Humour In The Conference Speech

You can't deny that Emily Thornberry had a good Party Conference in Brighton this week. But we aren't just talking about the karaoke party. No, her speech to conference was positively barnstorming. Her speech certainly played to all the hopes and expectations of her audience. So we heard a whole range of humour in the conference speech. And she aimed all the digs and jibes at Government Ministers. Not surprising, at all.

But it was her humour that really caught our attention. She desperately wanted to use some humour in her speech. And she did so. Her anecdote about Boris Johnson and Brexit was fun. No doubting. But she needs to work her humour more. Because it did seem that it was Emily who found her own story the most funny. Since she could barely stop laughing.

So, by all means weave some humour into your speech. But let your audience make sense of the humour. Then, keep quiet as the humour sinks in.

You might not get that much humour in Parliament. But there's definitely some. Certainly a Rowan Atkinson speech in a 2012 Parliament reception room proves the point. His speech carried some serious points. And he got those points out to his audience with a clever mix of seriousness and humour. And so it worked.

So when you want some humour in your speech, then be prepared for some clever speech writing. Because being funny can be hard work. I don't think I'm betraying anyone with that.

Gordon Brown's speeches weren't typically a home for humour. Earnest, steadfast and sometimes heavy-going. But not humorous. So, it was a relief when he finally brought some humour to his speech at his final Manchester conference speech. 

and then,

Sometimes it doesn't take much to get a laugh.

However, it does have to be funny. Vince Cable tried for a few laughs last week with his conference leadership speech. Some lines worked really well. But others just bombed. Sometimes it really is in the telling!

Yes, humour does work in your conference speech. All the evidence points to that. But the evidence also points to the pitfalls of humour in the conference speech. So, when you have the confidence to use humour, then do so. However, do remember to plan and practise beforehand.

When you want more help and assistance with your conference public speaking you can always consider public speaking training or coaching. Because a well-timed public speaking course or coaching session could be just the deal for your next conference speech. Please don't hesitate to get in touch when the time is right.