you slow it down a
little bit and enunciate each word as if it carries essential weight,
the audience will believe it. When you lead, they will follow. Say
every word clearly and add a touch of drama to the performance. The
hilarity will come in the words, the jokes. They will hit even harder
when you act as if you're delivering the Declaration of Independence.
Remember, this is a performance.
Give yourself the permission to perform.
And don't worry, you'll do GREAT!
If
you want to guarantee that you have fantastic funny words to say with
your new found speech delivery skills, hire a professional comedy
speech writer like Adam (Me!) at Funny
Biz Writers.
