I quickly learned 3 things when my wife and I greeted our first-born child into the world many years ago.
- The first was I found a well of love in myself for my wife and my new daughter that was deeper and richer than I ever thought possible.
- The second was that we could stand by her crib and watch her for hours just purring and breathing and looking like the perfect being that she was.
- The third was that the stuff that fills her diapers is very hard to wash out from under your fingernails.
The above is an example of a humorous list of 3. It is one of the simplest and most powerful tools a speaker can use. It should be in everyone’s toolbox.
In the case of my daughter’s example above, I used it to make a quick, easy joke. Maybe not a super funny joke, but one that would loosen up an audience if I were to use it. The format was very easy: Use the first two examples set up a pattern. Use the third to break the pattern in a humorous way. The more dramatic the break the funnier it will be.
Like this: There are three rules for preparing to begin a speech.
- Loosen up your body and voice.
- Make sure you check all your technology including sound and visuals.
- When you step in front of your group — don’t throw up.
The first two in the list are serious tips to help someone prepare. The last is an acknowledgement of the worst thing that might happen – the thing we all might secretly fear.
Try making a few lists yourself. You’ll see … they really are easy.
Note: A list of two doesn’t work — you have not set up a pattern yet. A list of three seems to be the magic number — just enough to be funny at the end. And a list of 15 will drive your audience into a coma.
Some points to consider:
- The first two points work best if they are delivered with your normal tone and demeanor. Don’t let your style telegraph that you are about to dramatically change pace. Remember you are leading them down a serious path.
- Your third point should be a dramatic reverse of the direction you established in the first two.
- And it wouldn’t hurt if you didn’t throw up.
To your success,
Tom
P.S. There are three things you will get from a free coaching call with me…
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