• Games, topic printables & more
  • The 4 main speech types
  • Example speeches
  • Commemorative
  • Declamation
  • Demonstration
  • Informative
  • Introduction
  • Student Council
  • Speech topics
  • Poems to read aloud
  • How to write a speech
  • Using props/visual aids
  • Acute anxiety help
  • Breathing exercises
  • Letting go - free e-course
  • Using self-hypnosis
  • Delivery overview
  • 4 modes of delivery
  • How to make cue cards
  • How to read a speech
  • 9 vocal aspects
  • Vocal variety
  • Diction/articulation
  • Pronunciation
  • Speaking rate
  • How to use pauses
  • Eye contact
  • Body language
  • Voice image
  • Voice health
  • Public speaking activities and games
  • About me/contact

Great funny speeches 

5 keys to writing & delivering humorous speeches.

By:  Susan Dugdale   | Last modified: 01-04-2023

Many of us long to give a great funny speech.

We imagine ourselves being oh, so witty.  In our minds, we tell jokes effortlessly. We see our audience beam appreciatively, and hear them roar and snort with laughter in the places they're meant to. Of course the applause as we finish triumphantly is thunderous. 

Sadly though, we really don't know how, or where to start to write, or deliver one. 

If that's you, this is your page!

Image: vintage jester. Text: How to find the right kind of funny for speeches.

5 keys to writing & delivering great funny speeches

1. understanding the purpose of your speech.

Is the primary goal of your speech to be funny or is it to impart knowledge with humor?

Unless you are a stand-up comedian, the main purpose of your speech is probably to give your message in an entertaining way, which will include humor.

This means that you will use humor as a tool to help you communicate, to carry your message to the audience. It is not the main focus of your speech but an enjoyable addition.

The more integrated the humor is with your speech subject, the more effective it will be.

Getting clear on your primary goal will help you decide how you plan, write and deliver your speech.

2. Understanding humor

Humor comes in many shapes and sizes from small smirks to full blown belly laughs. To use it effectively it helps to have an understanding of its varieties. This enables you to choose what will suit your audience, your speech topic, and the occasion.

Types of verbal humor and word play

Image: label. Text: Types of verbal humor and word play

Visit my page types of verbal humor and word play for definitions and examples of puns, irony, hyperbole, innuendo, spoonerisms and more. Much more! 

Verbal humor is deliciously silly stuff. Like this wonderful double malapropism that's kept me chortling for umpteen years. It was in a student's essay.  (Thank you Tina.)

"The statue of Liberace and the Star Strangled Banger"

Sometimes marking is glorious!

Physical humor

Image: label. Text: Physical humor

My page on  physical humor will give you an introduction to using gesture or body language as an aid to laughter.

You'll find explanations and exercises to help you explore using your body to express yourself.

Finding the confidence to play with physical humor, to allow yourself to experiment, will reward you enormously. Because,  as I say in the introduction to the page:

"Physical humor has an immediacy that by passes language completely and goes straight to the funny center. It transcends age groups, gender and culture."

 It's the language everybody understands.

Verbal and physical humor are the core elements you'll bring together when crafting your speech.

3. Integrating humor

Image: label. Text: How to use humor effectively

What works, what doesn't, and why?

We know adding humor to our presentations makes them more effective and more memorable but sometimes the more we try, the worse it gets. The jokes fall excruciatingly flat.

You can avoid that pain by reading  how to use humor effectively .

Those great funny speeches you admire bring more than a knowledge of the basic "ha-ha, hee-hee" building blocks together.

4. Storytelling & characterization

Image: label. Text: How to use humorous stories in speeches

How to use humorous stories or anecdotes in speeches. There's three pages to browse. All of them will deepen your understanding.

-  story telling in speeches  - choosing & shaping a story. What story fits your speech purpose, your audience and your content?

-  story telling set-ups Having a great funny story to tell is good. Having a great introduction or set-up to it, is even better. Find out how do that well.

-  characterization techniques  enable you to become the characters in your story. Your stories are so much richer for it.

5. Rehearsal/practice = great funny speeches

Image: label. Text: Practice, practice, and then do it some more.

Having prepared your speech, you're ready for rehearsal.

Practice, and then more practice, will hone and refine your speech. You'll find out what works, what doesn't, where you need to edit and why.

Truly, I'm not exaggerating when I say that practice can make all the difference between being splendiferously successful and disappointment.

Read my story about giving a humorous speech .  That ought to convince you! This was a lesson straight from the "should-have-known-better department".

The tips you need for rehearsing are below.

  • how to rehearse  - a step by step guide to get the best out of the time you spend practicing.
  • vocal variety - how to use your voice effectively This page also has ongoing links information and exercises for using pauses, varying the rate of speech, how to speak clearly and  more - all of which are needed for humor.

Other resources for preparing great funny speeches

Image: label. Text: More resources

* Videoed speeches from  Toastmaster's Humorous Speaking Contests   Among other things like content, structure, choice of vocabulary, use of voice, they're good for seeing how gesture and movement helps tell the story.

(What I find really interesting about these is how personal preference plays into which I think are great funny speeches, and which I don't. I can see and hear competency and confidence. That's a base level requirement. However, beyond that individual sensibilities take over. ☺)  

* Tony Audrieth's The Art of Using Humor in Public Speaking . This is an in-depth exploration of the aspects that combine to successfully deliver a funny speech. You'll find examples of humor types, notes of delivery and practice as well as suggested sources for quotes and jokes. I think it's superb - an immensely valuable resource.

* A useful collection of fun speech topics - good for starters if you're stuck. 

  • Return to top of great funny speeches

speaking out loud 

Subscribe for  FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see  speaking out loud  

Susan Dugdale - write-out-loud.com - Contact

Top 10 popular pages

  • Welcome speech
  • Demonstration speech topics
  • Impromptu speech topic cards
  • Thank you quotes
  • Impromptu public speaking topics
  • Farewell speeches
  • Phrases for welcome speeches
  • Student council speeches
  • Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Public speaking games ebook cover - write-out-loud.com

Useful pages

  • Search this site
  • About me & Contact
  • Blogging Aloud
  • Free e-course
  • Privacy policy

©Copyright 2006-24 www.write-out-loud.com

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

how to write a funny speech about someone

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Education and Communications
  • Communication Skills
  • Public Speaking
  • Speechwriting

How to Write a Funny Speech

Last Updated: March 29, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 169,834 times.

Writing a speech is already a challenge, so why bother adding humor? Successful humor will relax the audience, making them more attentive and receptive. It can break down perceived barriers between you and the audience, fostering a sense of camaraderie with the audience. Read on to learn how to use humor to your advantage when giving a speech. [1] X Research source

Choosing Your Topic

Step 1 Find a topic.

  • Think about -- and then make -- a list of things you know a lot about or enjoy talking about. Single out the topics you’re knowledgeable about but also know you can be funny about. This might rule out topics that are hard to joke about, like poverty, domestic violence, etc.
  • Use this list (in combination with the next step) to select a potential topic.

Step 2 Consider your audience.

  • What’s the general age of your audience?
  • What do your audience members have in common?
  • What kind of speech are they expecting to hear?
  • What kind of humor are they likely to appreciate?

Step 3 Determine whether the speech should be humorously informative or just humorous.

  • If you’re writing a speech whose primary goal is to convey information or ideas, you’ll want to integrate humor while focussing on the ideas you want to convey. So draft the informative parts of your speech first, then integrate jokes and humor.
  • If you’re writing a speech whose primary goal is humor -- perhaps a satire or parody -- then you’ll want the humor center stage from the beginning. Choose a topic that lends itself to your sense of humor as well as to what the audience is likely to find amusing.

Writing Your Speech

Step 1 Decide your “big idea.”

  • Remember to choose a specific topic -- if your main idea/topic is too broad, you won’t do it justice in a relatively short speech. Choose something that you can describe in reasonable depth in the time allotted.
  • For example, if you’re writing a humorously informative speech about early American cinema, your main idea might be, “the advent of sound in film hurt rather than helped the medium by detracting from its visual potential”. This is specific enough not to be overwhelming while still leaving you room to develop substantial supporting points.
  • If, on the other hand, you’re writing a satirical speech, say, about reality television, your main idea might be, “nothing has contributed more to the cultural and intellectual richness of American society than reality television”.

how to write a funny speech about someone

Mine your own unique experiences for inspiration. "It's always good to take something that's happened in your life and make something of it comedically."

Step 2 Decide your main points.

  • Write down your main idea.
  • Below it, write out everything that comes to mind when you think about that idea. Use whatever visual or textual brainstorming method you prefer (eg, clustering, listing, freewriting, etc.).
  • Eliminate anything that’s too far away from the topic, that you don’t feel comfortable discussing, or that would require too much time and depth to cover.

Step 3 Outline your speech.

  • I. Introduction (where you state your main topic and the points you’ll make)
  • II. Main point one
  • III. Main point two
  • IV. Main point three
  • V. Conclusion (in which you sum up the main points, re-state your main idea, and issue a call to action from the audience, if appropriate)

Step 4 Begin with a “hook.”

  • Effective hooks include humorous personal anecdotes, surprising or entertaining examples, or direct questions to the audience that invite their participation and give them a chance to laugh at themselves. [10] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
  • For example, if you’re writing a speech about studying abroad, you might start by asking if anyone has ever wished they had an accent or intentionally faked one. You can then suggest they do it right and live somewhere they’ll actually have a legitimate accent.

Step 5 Write simply and clearly.

  • Err on the side of clarity over style, subtlety or artistry. Unlike a written piece, a speech is as much about delivery as it is about content, and the audience will be less attuned to the intricacies of sentence construction and more attuned to your overall message and the expressions as you give it.
  • Avoid overly long and complicated sentences. Long and difficult sentences will be hard to follow. Simplify your point and/or break complicated sentences into smaller, more easily digested ideas.

Step 6 Use vivid and specific adjectives.

  • For example, a word like “incendiary” is both more vivid, specific, and aurally interesting than a word such as “controversial”. “Incendiary” communicates the idea of something explosively provocative, while “controversial” is a more general term for something that generates disagreement.

Incorporating Humor

Step 1 Work humor into the text, once you have the foundation of your speech.

  • Consider generational differences with humor -- use references and jokes that address topical issues for that age group. For example, if you’re writing a speech about volunteering to an audience of high school students, relate the information in your speech to specific things and events relevant to teenagers. You might make a joke about volunteering versus staying home and trying to be Jimi Hendrix on Guitar Hero. Or you might pick a guitarist more recent than Jimi!
  • Know what the audience members have in common. Use it when writing jokes oriented around those shared elements, which are more likely to hold the audience’s attention. Doing so is invariably a crowd-pleaser. For example, if you’re addressing teachers, you might make a humorous reference to students’ most bizarre homework excuses.
  • Situational and observational humor that’s tailored to its audience is often particularly effective.

Step 2 Get inspired.

  • Watch your favorite funny movie, television show, or comedian.
  • Read works by your favorite humorous writers.
  • Don’t hesitate to take cues from their delivery -- learn from what they do to make a joke successful. (But don’t plagiarize!)
  • Pay attention when you make people around you laugh. Note the things you do or say that make people laugh and how you do it.
  • If, for example, your friends can’t stop laughing when you humorously re-enact stressful situations or conversations, try to incorporate similar elements into your speech.

Step 3 Keep the humor responsible.

  • Targeting particular people or groups is not only inconsiderate, it can alienate members of your audience.
  • Avoid jokes that are made at the expense of one side or another in a contentious issue, like jokes about one side of a political or religious debate.
  • Don’t make jokes about experiences you don’t understand. A good general rule is to write what you know. So if you, for example, have a learning disability, you might make a joke about the difficulties of dealing with standardized tests. But if you don’t have a learning disability, don’t make jokes about those who do -- you don’t share their specific experience, so you may unintentionally be making jokes about sensitive, potentially even hurtful, issues. [13] X Research source
  • Also take the taste level of your audience into consideration when deciding if a joke is going to be offensive. If you’re giving a speech to a room of educated adults, you’ll probably want to avoid overly bawdy or sexual humor.

Step 4 Keep the humor relevant.

  • The more relevant your jokes are to the specific matter at hand, the more likely they are to be successful with and entertaining.

Step 5 Be self-deprecating.

  • But don’t go to extremes of self-loathing, as that will have the opposite effect. The audience won’t know whether to laugh or what you’re trying to accomplish.

Step 6 Maintain focus.

  • Remember just what information it is you need to convey and ensure that it’s clear.
  • Don't let the humor become distracting. Humor can be a great tool for enhancing the information you’re conveying, as long as it doesn’t become a larger focus than the informative content itself. [15] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

Step 7 Edit and revise -- multiple times.

  • Give yourself enough writing time so that you can go through and revise multiple times.
  • The more attentive you are to the details, the more successful your speech is likely to be.

Delivering Your Speech

Step 1 Practice.

  • Read the entire speech aloud until you’re comfortable enough with the material that you don’t need to read directly from your script but can simply use it as a prompt when needed.

Step 2 Vary your tone and expressions.

  • If you watch comedians and humorists closely, you’ll find that they tend to lead in to their jokes in a particular, deliberate way. Specifically, they’ll use a combination of slower speech, significant pauses, and punctuated emphasis. So when you’re leading up to a joke, cue your audience by slowing down your delivery, pausing slightly before delivering the punchline, and emphasizing key words within the punchline. [18] X Research source
  • Emphasize important words, but not to the point that it becomes distracting. Practice how you would naturally speak the lines, paying attention to specific places where your tone rises, falls, or becomes more expressive. Keep those inflections in your speech and play them up enough to be animated, but stop short of being continually exaggerated, which will likely distract the audience from the content of the speech itself.
  • Watch and listen to speeches you admire. Pay attention to how the speaker manipulates their tone and pacing to enhance the speech and try to apply those same techniques to your own speech.

Step 3 Record yourself.

  • It can be somewhat uncomfortable to watch or listen to yourself, but doing so will help improve your presentation enough to be worth the momentary discomfort.

Step 4 Use large physical gestures.

  • Think of being somewhat theatrical, you want your gestures to be visible and distinct from a distance. Favor several broad gestures over a series of small ones. [20] X Research source

Step 5 Have fun.

  • Allow yourself to feel nervous. Accept that you’re going to feel that way and decide not to worry about it.
  • The more confidently you act, the more confident you’ll eventually feel.
  • You have a chance to share your humor and ideas with an interested audience -- enjoy it!

Expert Q&A

Patrick Muñoz

You Might Also Like

Give a Thank You Speech

  • ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-publicspeaking/chapter/humor-in-public-speaking/
  • ↑ http://www.drmichellemazur.com/2013/04/speech-topic.html
  • ↑ http://www.write-out-loud.com/how-to-use-humor-effectively.html
  • ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
  • ↑ http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-preparation-3-outline-examples/
  • ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/speeches/
  • ↑ http://writetodone.com/how-to-write-funny/
  • ↑ http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/How_to_add_humor_to_your_speechwithout_being_a_com_47538.aspx

About This Article

Patrick Muñoz

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Gary Heiser

Gary Heiser

Aug 14, 2016

Did this article help you?

how to write a funny speech about someone

Featured Articles

Accept Your Body

Trending Articles

View an Eclipse

Watch Articles

Make Sticky Rice Using Regular Rice

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

  • Toastmasters →

Funny Speech Topics to Make Your Audience Laugh

funny-speech-topics

Who among us hasn’t been caught off-guard during a speech, struggling to think of something to say, grasping desperately for words to fill the silence?

Whether it’s during a school presentation, a sales pitch, or a TED talk , great public speaking relies on having interesting materials to work with — and that often involves humor. After all, nothing captures people’s attention or puts them at ease like a well-crafted joke!

Today, we’re going to help you get your creative juices flowing and make sure there’s never a dull moment in any of your speeches.

We’ve compiled some of the funniest speech topics to make your audience laugh, starting from the harmless to the outrageous. Whether you’re looking for something light and unassuming or a joke guaranteed to get a chuckle, this list has it all!

So without further ado, let’s dive right in and make sure your next talking points are both memorable and hilarious.

Quick Answer to Key Question

Some funny speech topics could include humorous takes on current events, jokes about popular celebrities, lighthearted observations, and satirical examples of everyday scenarios. The possibilities for humorous content are truly endless – use your imagination to come up with something unique!

What is a Funny Speech?

A funny speech is a lighthearted presentation that focuses on making the audience laugh. It can be delivered as either an informative, persuasive, or entertaining talk, with humorous remarks and jokes to recognize the comic elements in life.

To this end, it often features playful humor, irony, exaggeration, and even farce , but within an appropriate context. As such, funny speeches can help break up tension and serve as a refreshing break from more serious topics .

However, there are drawbacks to using humor in public speaking. First of all, being funny can be difficult, so speakers must cultivate their natural wit and observe trends and topics that may lead to amusing content.

Additionally, though an audience may seem receptive to lightheartedness upfront, it could become easily offended if jokes cross lines of decency. As such, a speaker must judge the energy of the room and deliver material that will evoke laughter without overwhelming their listeners’ sense of propriety.

Ultimately, presenting a funny speech requires finesse and skill. But when done successfully, it can create lasting memories for both speaker and audience alike. With these considerations in mind, let us now transition into the next section which explores ideas for humorous speech topics.

Ideas for Humorous Speech Topics

Humorous speech topics can be great ice breakers at an event or just an entertaining way to pass the time. Whether you are giving a speech in front of your peers or random strangers, you will want to come up with material that is witty, entertaining, and guaranteed to get a laugh or two. Here are some ideas for humorous topics to consider: 1. Discuss why cats are smarter than dogs 2. Compare life before and after cell phones3. Debate whether cake or ice cream is better 4. Talk about the pros and cons of going to bed late versus getting up early 5. Examine the ridiculousness of certain trends 6. Discuss why people overreact when a mistake is made 7. Share your thoughts about extreme diets 8. Laugh about the difficulty of parallel parking 9. Analyze why some people rebel against instructions 10. Debate which reality TV show is the most absurd No matter which topic you choose to discuss, make sure to focus on enjoying yourself and showcasing your humorous side.

While it’s important to focus on making others laugh, it is also essential that you have fun along with them, as this will help create a more authentic and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone in attendance. Now that you have some ideas for humorous speech topics, let’s move on to discussing events.

Talking About Events

Talking about events often brings out the most laughter in an audience.

Whether it’s discussing a current hot button issue or rehashing a comical blunder that happened to a friend, addressing funny topics related to events can be endlessly entertaining.

Though there are some topics that might be deemed too sensitive to address, such as politics or religious issues , many current and past events offer plenty of moments that make for interesting storytelling opportunities.

For example, humorous angles on the latest celebrity news or an analysis behind why sports teams make questionable decisions can be met with laughter and applause.

Similarly, gossiping about relationships or peculiar situations among friends provides plenty of material for comedic discourse. As long as a speaker is able to keep their dialogue respectful, making light of recent happenings often serves as great source material for humor.

That being said, even if the topic being addressed is objectively lighthearted, being mindful of how sensitive it may come off to some members of the audience is important.

When necessary, debaters should employ tact when approaching certain subjects and always strive to treat any individuals involved with respect in their presentations.

Kept within healthy limits, talking about events can be quite amusing and engaging – it can bring out not only laughter but positive conversations between family, friends and participants alike.

Leading into the next section now: Personal topics also provide an abundance of funny speech topics that will surely strike a chord with any group.

Personal Topics

When it comes to comedy, the personal touch can make all the difference. Taking your speech topic from something close to home such as family, work or hobbies can often result in an entertaining and relatable topic.

Whether you choose to do a light-hearted take on a serious issue or bravely share some embarrassing stories, there’s sure to be something funny within your own experience.

For instance, exploring the “family dynamic” is often a great place to start. Even in the tightest of families, the occasional funny moment can emerge. Tell a story about an occasion where everyone was struggling to act their best and you had a laugh at their expense.

Or explore how certain family members are always found in the center of attention (even if they don’t intend to be). If done in good taste and with respect, poking fun at your family can result in some sincere laughs from both yourself and your audience.

These topics provide an opportunity for self-deprecating humor and bring a unique perspective on life that others may find both humorous and intriguing.

Personal insights into everyday struggles, misunderstandings or awkward moments can lead to topics that are surprisingly relatable. You will find that what you feel is ordinary can actually be extraordinary in someone else’s eyes.

Keep in mind, though, that when taking this approach, it is important to never offend anyone with your comments or jokes. Embrace embarrassment but never belittle any individuals or groups who are part of your stories or experiences

By leaning into those funny moments – whether they involve yourself or others – they can become powerful tools that make your speech memorable and enjoyable. Now let’s move onto telling funny stories – which also has its own unique set of advantages!

Personal topics can make comedy writing unique and relatable. Telling stories involving family and funny moments can provide entertainment while being respectful. Touching on ordinary struggles and awkward situations can lead to humor while still avoiding offending anyone directly. Humorously embracing embarrassment will help make speeches memorable.

Telling Funny Stories

Telling funny stories is an effective way to make your audience laugh, as stories are usually much more relatable than jokes.

People of all ages will often enjoy hearing a clever anecdote that they can relate to or that paints a vivid picture in their mind. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when telling a funny story as part of your speech.

First, it is important to remember that time is limited. Try to select anecdotes that have a clear beginning, middle, and end that are not too long-winded or complicated. Make sure the story you choose conveys your point while making it entertaining.

One debate between comedians and public speakers is whether stories should be made up or true. On the one hand, factual stories can be full of fascinating nuances and details and may appeal to some audiences.

True stories allow you to fully describe an experience for the audience’s enjoyment or gain a better understanding of the person telling it.

On the other hand, comedic opinions often say that made-up stories can be even funnier than real events if they present a creative spin on life. Whichever route you choose, always try to turn your story into a humble brag!

No matter which type of story you tell, ensure that it fits in with your overall message, as this helps tie it together for the listener. With any luck your humor will land with the crowd and keep them engaged until you reach the conclusion.

To help prepare for delivering such an important section of your presentation, let’s move on to looking at some useful tips for Writing and Delivering a Funny Speech.

Tips for Writing and Delivering a Funny Speech

Writing and delivering a funny speech can be a rewarding experience, especially if you can make your audience roar with laughter. However, crafting an effective comedic monologue takes skill, confidence and sometimes a bit of trial and error. To help you get started, here are some tips for writing and delivering a funny speech: 1. Understand Your Audience – Study your audience to determine what kind of humor they will respond to. For example, family-friendly jokes will play better at a dinner table than a corporate conference room. Adjust your standards accordingly to ensure the best outcome. 2. Know What Not to Do – A true professional comedian knows what not to say or do during their performance. Avoid vulgar language, off-color jokes and controversial topics that may offend certain members of your audience. Also, it’s important to know how far is too far when making fun of yourself or colleagues. 3. Write Your Speech First – Write out the speech first before even attempting to deliver it in front of others. This will give you more control over the timing and pacing of key punch lines for optimum effect¹. It also eliminates any confusion about the order you want to deliver your jokes in front of an audience. 4. Rehearse – Even if you have written the speech beforehand, practice multiple times until you are comfortable delivering it in public or private settings. Know which visual aids (if any) will engage your audience during key points in the speech. 5. Have Fun – When delivering a funny speech, don’t take yourself too seriously! Relax, have fun and let your personality shine through while you tell your story or jokes³. Then enjoy the applause after each punch line lands! Ultimately, writing and delivering a funny speech requires knowledge, skill and dedication—but done right, it can be very rewarding! Now let’s move on to addressing how we can use humor appropriately in our speeches…

Use Humor Appropriately

When giving a speech, it is important to use humor appropriately. Too much humor can actually dilute the impact of an otherwise persuasive message.

Adding bits of humor throughout the presentation will keep an audience engaged and help make your points easier to remember. But if you attempt too many jokes during your speech, it can be distracting for listeners and actually work against your intended message.

Adopting a humorous persona or mocking people who disagree with you can be dangerous because members of your audience may take offense. It is recommended to base humor on personal experiences or stories that you know your audience can relate to in order to ensure the best response.

Likewise, comedian Jerry Seinfeld suggests avoiding overt political material in your speech–which should come as no surprise considering how polarizing politics has become these days.

Overall, it is important to strike the right balance when adding humor to a speech. Humor should be used sparingly and should stay away from controversial topics unless done skillfully; otherwise, it can backfire instead of unifying your audience or making a strong point. With this in mind, let’s look at some examples of humorous speech topics next.

Examples of Humorous Speech Topics

When it comes to funny speeches, it’s important to find a topic that resonates with your audience. If you can make an audience laugh, the speech will be remembered for years to come. While humor may differ from culture to culture, there are some topics that remain universally funny. Here are a few examples: • The Pros and Cons of Dating an Alien • How to Create an App That Makes Doing Laundry Easier • A Practical Guide To Quitting Your Job and Becoming an Astronaut • Surviving a Zombie Invasion Without Looking Too Silly • How To Be The Life Of Any Party By Creating Inventive Dances • A Tour Of Local Haunted Locations These humorous speech topics could also be used as the basis for some light-hearted debate, offering the opportunity to explore both sides of a comedic argument. Ultimately, with each topic, the possibilities and potentials of making a crowd laugh are endless!

It is clear from looking at the speech topics discussed in this article that humor can be found everywhere and used in a variety of forms. A funny speech does not have to contain jokes or stand up comedy, but can simply use wit, wordplay and well-timed delivery to draw attention and elicit laughter from an audience.

When preparing a funny speech, it is important to consider the topic carefully and ensure that it is appropriate for the context. Some people may find certain topics offensive or inappropriate depending on their preferences, so these should be avoided when giving a humorous speech.

The topics presented in this article cover a wide range of perspectives and provide ample opportunity for crafting an entertaining and memorable speech. If crafting your own material is not something you feel comfortable with, there are many sources available on the internet which provide ready-made humor suitable for speeches.

Ultimately, whatever speech topic you choose, the most important thing is that it resonates with your audience and makes them laugh!

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions with Detailed Explanations

What are some tips for delivering a funny speech.

1. Start by rehearsing your speech – make sure you know it word for word and practice delivering it with the right tone of voice and body language . Rehearsing will also help you memorize what to say if you get nervous during the performance. 2. Keep your audience in mind when choosing your topic. Make jokes and references that your audience will appreciate and understand – don’t try too hard to be funny if others won’t get the joke. 3. Come up with creative ways to capture your audience’s attention from the start – tell stories, anecdotes, or jokes that pique their interest and connect to your overall message. 4. Stay away from crude humour or off-color remarks if they aren’t appropriate for the situation. Make sure whatever jokes you make are lighthearted and not offensive or hurtful to anyone in the room. 5. Have fun! If you come across as too serious or uptight, no one will laugh at your jokes. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate or bring enthusiasm when delivering your speech – it will make it much more entertaining.

What topics are suitable for a funny speech?

Some excellent topics for a funny speech include: 1. Inexplicable Mishaps – Stories about your funniest mistakes, blunders, and bumbles! 2. Unusual Occupations – Share the details of your weirdest job or wackiest hobby. 3. Unforeseen Consequences – Talk about decisions you regret and the hilarious results that followed. 4. Random Animal Facts – Insert some hilarious animal trivia from around the world into your speech. 5. Dumb Criminals – Discuss the most foolish criminals and their failed attempts at avoiding justice. 6. Childhood Memories – Recount humorous moments from your childhood to brighten the mood of your audience. 7. Bad Jokes – Use classic puns, tongue-twisters, and one-liners to get the crowd laughing. 8. Comical Slogans – Talk about corporate catchphrases that are humorous in unintended ways! 9. Upcycled Language – Create new words or tweak old ones to give them a funny spin and make people chuckle! 10. Cultural Commentaries – Discuss deficiencies and absurdities in popular culture that can spark a good laugh from your listeners!

What types of funny speeches would be suitable for different audiences?

When determining which type of funny speech would be suitable for different audiences, it’s important to consider several factors. For instance, the age, gender, interests, and background of the audience will all play a role in deciding on a topic.

For example, if your audience is mainly composed of young students or professionals in their 20s and 30s, you might want to focus on topics that are relevant to their experiences such as relationships, technology, popular culture, and current events. You could also make jokes about self-deprecating humour, sarcasm, and irony.

If the audience is made up of mostly seniors or retirees, you may want to focus on topics like nostalgia, family stories, and observations about retirement. You can use human interest stories and light-hearted anecdotes to make them laugh.

For college audiences with various backgrounds and interests, you’ll want to focus on topics such as sports rivalries, differences between generations or cultures , or even absurdist humour.

Organizing a funny speech around a common experience that everyone in the room can relate to will help ensure it resonates with the whole audience. Doing some research beforehand can provide lots of inspiration for appropriate funny speech topics that are sure to make your audience laugh!

Adam Christing

6 Ways to Guarantee Laughs During Your Next Speech

We’ve all been there. The spotlight is on you, you’ve set up the perfect joke, you nail the punchline, and… crickets .

It’s never fun to feel like your humor isn’t reading as funny to the audience. That’s why I’m here to teach you my six greatest tips and tricks on how to make a speech funny, or your (metaphorical) money back.

See Related:  Best MC Jokes For A Conference

#1: Tell Relatable Stories

If there’s one thing we learned from Seinfeld , it’s that the everyday is funny . Use this to your advantage in your speech!

Audiences laugh when they see their own experience reflected onstage. Add relatable humor to your speech with these ideas:

Turn Frustration Into Comedy

What got on your nerves this morning? It was something. I know it was. You know it was. We all know it was.

And you know what? I bet it was funny and would be great for your master of ceremonies speech .

Let me guess…

Did your family member turn on a bright light while you were still asleep? Speech material.

Did one of your friends cut you off on the way to work, causing your chai latte to spill on your brand-new pants? Speech material.

Were you (yet again) not Caller #5 and didn’t win your radio station’s giveaway for tickets to John Mayer’s Sob Rock Tour? (I’m terribly sorry – but speech material.)

These sorts of situations may get on your nerves in the moment, but I promise that, when transformed into a joke told with the right spirit, they will be funny and make the audience laugh.

The main idea when writing your funny speech is to shift your own perspective from frustrated to amused.

#2: Use Your Physicality to Communicate

Humor isn’t just about the words you say. A major part of making a good joke and creating a funny speech is using your body language to tell the story.

What do I mean? Well , think about your favorite comedians .

From Ali Wong to John Mulaney, comedians each have their own way of using their bodies to add humor to the funny stories they tell. It’s like a secret, other skill that is so ingrained in their performances, you may not notice it at first.

Every great comic uses gestures and physicality to deliver their material and engage audiences.

Act as characters

In your speech, maybe you’re telling a funny anecdote about a parent-teacher conference you had with your son’s kindergarten teacher. Instead of just speaking about the event, make people laugh by playing it out for the audience!

Go ahead, embody the teacher and her proper, stiff posture. Show guests how utterly ridiculous it looked when you sat down in a tiny chair made to fit a five year-old because the teacher didn’t have an adult-sized chair for you to use.

I can hear the laughter already!

No need to overdo it

Remember, your shifts in body language don’t need to be hyperbolic. During speeches, even the slightest, most intentional changes will go a long way in helping the audience understand your story audibly and visually.

#3: Deliver Originality

Humorous speeches are based in truth . The best way to ground your speeches in truth is to use your own material!

This may seem simple, but it cannot be overstated: if you’ve heard the joke before, I promise your audience has too.

Personalize Your Funny Speech to the Event

It can be tough to create a humorous message that will pull lots of laughter out of your audience! But with practice, I promise you’ll become a pro – just like a regular ol’ event emcee . 

The best way to stay funny, original, and on-task is to remember the primary goal of the event :

What is the goal of the event?

Is it to help new students feel comfortable at a large university? To raise money for a local grassroots nonprofit?

Once you understand what the client hopes to achieve through these events (and, therefore, your speeches), you can begin adding humor that focuses on those particular subjects.

Here’s an example :

If I’m making a humorous speech with the goal of exciting the crowd before a 5K Fun Run begins, I might make a self-deprecating joke about the utter irony of putting the words “fun” and “run” next to each other – lighthearted, relatable for many, and sure to ease some runners’ nerves when they hear it.

Got Writer’s Block?

It happens to the best of us!

Here are some writing prompts to get your creativity, word play, and humor flowing:

  • Write about something that made you laugh out loud recently.
  • Write about the silliest message you’ve ever received over phone, text, or email.
  • Write about the most memorable slip-up you’ve ever made in public.
  • Write about a few people who make you laugh – what about them is so funny to you?
  • If you are the punch line, write the joke.

Bonus:  What Does An Event Host Do?

#4: Structure Your Jokes

Look, not everything can be funny to everyone (and if you discover the magical meme that is the exception to that rule, please send it to me ASAP).

However, you can do yourself a favor by structuring your comedy with intentionality.

Not Sure How to Structure Your Jokes?

Here are the main categories into which most jokes fall:

We touched on the main points of anecdotal jokes at the beginning – they just involve telling a funny story from your own life!

An incident while baking holiday cookies ? A mix-up that surprised you while picking your child up from school? The sound of a squeaking chair at a very inopportune moment?

As the speaker, your humorous stories are all fair game!

You guessed it – one-liners are jokes told in just one sentence. Deliver one-liners smartly and you will have the room in stitches.

Observational

I mentioned Seinfeld earlier – that show is a classic example of observational humor! Observational jokes comment on the absurdity of everyday experiences and are great to add to your speeches.

A recent example of observational humor in television would be Abbott Elementary . Each episode tells a story about the everyday joys and frustrations that can come with working at a public elementary school in Philadelphia – and finds a way to create humor and heart in every moment.

Topical humor pokes fun at current events, be it the news, celebrity culture, or the latest Tik Tok trend. A dash of topical humor, when used appropriately, can grab your audience’s attention and be an asset to your funny speech.

However, you must stay aware of the client’s needs. If they prefer that politics and pop culture stay out of your presentation for fear of rubbing an audience member the wrong way, you must respect this. In fact, it can be safer to stay away from topical humor unless you know you have the right audience for it.

Self-Deprecating

Self-deprecating jokes are all about finding humor in your own flaws. It’s great to be able to laugh at yourself, but be careful not to use so much self-deprecating humor that it makes your audience feel uncomfortable.

#5: Tone Is Your Friend

In the same vein as physicality, your voice is an incredibly effective tool for making folks laugh.

What Do I Mean?

Say you’re telling an anecdotal joke about your niece’s sixth birthday party. Sure, you could use your everyday intonation to “play” the various roles at the party. But…

Wouldn’t it be funnier to give each character a distinct intonation?

Your six year-old niece’s high-pitched, bell-like voice. Your brother’s gruff, Midwestern tone. The angelic, sing-song-y sound of the actor playing a Disney princess to entertain the kids.

Each character in the story is another opportunity for creativity, and for laughs.

Let’s Take a Tip from Actors

Even when you’re not playing a character other than yourself, your voice is still an incredibly useful instrument. Why?

Your voice is the audience’s guide.

Softness versus loudness. Lightning-quick speech versus indulgent slowness. Serious versus playful.

Whenever you speak, you make a million little choices . Be intentional about those, because your audience is (quite literally) taking your cue!

Convey Confidence

Delivery is everything. If a speaker or corporate emcee can deliver your presentation with a strong sense of confidence, the audience will feel safe to let loose and laugh. But this takes practice!

I feel disappointed when a speaker exudes insecurity. Try your best to put yourself in the audience’s shoes – wouldn’t you prefer to watch someone with great command of the room and confidence in their presentation?

I know I would!

#6: Bring People Together

Your audience is full of different people – many of whom you don’t know, and who will find different things humorous. Here are some tips for making everyone feel comfortable and ready to laugh:

Speak to Universal Experiences

It is important to do your absolute best not to ostracize anyone in the audience. Your client has hired you to help everyone feel comfortable. So, what is the best way to go about doing this in a diverse society?

When writing your speech, focus on humor that is a testament to the human experience , so that most people will relate to it. Adults, kids, everyone!

I don’t mean to be vague – the opposite, in fact. Specificity is funny.

Here are some examples:

There are certain human experiences with which every single person can identify:

  • Talk about a time when you felt embarrassed as a teenager .
  • Make a joke about an insecurity you had growing up, and still have to this day.
  • Surprise the audience with a weird dream you had recently.
  • Keep guests laughing with anecdotes about lessons you’ve learned the hard way.

Balance Listening and Speaking

Okay, okay, I know you’re giving a speech – that sort of implies that you’re talking. But listening is an equally important factor in your delivery of a hilarious speech.

It can be scary, but practice including pauses in your speech. Depending on the joke, the audience may need a few seconds to digest it before they begin laughing. Sometimes, your silence is the most entertaining part – if allowed, the audience will often fill that silence with laughter.

And, Scene!

As I’ve said before, humor is subjective – that will always be the case.

If you haven’t been getting the laughs you’ve hoped for, please talk kindly to yourself. Creating a humorous speech that appeals to many people takes lots of practice – you will get there!

Keep Reading:  How To Host A Networking Event

Adam Christing  has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000  company meetings ,  special events ,  gala celebrations , and more. He is the  author of several books  and founder of  CleanComedians.com .   For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on  Instagram ,  Facebook ,  Pinterest ,  LinkedIn , and  YouTube .

Recent Blog Posts:

  • Adam Christing, America’s Most Popular Corporate Emcee And Clean Comedian, Appears On The WOW Factor Podcast

7 Ways To Make Your End-Of-Year Staff Meeting Memorable And Meaningful

The importance of force majeure clauses when corporate hosting, 5 stage presence tips from a master of ceremonies.

  • Master of Ceremonies Helps 10 Non-Profit Groups Raise Over $77 Million at 10 Fundraising Events in the Fall of 2023
  • The Difference Between Hosting B2B and B2C Events
  • 5 Games To Enhance Your Next Annual Company Dinner
  • 5 Ways To Make Your Workplace Festivities Inclusive During The Holidays
  • 5 Holiday Fundraising Ideas From A Corporate Emcee
  • What Is B2B Event Planning? Your Complete Guide

Recommended For You

Comments are closed.

  • Get Started
  • Event Emcee
  • Entertainment
  • How To Be A Great Emcee

Subscribe to Adam's newsletter

Laughing Matters

Powered by Big Red Jelly

Connect with Adam:

© 2024 Adam Christing. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy . Terms & Conditions .

  • EASY BOOKING FORM
  • Get In Touch

The Great Speech Consultancy

How to be funny in a speech (when you’re not that funny in real life).

by Kolarele Sonaike

how to write a funny speech about someone

According to a Hertfordshire University study , this is the funniest joke in the world.

“Two hunters are out in the woods when  one of them collapses. He doesn’t seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator says, “Calm down. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence; then a gun shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says, “OK, now what?”

Hmm. OK, once you’ve finished laughing, picked yourself up from the floor and wiped away those tears of laughter, lets examine the subject of humour.

There is no lonelier place on the planet, than on stage after a bad joke.

It is possibly the single most painful experience for any public speaker.

Comedians know this, which is why they work so hard at their craft. Comedians aren’t funny in real life. Like any other profession, funny is what they do, not what they are. Comedians work and struggle just like the rest of us to be good at their jobs. Ellen, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock – all the greatest comics write, rewrite and rehearse their routines with incredible care, diligence and attention to detail. They try out material for months, sometimes years in advance, on audiences – sifting out the stuff that doesn’t work, and doubling down on the lines that do.

how to write a funny speech about someone

(Getty Images)

So why, oh why, do so many of us as public speakers always assume that we can just shoehorn a couple of lame one liners (found on the internet) into a barely rehearsed speech, and get big laughs from our audience? This is guaranteed to fail every time, reminding us of the words of writer, Quentin Crisp:

if at first you don’t succeed, failure may be your style – Quentin Crisp

( If you’re pushed for time, you can download the Free Checklist of this article:  Dos & Donts of giving funny speeches )

Being funny in a speech is hard to pull off. But like most hard things, with a little study, much practice, and a healthy dose of chutzpah, anyone can do it. So lets examine the anatomy of a joke in the next section helpfully called “Anatomy of a Joke”

Anatomy of a Joke

All comedy, whether a one liner, long anecdote, or even an entire movie, is basically comprised of two parts: The Set Up and the Pay Off (also known as The Punchline).

how to write a funny speech about someone

With the Set Up, you are setting the scene by giving the audience all the information they need to know so that they will be amused by the Pay Off.

1) Set Up: Knock Knock. Who’s there? Dozen. Dozen who?

2) Set Up: In the movie “Some like it hot” eccentric millionaire, Osgood Fielding III, spends the whole movie chasing Tony Curtis’ character, Jerry (dressed in drag pretending to be a woman).

3) Set Up: Dr Evil (Austin Powers) has been cryogenically frozen for 30 years, so when he meets his evil colleagues, he lays out his plan to extort the world for a huge sum of money.

4) Set Up (in the world’s funniest joke) The hunter dies in the woods and his panicking friend calls the emergency services.

The mistake that most public speakers make that leads to them giving unfunny speeches, is to concentrate all their effort almost entirely on finding that Pay Off, asking themselves ‘what’s the funny line that I can say here?’ Whereas the key to humour is to focus on creating a compelling Set Up so that the right Pay Off just reveals itself.

how to write a funny speech about someone

To create a great  Set Up:

1) Take a subject (ideally one with which you are very familiar)

2) Examine it from all angles looking for the surprising contradictions and unexpected anomalies within the subject.

3) Work out how you can exaggerate those contradictions and anomalies almost to the point of a humorous absurdity. Can you connect one seemingly unconnected topic with another? Can you take a particular approach that will highlight these funny contradictions?

The humour lies in those unexpected findings and exaggeration that are nevertheless real. It’s why you find yourself muttering ‘that’s so true’ through your tears of laughter when listening to a hilarious comedian nail her routine. It’s why a Best Man’s speech works best when it skates on the edge of decency by revealing just enough of the groom’s true nature to the audience (and the Bride).

When you work hard on your Set Up, the Pay Off comes pretty easily because the punchline that ties it altogether seems to reveal itself.

1) Pay Off: Doz-anybody want to let me in?

2) Pay Off: (Some like it hot) Tony Curtis finally comes clean and declares to millionaire Osgood,”I’m a man!” To which Osgood simply replies “Well, nobody’s perfect”

3) Pay Off: (Austin Powers) Dr Evil demands…. 1 Million Dollars

4) Pay Off: (The funniest joke in the world) The friend shoots his collapsed hunter friend.

how to write a funny speech about someone

A very effective method of creating a compelling Set Up is to use a hook or theme that drives the narrative forward.

A great example is the ‘Shit’ sketch by Finnish comedian, Ismo Leikola .  In this hilarious skit, he talks about how he always though there was just one definition or meaning of the word ‘shit’.  But when he went to the US, he realised there were many more meanings like ‘you ain’t shit’, ‘I don’t give a shit’, ‘leave my shit alone’. Because he had found a great hook for the narrative, finding the humour was quite easy.

So, when you’re giving a speech about a serious subject like ‘How the Financial Markets work’, but you want to introduce a little humour to ease the way, consider what are the eccentricities of the financial markets? What parts make little sense if you stand back and look at it? What would your 8 year old son or your 80 year old grandmother make of the way traders?

Or giving a presentation at a small business forum, what eccentricities do entrepreneurs have? What challenges do they all face that you can highlight in a funny way? What mistake does nearly every small business make, which no one admits do, but every one knows?

This is where you’ll find your humour – in the careful analysis of the contradictions within your subject . Once you tap into that zone, a whole new world will open up and the Pay Offs will almost trip off your tongue.

Finally, a few dos and donts to send you on your way

how to write a funny speech about someone

maria bamford (Getty Images)

1) Don’t tell them you are going to be funny.

Anytime I receive an an email with the subject line: “This is funny”, I delete it. It never is. If you’re going to be funny, then be funny.  Don’t announce it.

2) Do have a purpose

As one of the greatest and funniest public speakers, the late Sir Peter Ustinov reminds us

 Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious – Sir Peter Ustinov

Don’t make jokes just for the sake of making joke. Stay focused on the reason you are giving your speech, and use humour to help achieve that objective.

3) Don’t copy. Adapt.

The best jokes are original. Your own material, born of your own experience will always be superior to something copied off jokes.com.

But originality can be hard. So, if you do have to use someone else’s material, approach it like Amy Winehouse covering the song ‘Valerie’ originally by the Zutons (bet you hadnt even heard of the Zuton’s version), and not like a teenage X Factor contestant doing yet another cover of Whitney Houston’s ‘I will always love you’ (which itself was a cover of Dolly Parton’s original song).

Put your own spin on it. Make it your own and it will feel fresh.

4) Do tailor your jokes to your audience

What works for a university fraternity will probably not work for an accountant’s convention. Lawyers love a good naughty joke (it makes us feel dangerous), but you should probably avoid sexist jokes if you’re presenting to the Women’s Institute.

5) Don’t take yourself too seriously

If you can make jokes at your own expense, you’ve got a far better chance of making your audience laugh, than if you are joking about someone else.

Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century – And Barry Humphries

And when it comes to your delivery, you want to use your voice to help paint a picture of your ideas in the minds of your audience. Treat it as a song or melody you are singing to your audience. The things you want to think about are:

  • timing – uses pauses and speed variation to build interest
  • use your body to amplify and reflect your words
  • give your voice dynamism i.e. intonation, pitch, volume
  • commit (don’t do things half hearted)

how to write a funny speech about someone

Go forth, and be funny!

(Grab the full Checklist of 12 Dos & Donts for giving a funny speech )

Kolarele Sonaike

p.s. Grab your slot for a 1 hour communication skills coaching call with me. It’s free and pretty transformative. Click here to book your slot.

“ The session with Kola had a huge impact. He helped me tap into the passion that is central to my work and message. At an emotional level this showed me how I could start working with a different sense of authenticity, which would be founded upon a new level of confidence and commitment. The session really ‘gave the green light’ for me to tell my story in my approach so I could in turn create genuine impact the people I work with.” – Richard, Performance Coach

“The strategy session with Kolarele was great. In only one hour he was able to provide me with tools to work with to overcome some of my fears and improve my communication skills. I feel I have already made progress. I can only imagine what transformation will look like once we continue working together.” – Belinda, Co Founder

“Understanding how my presentation skills could be improved required me to understand my own long held inhibitions. Identifying this was both scary and enlightening, but seriously made me feel that I could give, not only a great presentation, but achieve my bigger goals. Thank you” – Yves, Marketing & PR (Embassy Liaison) Manager

Pin It on Pinterest

how to write a funny speech about someone

How to write a funny speech – Part 1

Why you should learn how to write a funny speech.

Understanding how to deliver a speech well will make you feel good but being able to weave humour into any speech will get you noticed. Today we expect speakers to entertain as well as inform us, so understanding  how to write a funny speech  is an essential skill for aspiring presenters.   This is the first in series of short articles designed to help you learn the secret of weaving humour into your speeches.

ALWAYS START WITH THE STORY

The best way to introduce fun into a speech is by telling stories. And the best kind of stories are personal ones. Speakers who do this get the most laughs and make the most impact.  Human beings have passed on information through storytelling since the dawn of time and, as a result, our brains are programmed to listen to and absorb stories better than any other form of information.   When it comes to writing a humorous speech, think of it in terms of a story.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD STORY?

The structure of stories has been studied and analysed for centuries, and one of the most powerful story forms is known as “The Hero’s Journey.” In a nutshell, it can be described as “Who wants what, what stops them from getting it, and how do they get it anyway?”

For example, in a business presentation, the “hero” could be a customer who wants to do something but cannot because of a problem.  Your product or service is the solution, and you can show how by using it, the hero achieves their desired goal.

START BY BECOMING A STORY COLLECTOR

If you are alive, then you have inevitably had experiences from which you have learned a wealth of things. Whats more, many of these experiences will have a humorous element to them and so can be used to help make your messages funny and memorable. Everyone has such stories, and everyone shares them with family, friends and sometimes colleagues, but most people do not bother to record them.

If you want to know how to write a funny speech, then you need to start by writing your personal experiences down.   It doesn’t matter if it’s on paper in a notebook or online via your mobile phone, tablet or computer.   The important thing is that you start to capture these experiences so that you can mine them for material.  That’s an essential part of how to write a funny speech.

Tip:  Start capturing stories TODAY.  Don’t worry if you can’t remember all the details.   I usually start by brainstorming ideas using a mind map. One or two words is often enough to trigger our memories.  The details can be added later and I’ll be speaking more about this in the next post.

P.S. Please help me help as many people as possible by sharing  this post with your friends and colleagues via social media.

Share on facebook

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Notify me by email when the comment gets approved.

 By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. All information collected with this form will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy . *

The Tech Edvocate

  • Advertisement
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Write For Us
  • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
  • The Edvocate Podcast
  • Assistive Technology
  • Child Development Tech
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
  • EdTech Futures
  • EdTech News
  • EdTech Policy & Reform
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses
  • Higher Education EdTech
  • Online Learning & eLearning
  • Parent & Family Tech
  • Personalized Learning
  • Product Reviews
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • School Ratings

3 Ways to Treat Yellow Stool

How to dress rugged (men): 12 steps, 15 easy ways to attract a gemini man physically, how to buy pc games on steam: 8 steps, 3 ways to stop an eviction in florida, 3 ways to reduce finance charges on a car loan, how to take tongkat ali: 12 steps, 3 ways to wear a dress – styling tips for versatility and flair, 3 easy ways to prove you are being stalked, how to avoid ectopic pregnancy: 8 steps, how to write a funny speech.

how to write a funny speech about someone

Humor has the unparalleled ability to unite people, break the ice, and make any situation more enjoyable. A funny speech can be a powerful way to entertain and connect with your audience. But writing a hilarious speech may seem challenging, especially if you don’t consider yourself a natural comedian. Fear not! This step-by-step guide will help you craft the perfect blend of humor and storytelling to keep your audience engaged.

1. Know your audience

Before you start drafting, consider your audience. Who will be listening to your speech? Are they coworkers, friends, or a mix of people from various walks of life? Knowing your listener’s interests, preferences, and backgrounds can help you tailor your humor and stories to resonate with them.

2. Pick a theme

Having a central theme or message for your speech helps keep the content consistent and provides a framework for adding in comedic elements. Think about what you want your audience to take away from your speech and choose a theme that allows for blending humor with valuable insights.

3. Gather amusing anecdotes

Everyone has funny stories from their life – things that have gone wrong or unexpected situations – that can be weaved into a speech. Write down all the amusing stories and experiences peripherally related to your theme. This will give you plenty of material to incorporate into your speech.

4. Use personal stories

Being vulnerable by sharing personal stories not only makes humor more relatable but allows the audience to connect with you on a deeper level. They will appreciate honesty and openness which, in turn, keeps them engaged in your speech.

5. Add comedic elements

There are many ways to add humor without resorting to corny one-liners or overt jokes. Here are some techniques:

  – Wordplay: Employ puns, double entendres, or witty word associations.

  – Exaggeration: Amplify situations or your reactions to create humorous absurdity.

  – Callbacks: Refer back to a funny story or moment from earlier in your speech.

– Observational humor : Comment on familiar situations and behaviours that the audience can relate to.

6. Edit, refine, and rehearse

Once you’ve written your speech, go through it multiple times, editing and refining for clarity, coherence, and comedic effect. Keep an eye out for jokes or stories that may not land well or could offend your audience.

Rehearse your speech in front of a small group of friends, family members or colleagues who can provide constructive feedback. Take note of the parts where they laugh and those that need more polishing. Keep tweaking and practicing until you feel confident.

7. Timing is everything

One of the secrets of successful comedians is timing. Pay attention to pacing, pauses, and emphasis in your delivery. Let your audience process the humor by giving them time to laugh without rushing into the next part.

8. Be open to improvisation

No matter how meticulously you plan your speech, unforeseen circumstances might crop up – like unintended laughter or unexpected reactions from the audience. Being open to improvising allows you to adapt and maintain control over the situation while keeping the humor flowing.

Remember that practice makes perfect; as you become more comfortable with incorporating humor into your speeches, your comedic skills will continue to grow. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a funny and engaging speech that keeps everyone entertained while leaving them with a memorable message.

3 Ways to Not Miss the Bus ...

How to play punch buggy: 12 steps.

' src=

Matthew Lynch

Related articles more from author.

how to write a funny speech about someone

4 Ways to Cope if You Wet Yourself in Public

how to write a funny speech about someone

3 Ways to Pull Out a Loose Tooth

how to write a funny speech about someone

How to Make a Dinosaur Cake

how to write a funny speech about someone

3 Ways to Remove Milk Stains

how to write a funny speech about someone

How to Use a Charcoal Grill: 12 Steps

how to write a funny speech about someone

3 Ways to Make a Disney’s Mulan Costume

Clean Comedians®

Find A Funny Speaker or Entertainer!

How do fee ranges work?

Fee ranges reflect the performer's standard, domestic keynote fee. The Clean Comedians® team works on your behalf to find the right performer for your event at the right price!

$1,500 - $5,000

$5,001 - $15,000

$15,001 - $25,000

$25,001 - $50,000

$50,001 and up

5 Key Ways To Make Your Next Corporate Speech Hilarious

How To Make A Speech Funny

We all know at least a few people in our lives that are inherently funny . These are the kinds of people that can make others laugh without even trying! However, for a lot of us, it’s not always so effortless.

Especially when it comes to a corporate speech, it’s normal to feel some nerves. But at the same time, you really want to leave the impression of a funny and intriguing host. So how can you successfully give a speech that’s both entertaining and humorous?

We’ll let you know what to do for your next corporate speech to leave your audience laughing.

See Related:  60 Dad Jokes To Impress Your Kids

Main Aspects For A Humorous Speech

  • Focus on originality
  • Create your content to fit your audience
  • Loosen up and have fun with it
  • Deliver your speech the right way
  • Captivate your audience

1. Be Original!

There’s nothing less funny than hearing a joke you’ve already been told. Nowadays, social media is full of new memes and antics every day – so make sure you’re not just copying your joke from the internet .

Don’t Copy A Joke From Online

Even if you don’t spend abundant time online, many people in your audience probably do. And you won’t be able to get away with simply pulling a one-liner or funny story from social media.

Seriously – don’t even try!

Make sure your material is original as if you thought of it on your own accord. Better yet, draw from an inside joke floating around the office or a personal experience only you can speak on.

Remember, you should never resort to making jokes at someone else’s expense, either. Make sure you’re also careful with self-deprecating jokes. 

Sometimes, your audience won’t know if it’s appropriate to laugh or not. And that can be really awkward.

These are surefire ways to wipe the smile off your audience’s face.

What If I Can’t Figure It Out Alone?

Originality is critical, but it’s also one of the most complex parts to implement when delivering a funny speech. It can even seem stressful at times to try to understand what to do to bring out laughter from your audience.

That’s where Clean Comedians® comes in. We know exactly how to make a speech hilarious and leave your audience laughing!

Humor speeches mark twain talk presentation humour kids words example humor

We tailor our material to your unique company and brand, without resorting to uncomfortable or inappropriate topics. So look no further if you’re needing some hilarious content for your corporate event – we’ve got you covered!

2. Tailor Your Content To Your Audience

Not everyone will laugh at the same jokes when it comes to comedy. Your audience might not find humor in every single punch line, especially if they don’t get it (duh).

Maybe that sounds a little daunting. So how can you really know what will make them laugh?

Luckily, there’s a simple way to both capture your audience’s attention and give them a good laugh.

People Laugh At What They Can Relate To

Most of the jokes out there are vague and can apply to everyone in the entire world. So in theory, it seems like these simple jokes are a safe way to bring some smiles. But that won’t cut it.

The best way to create a killer speech is to make humorous content that is unique to your audience. Give a speech that only your audience will get!

Because this is where things can get really funny!

A Funny Speech Is A Personal Speech

A unique and catchy speech is personal to either your own experiences or your audience’s experiences.

A great way to start is by telling an inside joke only your team will understand. You can also use funny stories from around the office to relive some hilarious memories!

But steer clear of jokes that will exclude certain members of the audience. That only serves to divide people rather than connect them.

So, make your jokes unique to your industry or company. Remember, jokes that might be funny for a law firm probably won’t bring the same laughs from a group of architects. Reflect on what your company is all about, and build on it!

Bonus:  10 Best Jugglers Throughout History & Which Ones To Invite To Your Next Corporate Event

3. Don’t Take It So Seriously

If you’re writing a funny speech for a corporate event , it will make sense not to be exceptionally serious about it. Humour isn’t an exact science – it’s an art.

Adding humor to your speech should be fun and exciting! Don’t think of it as a corporate presentation, but instead, like you’re just speaking with friends.

Add humor family member speeches humor example hear deliver mark twain example

Your priority is to connect with people and have a good time with your audience. So, relax and feel confident in your material.

Don’t Force A Humorous Speech – Let It Happen

There’s nothing less funny than someone trying to force a dead joke. If your audience doesn’t laugh at a joke, move on.

Get comfortable with the possibility that a joke might not be funny. And that’s okay!

It’s important to recognize these key points:

  • If you make a joke and your audience doesn’t laugh, it’s important to move on.
  • You shouldn’t ever take time to explain your joke – if it didn’t hit quite right, let it go.
  • And don’t take offense if your audience doesn’t find your joke funny! Humor is subjective .

4. Humorous Speeches Are Told Correctly

Let’s say you’re giving a speech. You prepared the best joke. It’s catchy, not offensive, and you’re sure you’ll make your audience laugh.

But when it comes time actually to tell it, you don’t get a reaction. No laughter, nothing .

So, where did you go wrong?

Delivery Is Key

It’s not enough to just write a good joke . Your words need to be delivered in a way that impacts your audience.

After you create your own material for a funny speech, you need to decide how you will tell it. You’ll need to consider your tone, body language, and intonation.

You can quickly grasp your audience’s attention by being confident and excited as a speaker. Your voice should reflect the lighthearted and open nature of your message.

Remember, how you tell the joke is just as important as the joke itself.

How To Make A Speech Funny With Your Voice

It’s no surprise that you can’t tell a joke in a monotone or bland voice and expect to get a lot of laughs. Delivery can be challenging for many people when giving a humorous speech.

Speeches humorous stories notice kids break practice point humor speeches talk

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

  • Act like your audience is your friend
  • Talk with life and energy in your message
  • Your audience can hear if you are nervous – embrace confidence!
  • Don’t rush – use pauses and various tones of voice to make the speech captivating

Most people struggle to know how to deliver a joke in a funny speech. But sometimes, all it takes is practice!

Confidence as a speaker will come much easier if you are comfortable with your material. So make sure you know your stuff. You can even record your speech, then play it back to it to see how it sounds.

5. Draw In Your Audience

If you’re trying to bring some laughs out of your audience, you will need to make it something that tickles their mind. Of course, the primary goal of your speech is to make your audience giggle, but first, you need to set them up .

The beginning of your speech should be comprised of content that will captivate your audience. You’ll need ideas of material that will hook them from the very start.

Build Your Speech Around A Story

Storytelling has been around for centuries as an effective way to communicate and entertain those around us. So telling a story is a timeless and reliable way to begin your funny speech.

The best stories are the ones where it’s hard to find other examples because great content is original and based on your own experience.

Humor life speaking comedy audiences word play other skill speeches humor

Find some ideas for a funny story by diving into some hilarious memories from your past. (Bonus if they’re work-related, so your corporate audience can relate!)

Find Ways To Connect With Your Audience

One of the best ways to intrigue your audience and set them up for a hilarious speech is by connecting with them. If what you’re saying is something they can relate to, they will want to listen!

Find some common ground, then build on it. Spin it into an entertaining story, and then add your joke. There are many different types of jokes out there, but don’t get too caught up in the technicalities of it all.

The main thing to remember is that your joke should flow with the story you’re creating. Make sure your speech is conversational and feels natural to tell! And keep in mind, what reads well on paper might not always sound good as a speech.

So, when it comes time to deliver your funny speech, ensure you pay attention to all these details. But of course, have fun with it! Laughter is contagious – if you’re having a good time, your audience will too.

Keep Reading:  7 Tips On How To Become A Funny Keynote Speaker

Adam Christing  is a professional comedy magician, virtual MC, and the founder of  CleanComedians.com . He is a member of the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and a popular  corporate entertainer , magician, and virtual speaker.

how to write a funny speech about someone

Let’s Chat About Your Event!

We’ll Work With Your Date, Your Budget, And Your Event Needs To Make It An Unforgettable One!

Recent Posts

  • Name * First Last
  • Organization *
  • Event Date(s)
  • Budget Range * $1500 - $5000 $5000 - $15000 $15000+ Our virtual entertainers, speakers, and celebrity rates vary. We can help you find the right presenter for your group when we know more about your budget range. Thank you!
  • Tell us about your event *
  • Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fee ranges reflect the performer’s standard, domestic keynote fee. The Clean Comedians® team works on your behalf to find the right performer for your event at the right price!

  • Budget Range * Choose $1500 - $5000 $5000 - $15000 $15000+ Our virtual entertainers, speakers, and celebrity rates vary. We can help you find the right presenter for your group when we know more about your budget range. Thank you!

Public Speaking Resources

300 Funny Speech Topics to Tickle Some Funny Bones!

Funny speech topics are usually difficult to turn up with. Yet, presenting this kind of speech might put you in trouble if you do not decide on the topic properly.

Better research on the topics motivating starting point. You will be happy to see smiles and laughter on your audience’s faces when you share the funny speech.

Besides, presenting a speech is challenging, and adding humor makes your speech interesting. Successful humor will entertain the listener.

It can break down professed barriers between you and the audience. This article gives some ways to use humor to your advantage while delivering the speech.

To jump to the funny 270 speech topic section, click here . And, to jump to funny speech videos, click here .

A funny speech recommends a joyful response from the audience from the start of the speech. Here every tone and gesture prognosis the significance with the audience.

The general belief and preference appear from the funny speech topic you choose. This type of speech also helps to differentiate you from others in a similar area.

  • Persuasive Speech Topics
  • Informative Speech Topics
  • Argumentative Speech Topics

Indeed, public speech is full of fun usually when humor is added to them. The main usage of humor is to convince the audience with your overview. This can move a long way convincing your solution is the correct one.

For most people, delivering a speech can be like sitting on the cactus plant. It is a great responsibility and with intense pressure.

Due to nervousness, we do not desire to deliver a speech in front of a crowd of audiences.

A speech helps to communicate with an audience allowing them to understand a specific side of a topic. The language, volume, confidence, and body language matter while delivering the speech.

Adding a little humor both in your speech and topic will help to cut the stress. The article deals with funny speech topic ideas for every type of speaker. Relevant to the age group of your audience, better select the topic and carry out the proper research.

Table of Contents

1. Research and find the topic

2. consider and understand your audience, 3. decide the type of speech you are going to deliver, 4. decide your ideas and goal, 5. think about your main points, 6. deliver the speech clearly and understandably, 7. use vivid and particular adjective, 8. get inspired, 9. record the speech you practice, persuasive funny speech topics, informative funny speech topics, impromptu funny speech topics, funny speech videos, how to deliver an effective funny speech.

funny speech topics

While deciding on the topic, think about the quality of your speech. It should not only depend on the topic you choose.

Better think about and make a list of the things you enjoy talking about the most. Point out the topics which you understand better and can be funny at the same time.

This might exclude some topics which are difficult to deliver a funny speech. Such topics are poverty, funeral, domestic violence, and much more. Better make proper use of the list and decide on the prospective topic.

Before working on the speech, remember who you are going to deliver the speech. It will be better if you consider and understand your audience. Here are some questions to think about:

  • What is the common age of your listener?
  • What does your audience have in general?
  • What kind of speech do they desire to hear?
  • What kind of funny speech did they expect to appreciate?

There are two types of speech. They are humorously informative and humorous speeches. You have to choose among them

A humorously informative speech delivers the information to the audience making them laugh. Besides, a firmly humorous speech aims to make the audience laugh.

Suppose, you are delivering a speech whose main aim is to deliver information or ideas. Here, you might desire to integrate humor while thinking about the ideas you want to deliver. Better draft the revealing part of your speech initially, then include jokes and humor.

After you decide on the topic, you have to focus on the main points of the speech. Think about the key message you desire to get across.

Do not forget to select a particular topic. If the foremost topic is extremely wide, your speech might not be fruitful. These types of speech are hard to complete in a short time.

Think about the main points and use the devising procedure to turn up prospective points. This helps to discuss and support your main idea. Get rid of anything that does not match the topic. Better do not speak on the points that you do not feel comfortable talking about. You can also pick up your strongest points and choose which ones to comprise.

Most of us get 25% of what we learn by hearing . Since your audiences listen to your speech, make sure your language is clear and simple. Unlike writing, speech deals with delivering speaking on the relevant topic.

Here, the audience will be less agreed with the details of sentence structure. They will be more agreed to your complete message.

Also, pay more attention to the expressions while presenting the speech. Avoid too long and complicated sentences. Since these types of sentences will be difficult to follow.

Clear and direct sentence structures are improved the way you express words. These words should be as vivid as possible. The more expressive a word is, the fewer needed to converse a similar concept.

It is much east to talk about humor when you are in a humorous mood. It is much east to talk about humor when you are in a humorous mood. So, earlier than presenting the funny speech, be inspired by the things you find humorous and entertaining.

You can also:

  • Make some time for funny movies, television shows, or comedians.
  • Read the work done by your favourite entertaining writers.
  • Focus more when you make people round you laugh. Note the things you do or say that entertains people and the way you do it.

It is better to video record when you practice the speech. Doing this allows you to observe and tweak both your vocal and physical performance.

But if you are unable to take video, and audio recording can be useful as well.

Observe or listen to the recording to look for the points where the speech lags or where your tone goes down.

Assure you are not presenting too quickly or too slow. Make sure you do not jiggle or say “um” excessively. It can be uncomfortable to listen to yourself. Yet, doing this helps to improve your presentation.

270 Funny Speech Topics 

Find here the list of funny speech topics. Read the topic and make sure you practice more for a good result.

  • Why you should never participate in a food challenge
  • Describing a yo-yo to an alien
  • Practical guide to a toothache
  • How do I fire my boss?
  • Breakup insurance policy: A must have
  • Life should come with a soundtrack
  • A petition for comfortable lingerie.
  • How to Kill Your Goldfish
  • How to Lose the Guy of Your Dreams
  • Bad pick up lines are better than good pick up lines.
  • Sometimes I talk to myself because I need intelligent conversation
  • If failures are a stepping stone, I’ve built myself a ladder to heaven
  • Never start a diet on a Monday
  • Netflix is a hobby
  • My birthday should be a national holiday
  • Shoes tell a lot about a person: Crocs for all!
  • Why braces are cool
  • The Strangest Person I Ever Met –
  • Eating things you don’t like
  • Children’s Nursery Rhymes: The real meaning behind them
  • Internet dating: The best way to find love
  •  Why the Barbie Doll is an icon
  • Why Mom knows best
  • A man’s right to wear skirts
  • If I were the Lord of Misrule…
  • Mistaken identity: Why I am commonly confused with a movie star.
  • Is the ‘Force’ with you?
  • My best chat-up lines
  • The worst chat-up lines ever
  • Why I prefer dogs over people
  • Homer Simpson for President
  • How to Flunk Out of College
  • Why Good Girls Love Bad Boys
  • Shifting the blame: the only way to handle difficult situations
  • Talk Shows: Airing Our Dirty Laundry
  • Taylor Swift: A Role Model For Today’s Youth
  • Jared, the Subway Guy: His Rise to the Top
  • Bollywood movies and Illuminati
  • We Are the People Our Parents Warned us About
  • Everything I Needed to Know in Life, I Learned in Kindergarten
  • Guaranteed Ways to Ruin Your Credit
  • Blaming your dog for things
  • Blaming your horoscope for why things went wrong
  • Protection from Zombies
  • People with mediocre talents have success and high talented people haven’t.
  • How teachers spend their time when they are not teaching.
  • Coffee tastes bitter, but we want it anyway.
  • Are the final exams in schools rigged?
  • Why are Dads so weird?
  • Reasons why I love doing nothing around the house.
  • Internet surfing is a workout.
  • Every child should get a cootie shot.
  • The funniest amusement parks.
  • How to deny reality.
  • Wine/beer/cocktail of the month.
  • Why I don’t want to be a millionaire.
  • When I resign, I will …
  • For her/him who doesn’t have to do it, nothing is impossible.
  • Once a month, the school should allow kids to host a food fight.
  • Short guys are closer to your heart.
  • Halloween shouldn’t be the only holiday when we get to wear costumes.
  • My younger/elder sibling(s) should treat me like a king/queen.
  • Men should never wear skinny jeans.
  • Why older women do not want to admit their age.
  • Why women say they hate sports.
  • Why casino players actually are sad people.
  • Why smart people don’t know they have the wrong ideas.
  • Women marry much younger men.
  • What if plants had feelings?
  • Your guide to life.
  • Who runs the world? No really, who’s in charge?
  • Eating flowers is possible.
  • Happy puppies make humans happy.
  • Urban running acrobatics.
  • Personal bloopers are great funny topics for a speech.
  • What women really say when they talk to men.
  • Answers on the meaning of life.
  • A true story that isn’t true in the end.
  • How to pass the blame like a pro
  • Why men like action and women like romance movies.
  • Five requirements to be called a bestie by girlfriends.
  • Why rose is the best flowers’ fragrance many women like.
  • The power of foot reading
  • Chasing idle dreams is a good habit.
  • Rare speed limits and the reasons why.
  • What women really say when they talk to men?
  • In a fight between superheroes, who will win the battle?
  • Life with Harry Potter.
  • Calorie counts should be listed on all foods.
  • Cleaning your room is overrated.
  • Why men are proud of themselves.
  • Ways to remember birthdays.
  • My most profitable mistake.
  • How to find funny speech topics in 24 hours.
  • How to bunk college
  • How to do make up like a joker
  • Why is cheating not included in the course curriculum?
  • What to do on a desert island.
  • Things to do in the traffic jam.
  • How to cope with troubles at a family reunion.
  • Why I don’t need money or cash.
  • The Ten Commandments in a restaurant boys and girls room.
  • Why people look like their dogs.
  • Top 5 bad business slogans.
  • How lazy students still survive and succeed in life.
  • Why my – any fun speech topic – looks cooler than the … of my neighbor.
  • Why you need to lie.
  •  What do teachers do off duty?
  • A guide to efficient lazyness
  • How to juggle
  • How to carve a pumpkin
  • How to catwalk
  • How to apply face paint
  • Offending your parents: The proper way to do it.
  • Why exercise is a scam
  • What to say on a first date
  • What not to say on a first date
  •      How to sell yourself: A guide to proper prostitution
  • How to survive a blind date
  • How to survive as an incompetent person
  • How to cheat at Monopoly
  • The 3 biggest lies at school
  • How you can tell when you’re drunk
  • Why the chicken crossed the road: An analysis
  • Questions not to ask people
  • The worst jokes ever
  • The best jokes ever
  • The art of making cereal
  • How to give your dog a pill
  • How to cheat at poker
  • How to dance the twist
  • What to do with cold custard
  • What Not to Say on a Date
  • What Not to Wear on a Date
  • Divorce: The escape you’ve been seeking
  • How to Screw up a Job Interview
  • How to Ruin a Good Thing
  • How to Fail at Dieting
  • How to Change a Baby’s Diaper (Use a doll)
  • How to Succeed in College Without Attending Class
  • How to Get Out of A Speeding Ticket
  • How to Survive on Minimum Wage
  • America’s Dumbest Criminals
  • Celebrities Behaving Badly
  • An Idiot’s Guide to Cooking Frozen Dinners
  • Is this a sign? Learning sign language.
  • Get Rich Quick
  • Marketing tactics and why they work
  • How to Succeed as a Freeloader
  • How to Catch a Cheater
  • Mastering the art of passive aggressiveness
  • Napoleon Dynamite: An American Hero
  • American Idol
  • The McDonald’s Diet
  • Adam Sandler
  • Best Excuses For Missing Work
  • How to Cheat on a Test
  • Unique uses for duct tape
  • Fun with super glue
  • Quote Shakespeare like a pro
  • Yodel like a professional
  • Eating well on $5.00 a day
  • My apology for global warming
  • How to grow grits for fun and profit
  • Getting over your fear of speech making
  • Plausible conspiracy theories
  • Thanksgiving dinner in three easy steps
  • How to be a charming host at any event.
  • The art of being unbearable
  • 10 ways to irritate a telemarketer.
  • 10 ways to freak out your roommate.
  • What are dentists truly after?
  • How to drive the baby-sitter crazy.
  • How to cheat poker the nice way.
  • How to Lose the Guy of your dreams
  • The secret to a successful Thanksgiving dinner
  • Tips for merging two households.
  • Why modern art is a scam.
  • Do’s and Don’ts for a first pregnancy
  • Five ways to keep a boring conversation going at a cocktail party.
  • Bare funny facts about men.
  • Funny facts about women.
  • Small things to appreciate for a happy life.
  • How to perform a convincing fake laugh.
  • Crazy rules men wish women knew. 
  • How to give your dog or cat a pill.
  • How to determine you are addicted to the Internet.
  • How to throw a paper airplane in class.
  • What really happened to the toothfairy.
  • Ten things you’ve learned from your pet.
  • How to become a rat and make a fortune.
  • 10 ways to order pizzas.
  • Why do rock stars break their guitars on stage?
  • The secret behind the most popular tattoos.
  • Worst birthday presents ever.
  • Why must I clean my room every day
  • What magicians don’t want you to know: Magic’s biggest secrets.
  • A handy list of excuses to get out of doing things
  • How to learn from your parent’s mistakes.
  • How to get – more – Valentine’s Day cards next year.
  • How to turn the Academy Awards ceremony into funny event
  • Why do most mainstream songs make no sense at all?
  • What you can’t say in public.
  • Making a mud pack facial
  • Tips for buying gifts everybody wants.
  • Disney theme songs to suit your life.
  • Unexpected disasters that can happen.
  • Ten fun things to do during an exam.
  • Ten ways to order a pizza.
  • What are your dreams trying to tell you?
  • Worst marriage counseling advice.
  • Interesting ancient remedies
  • How to get fired in three easy steps.
  • How to not promote your products online.
  • Do all pop songs sound the same?
  • Three elements to creating the next catchy hit.
  • Odd foods that you have to try.
  • Is tiktok a legitimate career?
  • Cheating: The proper way to do it
  • If I ruled the World…
  • My most effective hangover cure
  • My Most Embarrassing Moment
  • Are white lies ok?
  • How I ran away from home
  • Unhappily Ever After
  • Funny job applicant stories.
  • Being the older child and depression: Coincidence?
  • Why the youngest child deserves her own holiday!
  • Which celebrity would you like to meet and why?
  •      How I choose friends.
  • The one time I made my parents proud
  • Humor or intelligence: What is the preferred trait?
  • Favourite cartoon characters
  • My American Idol audition
  • A ghost that you want to hang out with
  • Last day at school/college
  • The party that went wrong
  • The joke that backfired
  • If I had a time machine
  • Out of the Mouth of a Child
  • Speech topics are tough
  • Funny Names to call your tutors
  • Are uniforms necessary?
  • My first day at school
  • My worst nightmare…
  • My best April Fool’s prank
  • Funniest Childhood Memory
  • My worst day ever
  • The perfect television advertisement
  • How I ruined a good date.
  • How real love is different from movies?
  • Caught in a Compromising Position
  • Tales From Scribbles on the Bathroom Wall
  • A Time I Got Arrested
  • My 15 Minutes of Fame
  • The end justifies the means
  • Your most hated household chore
  • Cancel all the seasons other than summer.
  • Men behaving badly
  • Women behaving badly
  • Practical Jokes
  • April Fool’s Day
  • The Bogeyman
  • Blind Dates
  • Demonstrate tasting wine in a humorous way.
  • If I was my boss, then …
  • Funny computer terms and phrases.
  • Funny holidays in other countries.
  • My most embarrassing moment
  • The strangest thing I’ve ever met anyone
  • Procrastinators unite! ..Tomorrow?
  • Funny first date experiences.
  • What I don’t understand about fashion.
  • My motto: I´m flexible by indecision
  • How I choose friends.
  • The time I Ran Away From Home.
  • Worst present I’ve ever gotten
  • Unusual incidents.
  • Does the perfect man exist?
  • Crazy things to do in the supermarket.

The guide and topics for humorous speech should get you started with your funny speech. Let me know what you think about this article by commenting below.

  • AI Content Shield
  • AI KW Research
  • AI Assistant
  • SEO Optimizer
  • AI KW Clustering
  • Customer reviews
  • The NLO Revolution
  • Press Center
  • Help Center
  • Content Resources
  • Facebook Group

Celebrate Your Birthday With a Funny Speech

Table of Contents

A jocular birthday speech can be a great way to kick off your day of celebration! Are you wondering where to start?

Let’s show you how to write a funny birthday speech . Whether you’re looking for some light-hearted entertainment or something more thought-provoking, there are plenty of options available.

A funny speech that is well-written and delivered with confidence will bring out laughs from the crowd and put everyone in a festive mood. If you prepare properly, you’ll be able to craft a hilarious address that your friends and family will remember long after the party ends. 

How to Write a Funny Birthday Speech

A funny birthday speech is a great way to get the party started . The key is to focus on finding something humorous that resonates with your audience; after all, laughter is contagious!

Think of Appropriate Jokes for the Occasion

First, think about what kind of jokes or anecdotes might be appropriate for the occasion. Avoid anything too risqué or offensive—a joke about drinking alcohol might not be appropriate for a kid’s birthday party, for instance.

Keep the mood light and stick to topics that everyone can relate to. You might also want to include a few lines about why the person being celebrated is special to you.

Research Great Puns and One-Liners

Next, do some research. Look up puns and one-liners related to the theme of the event or any hobbies or interests of the honoree.

Write down any ideas that make you chuckle; these could be used as part of your speech. Also, consider reading through other people’s speeches online to get some inspiration.

Write Your First Draft

Once you’ve got plenty of ideas jotted down, it’s time to start writing. Make sure each sentence conveys your message clearly and succinctly. Use vivid language and add colorful adjectives where possible—this will help bring your speech to life.

Try to inject humor whenever possible and avoid simply listing facts. For example, instead of saying, “John loves playing basketball,” say, “John is so talented at basketball, he should probably get his own jersey!”

As you go along, read out loud the sentences you’ve written so far. This will give you an idea of how your words sound when spoken aloud and help refine your delivery style. Practice in front of a mirror until you feel comfortable with it. Remember: confidence is key!

Finish on a Positive Note

End on a positive note by wishing the honoree well and offering sincere thanks to those who attended the event. A funny birthday speech doesn’t have to take hours of effort. If you use clever wordplay and practice properly before presenting, you’ll be able to deliver an enjoyable address that everyone will remember fondly.

Examples of Funny Birthday Speeches

selective focus photography of assorted-color balloons

Let’s check a few examples of funny birthday speeches to inspire you as you write yours.

Greetings, friends! Today is a special day. It’s the birthday of an extraordinary person, and I’m honored to be here celebrating it with them! It’s not every day you get to witness the birthday of the only person you can defeat in ping pong! 

A birthday is a time for joy and merriment, especially when celebrated with good company! But before we continue our festivities, allow me to impart some wisdom. Don’t forget that birthdays are really just another opportunity for us to drink and be merry. They’re a chance to contemplate how we can eat without getting filled and play without getting tired. That being said, let us indulge ourselves with stories and laughter, allowing us to bask in the glory of our beloved one’s presence. 

I wish nothing but pleasure and felicity to my dear pal on their natal anniversary! May they never cease to amaze us with their grandiose spirit and insurmountable vivacity! 

Cheers to another incredible year ahead! Let the revels begin!

Greetings everyone! 

I am sure you are all wondering why I’m standing up here, talking to a bunch of adults about birthdays. Well, let me tell ya — it’s my best friend’s birthday today, and he is getting OLDER!! We’ve had so many fun memories together that I just couldn’t pass this opportunity to talk about him. 

But before we dive into all the humorous jokes, let me remind you all that birthdays are actually quite special. It’s a day to celebrate life, reflect on our pasts, and look forward to what tomorrow has in store for us. So even though my friend might be entering his “vintage” years, there’s still plenty of room left for adventure and growth! 

Now, onto more comical matters! As they say, age is just a number. But try telling that to someone who’s getting older by the minute! Who remembers those days when we used to pretend our troubles never existed? That’s something worth revisiting. 

And lastly, no one can deny the power of cake and ice cream. In fact, they make every occasion extra special. So let us take a moment to wish our dear old friend a very happy birthday with lots of laughter and delicious treats. Happy Birthday!

Final Thoughts

In the real sense of it, you don’t really need to know how to write a funny birthday speech . With the new Hey INK tool, you can easily generate funny birthday speeches like the ones above.

Celebrate Your Birthday With a Funny Speech

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write A Speech Articles

How to write a great welcome speech.

Writing an effective welcome speech is a form of art. It requires a delicate balance of knowledge, wit, charm, and…

  • Write A Speech

Effective Guide: How to Write a Salutatorian Speech

Writing an effective salutatorian speech is a challenging yet rewarding experience. It takes creativity, dedication, and plenty of practice to…

Key Guide: How to Write a Great Memorial Speech

Writing a memorable memorial speech that captures the life and legacy of your loved one can be an incredibly daunting…

Better Guide: How to Write a Funny Valedictorian Speech

Writing a funny valedictorian speech can be both challenging and rewarding. For those who have the knowledge, experience, and wit…

Writing A Unique & Memorable Wedding Ceremony Speech

People around you, whether family, friends, or acquaintances, will get married someday. And you might be tasked with delivering the…

Unleashing Success: Motivational Speech to Inspire Students

Success is a journey, not a destination. It is a continuous process of striving, learning, and growing–something every student should…

Funny Eulogy Ideas: Lighthearted Examples and Quotes

Gabrielle is an experienced freelance writer and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience using equine-assisted therapy.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

If you've decided to write a funny eulogy, be sure that it is appropriate given your loved one's personality. Writing a funny eulogy can capture the spirit of your deceased loved one and makes for a wonderful way to honor their personality.

How to Write a Funny Eulogy

When you set out to write a funny and lighthearted eulogy, be sure you are in the proper mindset before getting started. After losing a loved one, you may experience ups and downs associated with the grieving process , so be patient and kind to yourself as you work on the eulogy. Put the typical information into the eulogy but make sure you pay special attention to:

  • Setting the tone and mention the deceased individual's specific sense of humor towards the beginning of your tribute
  • Jotting down favorite, funny stories or incidents
  • Including a funny poem or saying
  • Celebration of Life Invitation Wording Examples and Tips
  • 100+ Funeral Quotes to Help Say a Final Goodbye

Funny Eulogy Examples

It may feel difficult to get started with the eulogy, but it can be helpful and inspiring to read some funny eulogy examples. Keep in mind, when writing something funny, silly, or lighthearted, it's important to customize the examples or templates you are using so it captures your deceased loved one's unique personality.

Funny Eulogy Example for a Freind

"(Insert deceased individual's name) was the most incredible friend who would bend over backwards for those (he/she/they) cared about and I consider myself one of the lucky ones who got to be a part of their life. Let's face it (insert deceased individual's name) was pretty choosy when it came to picking friends. Looking around- I'm surprised some of you made the cut. In all seriousness, (insert deceased individual's name) will be missed deeply, but our memories together will be forever cherished."

Humorous Eulogy Example for a Mother

"(Insert deceased individual's name) was a true gem and the kindest person I've ever known. While she soft-spoken in nature, many of you have seen her unleash her inner beast. If you've never seen this side of her, I'm sorry, because it's hilarious. I remember when I was a teen, we went to the mall together. In the parking lot, she had her blinker on and waited patiently for a parking spot when someone swooped in and stole it. While I looked around for another spot, (insert deceased individual's name) had a different idea. After gently chastising the person for their inappropriate parking lot behavior, (insert decease individual's name) decided to place chewed gum on the handle of their car so they would get a surprise when they went to leave. I will miss her spunky spirit and mostly kind nature, and I guarantee she's haunting the spot stealer as we speak. Love you forever (insert deceased individual's name)."

Funny Eulogy Example for a Father

"My father (insert deceased individual's name) always poked fun at himself and honestly it for good reason. He had the funniest quirks that kept his friends and family entertained around the clock. If you know my father well, you know that once he's obsessed something, he's hooked. From colonial literature, to presidential history, the tales of pirates, to eating a specific diet that he won't follow but loves to talk about, (insert deceased individual's name) gives us a lot of comedic material 24/7. While we wish Captain Colonial could be here with us today, we are honored to celebrate his wonderful life and the memories we have all shared with him. He truly brought an immense amount of joy and laughter into our world and we will miss him dearly."

Funny Eulogy for Grandfather

"My grandfather (insert deceased individual's name) was the friendliest and warmest person in the entire world. I remember as a child standing in awe as I watched him charismatically chat up complete strangers, and as the years went by, nothing changed. He would make friends as he picked me up from school and later on when he would meet me at work for our once a week lunch. Many of you here today, are his closest friends, and he probably chatted you up at the grocery store, in my office building, or any other place one goes for errands. I will miss his loving nature and his dedication to connecting with others. I will love and miss (insert deceased individual's name) for the rest of my days, and every time I run errands, I will think of him."

Eulogy Example for a Colleague

"I am so honored to speak about (insert deceased individual's name) today. I'm (insert name), and even though we met through work, our friendship blossomed quickly as we discovered we had a fair amount in common. Not only did we grow up in the same area, but we studied the same major in college, took similar internships, and settled down in the same town where we both had two children with spouses who share the same name. Honestly, saying this out loud, I'm beginning to think we had somewhat of a cloning situation on our hands. Anyway, moving along, (insert deceased individual's name) was one of the best people I've ever met and will be deeply missed. It was an honor and privilege to share the years we had together."

Funny Eulogy Quotes

If you don't want your entire eulogy speech to have a serious tone, you can consider including a funny quip or thought to lighten you tribute a bit. Just make sure you know your audience if you plan on using sarcastic or death related humor. Some funny eulogy quotes include:

  • "One of the hardest things I've ever had to do was say goodbye to you, your kindness, your love, and your amazing fart jokes."
  • "No one could pull off leopard print like (insert deceased individual's name). I mean if she (he) were here today, she'd (he'd) be rocking an aggressively leopard look head to toe and be judging us for not wearing it."
  • "(Insert deceased individual's name) and I used to stand around sampling the most bizarre food combinations we could imagine and we loved doing it. Now I'm stuck doing our fun and very, very, very weird food parties solo, and to be honest that doesn't make me feel great."
  • "(Insert deceased individual's name) was the most competitive person I've ever met. From cooking battles, to our weekly tennis game, (insert deceased individual's name) loved to win. She (he) was so competitive, she (he) even triumphed over me when it came to death."

Tips for Writing Funny Memorials

A few tips to help you write a hilarious but appropriate memorial will make the process easier.

  • If you are giving a speech at a celebration of life, keep with the tone of the event and use your deceased loved one's personality as inspiration for what you plan on saying. For example, if they were very sarcastic, you may consider quoting something that they often said in your speech.
  • When writing an obituary , use your deceased loved one's personality as inspiration and discuss brief, funny moments shared together. You can also consider bringing up their unique quirks that made them who they were.
  • On a memorial page, you can write sayings, share funny memories, and write notes to those in the process of mourning . On some pages, you may be able to share favorite pictures as well. Look for ones that capture your loved one's jovial personality.

How Do You Write the Perfect Eulogy?

Take your time writing your eulogy speech and reach out for help if you feel stuck. Note that the whole speech doesn't need to be lighthearted, but including a bit of humor, wit, or silliness can capture your deceased loved one's sense of humor and honor their personality.

  • Funerals & Memorial Services

How to Write a Funny Eulogy + Examples

Updated 09/1/2022

Published 04/17/2020

Kate Wight, BA in English

Kate Wight, BA in English

Contributing writer

Discover how to write, and recite, a funny eulogy for a loved one, including tips, examples, and more.

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

A eulogy is a speech given as a tribute to a loved one who has died. Eulogies are typically delivered by a close friend or family member. They are usually given at funerals and memorial services.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Step 1: emphasize the deceased’s comedic qualities , step 2: write notes , step 3: be specific and personal, step 4: include a funny poem, step 5: practice makes perfect, step 6: end with sincerity, step 7: get feedback , funny eulogy examples.

Because of the setting, it’s easy to assume that all eulogies are somber. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Eulogies are supposed to honor a loved one. Depending on the person, a funny eulogy may actually be appropriate. But this approach can be tricky because a funny eulogy, while it could be thoughtful, can also veer into tasteless territory. 

Here are some tips on how to write a eulogy that’s funny but still respectful. We’ll also share some eulogy examples that incorporate humor in an appropriate manner. And, if you want more help with the entire complicated process of loss, check out our  post-loss checklist .

Most of the time, people who attend a funeral will know the deceased fairly well. However, this isn’t always the case.

Sometimes people attend a funeral to support a friend who was close to the deceased. Sometimes a coworker who didn’t know the deceased outside of the office will show up. Attendees in situations like this may not know that the decedent was known for a sense of humor.

Open the eulogy by talking about your loved one’s sense of humor. You can share the deceased’s fondness for puns or tell a funny story about the first time you met. This helps set the tone for a more humorous eulogy and lets people know what to expect. 

Even a more lighthearted eulogy can be challenging to get through. You may have crafted a eulogy with the intent to make people laugh, but tears will mix with that laughter.

Some of those tears will come from you. Even a seasoned public speaker can easily become overwhelmed. Keep notes in front of you to keep you on track, even when your emotions are heightened. 

Writing a humorous eulogy is very different from crafting a stand-up comedy routine. When you’re performing comedy, you’re looking for universal experiences people can relate to. When you write a funny eulogy, you focus on the life and character of the deceased.

Don’t worry about writing jokes that will make people laugh. Instead, focus on things that are specific to the person you’re eulogizing. The humor in your eulogy will come from the situations you talk about. That, paired with the knowledge mourners have of the deceased, will do the work for you. Nobody expects you to be a comedian; they just expect you to pay tribute to your loved one. 

If you’re having a hard time setting the tone for a funny eulogy, you can start by using already-written funny material. Was the deceased a big fan of a particular comedic writer or filmmaker?

You can open your eulogy with a quote from this person. You can also use a funny funeral poem to break the ice. 

A lot of people prefer not to overprepare their speech. While there is a lot to be said for spontaneity, this isn’t the time to wing it.

Once you write your eulogy, you’ll want to practice it several times. First, this will help you feel more comfortable. As we alluded to earlier, eulogies are emotional. Practicing a eulogy will help you feel more at ease with the emotions you express.

People also tend to speak too quickly when they’re nervous. Practicing your speech will help you speak more slowly because you can train yourself from having to rush.

Finally, you can get a good sense of how long your eulogy will be. Practicing ahead of time will help ensure that you’re not talking for too long. 

A humorous eulogy works best when the content is balanced with plenty of heart. Sharing only funny or silly stories about the deceased can come across as tone-deaf. You may seem like you’re not taking your responsibility as a eulogizer seriously.

Or it may seem like you’re poking fun at someone who can’t defend himself. Ending on a heartfelt sentiment can help communicate your true intent. Read our tips on how to end a eulogy for more.

Finding the right balance of humor in a eulogy is tricky. When you write in a vacuum, it’s hard to know how an audience will react.

Ask a few trusted individuals to listen to you practice your eulogy. It helps if one of them knows the deceased personally and the other one doesn’t. This will allow you to gauge the reactions of people with different perspectives. Be sure to pay attention to their reactions and tweak your eulogy accordingly. 

Here are some eulogy examples that include humorous moments. Remember that context is crucial. So much of the humor will depend on the personality of the deceased and your relationship.

These will provide you some guidance, but it will be specificity that makes your humorous eulogy truly special. 

For a friend

“I met Annie in a Facebook group for first-time moms. We bonded very quickly over how wildly unprepared we both felt for our impending parenthood. Our daughters were born only a few weeks apart, and we muddled through those early days together. We complained to each other about how exhausting breastfeeding was.

"We took our daughters for long walks to get our pre-pregnancy bodies back, then promptly undid our work by stopping early at an ice cream store. We got kicked out of the Facebook book group we met in for getting in people’s faces about the importance of vaccines. Our kids may have grown up together, but Annie and I grew into motherhood side by side as well.”

For a family member

“Anyone who ever spent even a little time with my dad knows what an amazing sense of humor he had. He was obsessed with puns and terrible jokes. He also loved funny movies and TV shows. He raised my siblings and me on a steady diet of ‘The Simpsons’ and Mel Brooks movies. 

"People who knew Dad also know about his incredible, adventurous spirit. He was the only person I knew who could travel halfway across the world and meet someone he would end up being friends with for life. He was able to do this because of his gregarious nature. Dad never met a stranger. He’d strike up a conversation with someone in line at the gas station or climbing a remote mountain. Even things like a language barrier never slowed him down. He made new friends with nothing but Google translate and charades as a common language. Some people here started as random encounters who quickly became beloved family friends. 

"In order to honor my dad, I urge you all to go out and do something in his honor. You can embarrass your teenager with a terrible dad joke. Snuggle up with your kids and introduce them to ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail.’ Or talk to a stranger and find out what you might have in common with him. Step outside of your comfort zone and experience what it’s like to live as freely as Dad did.”

For a colleague

“One of the best things about Jim was the amazing sense of humor he brought to the office. All of us looked forward to the great pranks he would play. One time, he slowly filled Dwight’s headset with nickels. Then he encased Dwight’s stapler in Jello. He upped the ante on that one when he put everything from Dwight’s desk in the vending machine. And who could forget the time he dressed as Dwight? 

"We all still shout ‘Identity theft is not a joke, Jim!’ all the time, even now that he’s gone. In retrospect, Dwight might not have appreciated Jim’s pranks as much as the rest of us did. But their antics made even the dull business of selling paper fun and exciting.”  

Pay Tribute to Your Loved One With a Touch of Good Humor 

Funerals and memorial services are all about saying goodbye to a loved one who has died. They’re usually sad, but funerals should also honor the way the deceased lived life. You can write a funny obituary or eulogy that’s still appropriate for the occasion. I

f you deliver the eulogy for someone who prioritized humor, you should try and embody his or her lighthearted approach to life. Just remember to make it personal and remain sincere and the rest will follow.  

Categories:

  • Condolences & What To Say

You may also like

how to write a funny speech about someone

How to Write a Eulogy for a Friend Who Died Suddenly

how to write a funny speech about someone

How to Write a Eulogy for a Coworker + 4 Examples

how to write a funny speech about someone

What Is a Eulogy at a Funeral? Definition & Examples

how to write a funny speech about someone

How to Write a Funny Eulogy for Dad or Grandpa + Examples

How to Write a Funny Wedding Speech

You don't have to be Kristen Wiig or Chris Rock to give a toast that's hilarious. Here’s how to write a wedding speech that will get your audience laughing out loud.

Lindsay Pietroluongo

Photo: Lacey Gabrielle Photography

You’ve been asked to make a speech at a wedding and you want keep things funny, not sappy. The good news is that you don't have to be Kristen Wiig or Chris Rock to give a toast that's hilarious.

Here’s how to write a funny wedding speech that will get your audience laughing out loud.

Get inspired Need to find some inspiration? Brainstorm ideas while watching your favorite sitcom or funny movie, or listening to a stand-up comic. You don’t want to copy the jokes you hear word for word, but they may spark your own creativity. While it’s tempting to steal a great punch line, remember that you’ll get a better response from a joke that’s original. Make it quick Wedding speeches only have to be two or three minutes long. If you go any longer, you’ll start to lose people’s attention, causing your humor to land flat. Practice, practice, practice Make sure to practice your speech a lot beforehand. Even the most well-written, hilarious speech will tank if you can’t deliver the lines clearly or with the right inflection. The more you can memorize your speech and deliver it naturally, the better it will sound. Admit you're nervous It’s both relatable and charming when the speech-giver confesses, “I’m really nervous.” Guests will be more receptive and forgiving of whatever you’re about to say. Who can’t relate to being anxious when addressing a crowd? Also, remember that most people who are attending a wedding are in high spirits. They’re ready to smile and have a good time. Even a light quip is likely to get a good reaction. Get the guests involved Starting your speech off with a question is a great way to get everyone to tune in. Start with, “Has anybody here...” and then include something amusing or hysterical that the bride, groom or couple has done. Walk down memory lane Was the first time you met the bride or groom particularly comical? Retell the story - it will be entertaining on its own. First impressions can be haphazard and ridiculous, making for great anecdotes. This will also give the guests a glimpse into what the couple’s life was like from the beginning. The more of a history you have with the bride or groom, the more stories you can dip into. Talk about the absurd childhood dreams you shared or the practical jokes you played on teachers in elementary school.

Be self-deprecating Talk about how the bride or groom excels at something you don’t. Poke fun at yourself. This will get a laugh, keep the speech relaxed and compliment the couple all at the same time. Tease the couple...but just a bit It’s okay to poke a bit of good-natured fun at the bride or groom, so long as it’s within reason. Keep it light. Tease them about their taste in music or their go-to outfit in middle school. Talk about something that will leave them giggling at, not furious with, you. You can also go so over-the-top that people will know that you’re speaking in jest. If you’re not sure if you’re walking that line correctly, though, skip it. Show your talents Are you a great singer or rapper? Make your toast musical. If you’re a writer or storyteller, cleverly recount a story to entertain the crowd. If you seem to have knee-slapping zingers, string together a few one-liners that all connect to the same theme. Play up whatever it is you’re good at. Bring a prop Props can take some of the focus and pressure off you while boosting a story. If there’s a prop that will illustrate the main points of your speech, use it! An old photo, childhood toy or relic from your teenage days can make a speech more memorable and silly. Embrace a slip-up If you stumble over your words and end up spurting out something ridiculous that you didn’t mean to say, embrace it, especially if the crowd roars in laughter. That’s the point of delivering a good-humored speech! Let your audience react Speak slowly and pause for a few seconds to let your best lines sink in. If you drop a wisecrack and then immediately continue speaking, people may not catch what you said. Avoid rookie mistakes Don’t mention exes, tell embarrassing stories or revisit drunken nights. Don’t be unflattering to anybody in attendance. Insulting someone who’s there, even if it’s all in good fun, will make people uncomfortable when they’re supposed to be celebrating. End on a high note Even if your speech is 99 percent funny, you’ll want to end it on a sentimental note. Wish the couple well, express your love for them and then raise your glass.

Related WeddingWire Articles

how to write a funny speech about someone

eulogy assistant logo white

  • Professional Eulogy Writing Service
  • Eulogy For a Husband Example
  • Eulogy For a Wife Example
  • Eulogy For a Mum Example
  • Eulogy For a Dad Example
  • Eulogy For a Grandfather Example
  • Eulogy For a Friend Example
  • Eulogy For a Brother Example
  • Eulogy For a Sister Example
  • Eulogy For a Son Example
  • Eulogy For a Daughter Example
  • Eulogy For a Work Colleague Example
  • Eulogy For a Aunt Example
  • Eulogy For a Uncle Example
  • Eulogy For a Boyfriend Example
  • Eulogy For a Girlfriend Example
  • Inheritance & Wills Book

Professional Eulogy Writing

Eulogy writing guide, funeral speeches for a work colleague, tribute speech to dad from daughter, funeral speech writing advice, funny funeral speeches.

  • September 19, 2023

author-avatar

Table of Contents

Benefits of Adding Humor to a Funeral Speech

Is it appropriate to include humor in a funeral speech, how can i incorporate humor tastefully in a funeral speech, can funny funeral speeches help in easing the grief, what are some tips for writing a funny funeral speech, are there any specific cultures that encourage humor at funerals, what kind of jokes are considered appropriate for a funny funeral speech, can i share funny personal stories or anecdotes about the deceased, how can i balance humor and respect in a funny funeral speech, how should i start a funny funeral speech, can sharing a funny poem be a good idea in a funny funeral speech, are there any examples of famous funny funeral speeches, what should i avoid in a funny funeral speech, how can i gauge the audience's response while delivering a funny funeral speech, can i use props or visual aids to enhance the humor in a funeral speech, how can i end a funny funeral speech on a heartfelt note, how can i prepare myself to deliver a funny funeral speech, can i consult with the family before including humor in the funeral speech, are there professionals who can help in writing a funny funeral speech, how can i ensure that my funny funeral speech is well-received, incorporating humor appropriately, funny funeral speeches example 1, funny funeral speeches example 2, funny funeral speeches example 3.

Losing a loved one is never easy, and preparing a eulogy to honor their memory can be a daunting task. While many eulogies are solemn and serious, incorporating humor into a funeral speech can be a touching and fitting way to celebrate the life of the departed. Funny funeral speeches not only pay tribute to the deceased but can also bring a smile to the faces of those grieving, reminding them of the lighter moments and cherished memories shared with the dearly departed.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of including humor in a funeral speech, provide guidance on how to add it appropriately, and offer suggestions for creating a funny eulogy that captures the essence of your loved one. And remember, Eulogy Assistant is here to help you craft a touching and personalized tribute to your loved one in just minutes.

1. Lightens the mood: A funny eulogy can help lighten the atmosphere in a room filled with sadness and grieving. It can bring a moment of relief, allowing mourners to pause their tears and remember the joyful moments they shared with the deceased.

2. Celebrates the person's qualities: If the departed had a great sense of humor or was known for their wit, including funny anecdotes or jokes in their eulogy helps honor their unique personality.

Need a Eulogy? Get a Personalized Professional Eulogy Written For Your Loved One

Writing a eulogy for a loved one you have just lost, can be both challenging and painful. Alongside the pressure of delivering a meaningful tribute in front of other funeral guests.

Let our expert Funeral Speech Writers create a heartfelt & personalized eulogy, that captures the amazing life and memories of your loved one.

Learn more about our Professional Eulogy Writing Service today, and see how we can help you.

3. Humanizes the deceased: Sharing humorous stories or experiences helps paint a more complete picture of the person who has passed away, reminding everyone of their warmth, relatability, and the good times shared together.

4. Can be comforting: Laughter has therapeutic effects, and hearing light-hearted anecdotes can provide a sense of comfort and connection for the mourners.

1. Know your audience: Consider the people who will be attending the funeral and how they might react to humor. While it's okay to share funny memories, be sure to do so in good taste, and avoid any jokes that might offend or upset the attendees.

2. Balance humor with sincerity: While adding humor to a eulogy can be uplifting, it's important to maintain a balance between lightheartedness and sincerity. Make sure the speech doesn't lean too heavily on jokes, and still pays proper respect to the deceased.

3. Choose the right stories: Focus on funny moments or memories that highlight the deceased's personality, accomplishments, or the positive impact they had on the lives of others. Be mindful of the tone, and avoid stories that could be embarrassing or offensive.

4. Practice your delivery: The success of a funny funeral speech often hinges on the delivery. If you're not confident in your ability to tell a joke or convey a humorous story, it may be best to enlist the help of a friend or family member with a flair for storytelling.

Good morning everyone,

Today, we gather to celebrate the life of a person who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. John had a way of finding humor in the most mundane aspects of life. Even in the face of adversity, he could muster a smile that was truly contagious. Today, we remember him not with tears, but with smiles as we recall the laughter he brought into our lives.

John was a master storyteller. I remember the countless times we would sit around the dinner table, hanging onto every word as he recounted his youthful adventures. His stories were always sprinkled with humor, often leaving us in splits. Whether it was the tale of him accidentally painting his neighbor's dog blue or the time he mistook a meeting with the bank manager as a casual hangout and showed up in his pajamas, John's anecdotes were nothing short of legendary.

His sense of humor was not confined to just words. John was also known for his amusing antics. Who could forget the time he turned up at a Halloween party dressed as a giant chicken? Or the time he photo-bombed every picture at Sarah and Mark’s wedding, donning different ridiculous hats each time? His spirit was simply infectious.

John was also a prankster at heart. From whoopee cushions to fake spiders, he had an arsenal of tricks up his sleeve. But what made John's pranks special was the heart behind them. They were never meant to hurt or embarrass, but to bring a moment of laughter, a moment of joy in the daily grind of life.

But beyond the laughter and the jokes, John was a man of substance. He was someone who loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. His humor was a reflection of his generous and vibrant spirit, a spirit that encouraged everyone around him to live life to the fullest.

As we share stories today, let us remember John for the laughter he brought into our lives. His ability to find humor in the small things, to laugh at himself, and to spread joy wherever he went, is a legacy that will continue to inspire us.

So today, let us remember John not with tears, but with smiles and laughter, just as he would have wanted. Let us remember the sound of his laughter, the twinkle in his eye, and the joy he brought to all of us.

Good afternoon everyone,

Today, we are here to remember and celebrate the life of a woman who embraced life with a hearty laugh and a twinkle in her eye. Linda was not just a beacon of love and kindness, but also a wellspring of joy and laughter. Today, we honor her memory by recalling the delightful moments and the laughter that she brought into our lives.

Linda had a knack for finding humor in everyday situations. Her observations about life were not just keen but also hilariously accurate. She had the ability to narrate the most mundane events in a way that could make you laugh until tears streamed down your face.

She was also a woman of wit, with a repertoire of jokes that could lighten any mood. Her one-liners were famous in our family, often leaving us laughing for days. Her quick wit and playful spirit were truly a breath of fresh air in a world that often takes itself too seriously.

But Linda's humor was not just about jokes and laughter. It was a testament to her positive outlook on life. She believed that laughter was the best medicine, a philosophy she lived by till her last day. Even during her battle with illness, she maintained her sense of humor, often cracking jokes that would have the entire room laughing.

Linda was more than just a funny person; she was a beacon of joy and light in our lives. Her laughter was a melody that resonated with everyone who had the privilege to know her. It was a melody that brought comfort, joy, and a sense of togetherness.

As we reminisce about Linda today, let us remember her vibrant spirit, her infectious laughter, and the joyous moments she created. Let us carry her legacy of laughter forward, finding joy in the little things and spreading happiness wherever we go.

Let's not say goodbye to Linda today, but instead, let's remember her with smiles on our faces and laughter in our hearts, cherishing the beautiful moments and the laughter that we shared. Let's keep her spirit alive by embracing life with the same zest and humor that she did.

When my dear friend Jane passed away, I was tasked with delivering her eulogy. Jane had the most incredible sense of humor and would often light up any room she entered with her contagious laughter. With her family's blessing, I decided to include a funny anecdote in her eulogy to celebrate her infectious humor.

One story that captured her spirit perfectly was the time she accidentally dyed her hair bright blue right before her sister's wedding. Instead of stressing about it, she wore a matching blue hat and turned the mishap into a fun, memorable moment at the wedding. When I recounted this story during her eulogy, the room was filled with laughter as everyone reminisced about Jane's ability to find humor even in challenging situations.

Writing a funny funeral speech can be a poignant and touching way to honor the memory of a loved one who had a great sense of humor. By sharing hilarious anecdotes and celebrating their unique qualities, you can help provide comfort and bring smiles to those mourning the loss of their beloved friend or family member.

Funny Funeral Speeches Frequently Asked Questions

Including humor in a funeral speech can be a beautiful way to celebrate the life of someone who had a good sense of humor. However, it's important to consider the preferences and sensitivities of the family and other attendees.

To tastefully incorporate humor, share light-hearted anecdotes or amusing memories that highlight the deceased's personality. Avoid jokes or comments that might be considered offensive or in poor taste.

Yes, funny funeral speeches can help in easing grief as laughter can provide a sense of relief and comfort during a time of loss, by bringing back happy memories and celebrating the joyful moments of the deceased's life.

When writing a funny funeral speech, keep the humor gentle and respectful. You might recount amusing stories or quirks about the person, or share jokes that the deceased would have enjoyed. Always keep the audience's feelings in mind.

Different cultures have varied approaches to funerals. In some cultures, incorporating humor is seen as a way to celebrate life and can be encouraged. It's always best to research and understand the specific customs of the deceased's culture.

Appropriate jokes are those that are light-hearted and celebrate the positive aspects of the deceased's personality or life experiences, without offending any group or individual present at the ceremony.

Absolutely, sharing funny personal stories or anecdotes can be a heartfelt way to reminisce about the deceased. These stories should highlight the joyful and amusing moments you shared with the person.

To balance humor and respect, ensure that the jokes or funny stories you share are in line with the deceased's personality and would be something they would have appreciated. Always maintain a tone of respect and love throughout the speech.

Starting with a light anecdote or a gentle joke that encapsulates the personality of the deceased can set a warm and affectionate tone for the rest of the speech.

Yes, sharing a funny poem can be a touching and creative way to add humor to a funeral speech. It can serve as a tribute to the deceased's sense of humor and their approach to life.

There have been several famous individuals who have incorporated humor into funeral speeches, including President Ronald Reagan and comedian Billy Crystal. Researching these speeches might provide inspiration for your own.

Avoid jokes or stories that are potentially offensive, disrespectful, or that make light of the person's cause of death. The goal is to celebrate the person's life, not to make attendees uncomfortable.

Pay attention to the facial expressions and body language of the audience to gauge their response. If you notice that people are not responding well to the humor, it might be best to transition to a more serious tone.

Using props or visual aids can be a unique way to enhance the humor in a funeral speech, as long as it is done tastefully and in a manner that respects the solemnity of the occasion.

To end on a heartfelt note, you might transition from the lighter anecdotes to sharing what the deceased meant to you, emphasizing their positive qualities and the impact they had on your life.

Preparing to deliver a funny funeral speech involves rehearsing the speech multiple times to get the timing and delivery right. It's also important to be emotionally prepared to navigate the complex emotions that may arise during the speech.

Absolutely, consulting with the family can provide guidance on the appropriateness of including humor and might help in tailoring the speech to suit the occasion more accurately.

Yes, there are professionals who specialize in writing funeral speeches, including those with a humorous tone. They can help craft a speech that is both respectful and reflective of the deceased's personality.

To ensure that your funny funeral speech is well-received, focus on sharing genuine, heartfelt stories and anecdotes that paint a loving and respectful picture of the deceased, while incorporating gentle humor that aligns with their personality.

If you're struggling to find the right words for your loved one's funeral speech, Eulogy Assistant can help you craft a personalized and heartfelt eulogys. With support and guidance throughout the writing process, you can effortlessly create a funny funeral speech that honours your loved one and brings comfort to their grieving family and friends.

Looking For Examples? Here Are Some of The Best Eulogies

  • Login / Register

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

“How To” Speech Topics, Ideas & Examples

Photo of author

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Want to speak in front of an audience but are terrified of freezing or being boring? I know the feeling. If you’ve ever had to give a “how-to” speech, you know that it can be incredibly intimidating. It also entails coming up with how-to speech ideas and creative examples.

After all, how will they finish listening if the audience isn’t hooked by what you’re saying right away? To help ease your worries (and inspire those ideas!), here’s everything you need on “how-to” speeches: topics, samples & potential pitfalls — so read ahead!

Writing a How-to Speech

how to write a funny speech about someone

The speaker needs to consider several important factors when preparing to give a how-to speech. The how-to speech should identify the problem that needs to be resolved, explain how the problem can be fixed with a step-by-step approach, and list any potential obstacles the audience may face.

It is also important for speakers to choose how-to speech topics that are of interest or relevance to their target audience. This will ensure maximum engagement and retention throughout the speech.

How-to Speech Ideas That Are Funny

When it comes to funny “how-to” speeches, the possibilities are endless! Whether talking about how to make a perfect paper airplane or how to be the life of the party, humor can enhance your presentation and help keep your audience engaged.

Try using puns, silly props, or even anecdotes that provide insight into the process while still making people laugh. The goal is to not only impart valuable knowledge but also entertain your listener.

With some creativity, you can develop a humorous speech that achieves a comedic effect and explains its topic.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

Interesting How-to Topics

When asked to present a speech, many people immediately search for the most interesting ideas for a how-to speech. From tidying up after the biggest mess to baking a delicious cake, speeches about how to do something can be informative and entertaining.

While it may seem challenging to come up with fresh ideas, an infinite number of topics could be used. Some great suggestions include teaching viewers how to create a simple budget plan , explaining plant-based diets and their benefits, explaining how to instruct others effectively, or even how to ace an interview.

No matter what topic you go with, remember that the important thing is to be passionate and provide audiences with detailed instructions. When done correctly, choosing an interesting “how-to” topic for your speech will surely have your audience applauding in no time!

Choosing a Demonstration Speech Topic

Choosing a demonstration speech topic may seem daunting, but it can be simple and enjoyable with the right guidance. Identifying the topics appropriate for a demonstration speech is the first step in navigating this process.

Demonstration topics should be grounded in facts and provide pertinent knowledge about your expertise or interest. They should also focus on something that can be demonstrated in a tangible way, such as making a craft or performing an experiment.

  • Your Interests

Choosing engaging good how-to speech topics based on one’s interests can be daunting yet rewarding. Taking the time to reflect on potential topics and thinking carefully about what topics truly interest you is fundamental to assembling a captivating presentation.

As such, it is paramount to begin by reflecting upon your hobbies and leisure activity ideas that you find most intriguing, as well as any activities or tasks you feel passionate about sharing with others.

Additionally, curating ideas from other media sources, such as newspaper articles or magazines, helps provide further insight into new and novel subjects or angles that can motivate your research process.

Only through this deliberate effort to understand our interests and apply them creatively towards developing a worthwhile “how-to” speech topic can we find the contentment of presenting a presentation with which listeners will engage.

  • Who the Speech Is For

Choosing a “how-to” speech topic is critical in delivering an effective presentation. When selecting your topic, it’s important to keep the audience in mind.

Decide who your speech is for and make sure it is relevant to their interests. Select something specific that can benefit them or be beneficial in a general sense. Choose something the audience wants to learn about and that you are comfortable presenting. This will ensure your presentation skills are on display, as well as your knowledge about the topic.

Ensure your topic has enough depth for you to use additional research as support. This will strengthen the content of your presentation and demonstrate personal effort.

Ultimately, with careful consideration of who your speech is addressed to, you can craft a “how-to” topic that adds value both for yourself and your audience.

  • The Setting of the Speech

Choosing a “how-to” speech topic based on the setting of the speech is an important step in preparing for an effective presentation.

It is essential to consider the purpose of the speech, the audience’s interests and needs, and any limitations or restrictions that may be present to construct an appropriate topic and choose relevant information to include.

Anticipating questions or topics of interest related to the audience is helpful when selecting a relevant topic.

  • The Time You’ve Got to Prepare the Speech

Deciding on a “how-to” speech topic can be daunting. But the task becomes much more manageable, considering how much time you have to prepare for the presentation. Start by narrowing down the possibilities based on how much time you have.

If you have more time to prepare, opt for something more challenging. If you have only a short amount of time, choose a simpler topic.

Once you have determined the complexity level and estimated preparation time, consider your interests to find a topic that is both engaging to yourself and hopefully your audience.

As with any speech or presentation, researching and practicing before the actual event will greatly benefit your delivery and engagement with your audience.

Although finalizing a speech topic for a “how-to” presentation can be stressful, understanding constraints and utilizing interests will help make this process easier.

  • The Time You’ve Got to Give the Speech

When selecting a “how-to” speech topic, the amount of time you have to give the presentation should be considered. It is wise to carefully analyze the time frame constraints of the assignment and assess which topics can be thoroughly explored in the allocated duration.

Attempting to cover too much material within a limited timeframe may lead to rushed communication and limit your opportunity to expand on the subject matter. Instead, select a focus that allows space for further discussion but remains concise enough to explore properly within your allotted time.

It is also advantageous to choose a topic that naturally interests you. This will heighten enthusiasm and engagement throughout your presentation, thus helping create an impactful delivery. Doing so will ensure you stay on track and avoid exceeding the assigned timeframe.

  • The Guidelines for Assessment

When choosing a “how-to” speech topic, it is important to ensure that the topic meets all of the guidelines for assessment. It is a good idea to consider current and relevant topics, informative, interesting, and new, demonstrating the speaker’s understanding of their subject matter.

Choosing a topic with an appropriate difficulty level can help ensure that your speech will be comprehensive and engaging for your audience.

Demonstrative Speech Topics

how to write a funny speech about someone

Selecting topics for speeches comes down to choosing something you both know and can present effectively. As you brainstorm possible show-and-tell ideas, narrow the topics until you arrive at one that is interesting to you and your audience and fulfills all criteria needed for an effective demonstration presentation.

Once you’ve chosen a successful topic, preparing the speech will become much simpler, allowing you to demonstrate confidently and successfully.

Here are some easy demonstrative speech ideas for how-to.

Animals/Pets

Giving a speech to educate an audience about how to care for animals/pets can be an enriching experience.

It is important to research and thoroughly understand the topic to provide the audience with accurate and applicable information. This will entail researching different animal species and their specific characteristics, needs, and behaviors.

Moreover, ample time must be allocated for preparation so all aspects of proper pet-keeping can be explained clearly and confidently.

Topics ideas could range from a persuasive speech on how to pick the best breed to an informative speech on pet health. 

Gardens/Yards

Talking about creating and maintaining a garden or a yard requires proper preparation to ensure that the information relayed is accurate and beneficial. Researching various gardening elements beforehand will provide a strong base for discerning audiences to build on.

Be sure to present topics such as plant selection, design ideas, pest prevention, watering methods, and other environmental factors in an organized fashion that is easy for your listeners to follow.

Offering clear instructions throughout the speech with examples showing the steps in action can help ensure that your audience walks away feeling confident about their newly acquired knowledge.

Topics could cover how to identify poisonous plants, how to get rid of garden pests, how to make an indoor herb garden, and even how to make garden art. 

To give an effective “how-to” speech about crafts, the speaker should start by introducing themselves and properly framing the topic. They should provide a brief overview of what the audience will learn in their presentation and then begin with the most basic information, slowly building up to more complex concepts.

Crafting often has visual aid speech topics. At every stage of presenting, visuals should be provided for illustration. Visuals could range from diagrams or step-by-step photographs showing how a craft is made to video or actual physical models.

Once all of this information has been presented, the speaker should summarize the key points covered and allow time for questions from the audience before concluding their presentation.

Games/Sports

Giving a “how-to” speech about games/sports is an excellent way to share knowledge and teach important concepts. It requires the speaker to do comprehensive research and prepare in advance.

To give an effective “how-to” speech, start by introducing the game/sport accurately and make sure to tailor the presentation for your specific audience. Additionally, focus on one topic at a time, explain each step with vivid examples, and use visuals like charts or diagrams if possible.

Once you have covered all steps necessary for playing the game/sport, end the speech concisely and provide resources that can be used after the presentation.

Topics here could range from how to perfect your golf swing to even how to teach basketball.

Food And More

Delivering a successful “how-to” speech about food and drinks requires careful preparation. First, it is important to do research on the topic so that you have an understanding of the background information.

Once this has been accomplished, the next step should be to focus on a specific field within the topic and craft your presentation around this selected focus. Be sure to collect illustrations, charts, or photographs relevant to your chosen material, as these visual elements can make all the difference in bringing your words to life.

How to Structure a How-to Speech

Structuring a “how-to” speech can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Firstly, you should brainstorm the steps needed to accomplish your desired outcome with as much detail as possible. Secondly, organize the steps in chronological order.

This will give the rhythm of your speech a natural flow. Then, begin by introducing yourself and the topic by providing background information on why it is important.

Following completion of the step-by-step instructions, summarize what was just explained and explain why it matters in general terms. Finally, address any foreseeable issues and offer solutions to avoid them.

How-to Speech Template

A “how-to” speech template is an effective method to prepare a speech. This is especially useful when speaking on topics that may be largely unfamiliar to the audience, as it provides a straightforward structure for organizing the material.

The basic format of this type of speech involves:

  • Introducing the topic.
  • Describing the purpose and benefits of knowing more about it.
  • Decomposing the subject matter into easily digestible sections.
  • Concluding with a summary and reflection on what has been covered.

Additionally, including visual aids and personal anecdotes can further add interest and clarity to speeches, helping ensure everyone remains engaged throughout the presentation. Use this blank demonstration speech outline to craft your own any time!

To Sum It Up

Giving a great how-to speech is mostly about choosing the right topic. As how-to speeches often require visuals such as PowerPoint slides and handouts, these should be reviewed pre-speech to guarantee smooth delivery during the presentation itself. Speaking confidently and clearly while allowing time for questions and feedback is also essential in delivering an effective how-to speech.

Father of the Groom Speech – Best Tips, Ideas & Samples

9 Best Veterans Day Speech Ideas & Examples

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

© 2024 My Speech Class

IMAGES

  1. How to Write a Funny Speech (with Pictures)

    how to write a funny speech about someone

  2. How to Write a Funny Speech (with Pictures)

    how to write a funny speech about someone

  3. How to Write a Funny Speech (with Pictures)

    how to write a funny speech about someone

  4. How to Write a Funny Speech (with Pictures)

    how to write a funny speech about someone

  5. How to Write a Funny Speech (with Pictures)

    how to write a funny speech about someone

  6. Funny Best Man Speech

    how to write a funny speech about someone

VIDEO

  1. Best Funny speech on Teachers [Hamza Zahid's Speach] 😅

  2. Someone Believes In You #motivation #motivationalvideo #success

  3. Donald Trump's Christmas Messages Text To Speech- Someone's A Little Grumpy

  4. During mid speech someone tells Kanye he ain’t God

COMMENTS

  1. Great funny speeches: how to get the laughter you want

    Having a great introduction or set-up to it, is even better. Find out how do that well. - characterization techniques enable you to become the characters in your story. Your stories are so much richer for it. 5. Rehearsal/practice = great funny speeches. Having prepared your speech, you're ready for rehearsal.

  2. How to Write a Funny Speech (with Pictures)

    1. Decide your "big idea.". Once you have your topic, you'll next need to think about the main point of your speech. [4] Decide what main message you want to get across. [5] Remember to choose a specific topic -- if your main idea/topic is too broad, you won't do it justice in a relatively short speech.

  3. Humorous Speech: 14 Tips to Leave Them Rolling in the Aisles

    3. Present props. Props are another standard approach to holding an audience's attention when giving a talk. When presenting a humorous speech, you don't have to necessarily bring something on stage that people laugh at immediately. That's one way to go, but the trick to being amusing is really in how you use the prop.

  4. Funny Speech Topics to Make Your Audience Laugh

    1. Start by rehearsing your speech - make sure you know it word for word and practice delivering it with the right tone of voice and body language. Rehearsing will also help you memorize what to say if you get nervous during the performance. 2. Keep your audience in mind when choosing your topic.

  5. 6 Ways to Guarantee Laughs During Your Next Speech

    The main idea when writing your funny speech is to shift your own perspective from frustrated to amused. #2: Use Your Physicality to Communicate. Humor isn't just about the words you say. A major part of making a good joke and creating a funny speech is using your body language to tell the story.

  6. How to be funny in a speech (when you're not that funny in real life)

    Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious - Sir Peter Ustinov. Don't make jokes just for the sake of making joke. Stay focused on the reason you are giving your speech, and use humour to help achieve that objective. 3) Don't copy. Adapt. The best jokes are original.

  7. 414 Funny and Humorous Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative

    Pigs have better manners than most men. Rain: It really does have a smell. Women are much better at handling pain than men. Why famous people must have a crew of makeup artists and hair stylists following them around all day. Why Subway is a total rip off. Totally useless professions.

  8. Write Funny Speeches With These Important Tips

    Write Funny Speeches With These Important Tips. Don't Forget the Purpose. Consider Twists and Wordplay. Take Inspiration From Personal Experiences. Have Some Fun While at It. Writing a speech is hard enough; now, you have to add humor to it. It requires creativity, precision and wit. But with the right tips and tricks, you can create an ...

  9. How to Write a Funny Speech

    For example, don't announce that you are about to tell a joke. Just add the funny anecdote or line to your speech and let the audience react as they will. Here's why: Announcing that you are going to tell a joke sets you up. People are waiting for you to surprise them. (That's an oxymoron: "waiting to be surprised.")

  10. How to write a funny speech

    That's an essential part of how to write a funny speech. Tip: Start capturing stories TODAY. Don't worry if you can't remember all the details. I usually start by brainstorming ideas using a mind map. One or two words is often enough to trigger our memories. The details can be added later and I'll be speaking more about this in the next ...

  11. How to Write a Funny Speech

    Spread the loveHumor has the unparalleled ability to unite people, break the ice, and make any situation more enjoyable. A funny speech can be a powerful way to entertain and connect with your audience. But writing a hilarious speech may seem challenging, especially if you don't consider yourself a natural comedian. Fear not! This step-by-step guide will help you craft the perfect blend of ...

  12. 5 Key Ways To Make Your Next Corporate Speech Hilarious

    It's important to recognize these key points: If you make a joke and your audience doesn't laugh, it's important to move on. You shouldn't ever take time to explain your joke - if it didn't hit quite right, let it go. And don't take offense if your audience doesn't find your joke funny! Humor is subjective. 4.

  13. 300 Funny Speech Topics to Tickle Some Funny Bones!

    Point out the topics which you understand better and can be funny at the same time. This might exclude some topics which are difficult to deliver a funny speech. Such topics are poverty, funeral, domestic violence, and much more. Better make proper use of the list and decide on the prospective topic. 2.

  14. Celebrate Your Birthday With a Funny Speech

    Example 1. Greetings, friends! Today is a special day. It's the birthday of an extraordinary person, and I'm honored to be here celebrating it with them! It's not every day you get to witness the birthday of the only person you can defeat in ping pong! A birthday is a time for joy and merriment, especially when celebrated with good company!

  15. Funny Eulogy Ideas: Lighthearted Examples and Quotes

    Tips for Writing Funny Memorials. A few tips to help you write a hilarious but appropriate memorial will make the process easier. If you are giving a speech at a celebration of life, keep with the tone of the event and use your deceased loved one's personality as inspiration for what you plan on saying.

  16. How to Give an Awesome Toast: Advanced Strategies for Speeches

    The beauty of centering your toast around stories is that you know how to tell your stories. In fact, the more fluid and off the cuff you can be, the better. Bullet out each area of your speech and then practice, practice, practice. Remember, this is your gift. This is your friend, family member, or loved one.

  17. How to Write a Funny Eulogy + Examples

    Step 1: Emphasize the Deceased's Comedic Qualities. Step 2: Write Notes. Step 3: Be Specific and Personal. Step 4: Include a Funny Poem. Step 5: Practice Makes Perfect. Step 6: End with Sincerity. Step 7: Get Feedback. Funny Eulogy Examples. Because of the setting, it's easy to assume that all eulogies are somber.

  18. How to Write a Funny Wedding Speech

    Insulting someone who's there, even if it's all in good fun, will make people uncomfortable when they're supposed to be celebrating. End on a high note. Even if your speech is 99 percent funny, you'll want to end it on a sentimental note. Wish the couple well, express your love for them and then raise your glass.

  19. Funny Funeral Speeches

    Benefits of Adding Humor to a Funeral Speech. 1. Lightens the mood: A funny eulogy can help lighten the atmosphere in a room filled with sadness and grieving. It can bring a moment of relief, allowing mourners to pause their tears and remember the joyful moments they shared with the deceased. 2.

  20. "How To" Speech Topics, Ideas & Examples • My Speech Class

    A "how-to" speech template is an effective method to prepare a speech. This is especially useful when speaking on topics that may be largely unfamiliar to the audience, as it provides a straightforward structure for organizing the material. The basic format of this type of speech involves: Introducing the topic.

  21. 9 Tips for How to Write a Funny Wedding Speech

    Tip #2: Rely on Funny Stories. The best way to show humor through a wedding speech is to tell a funny story. This way you don't have to worry about quick-witted one-liners or risk sounding cheesy. Plus, truly impactful wedding speeches include great storytelling. So consider telling one to three short stories and focus on light-hearted ones.