AT&T manager, Ken Haemer, once said, “Designing a presentation without an audience in mind is like writing a love letter and addressing it: To Whom It May Concern”. Adding humour into a presentation takes design and requires a focus on who you are delivering the message to.
The skills of a comedian, their ability to think on their feet and deal with anything that comes from the audience, can be a critical skillset for any speaker, whether you are a master of ceremonies through to a facilitator. Being about to break the ice, build rapport fast and add humour goes a long way to being a memorable speaker.
This month’s session is about understanding the importance of humour and how it can improve the results of getting a message through and having an audience walk away both educated and entertained. Most important to understand is that humour enhances emotion, and there is a direct link between emotional state and memory. Learn how to deliver your topic that can engage more of the audience’s senses.
Session 1 – Sam Longley
We can all learn how to craft a joke, how to deliver a speech with a smile and how to find the lighter side to any subject. It’s not rocket science or comedy magic, its simple understanding communication.
Comedy is a tool you use to engage your audience with positivity and have them eager to listen to you for the important messages to be conveyed. If, after a talk you’ve given, you hear this “they were so funny” or “it’s funny because it’s true”, means you have engaged your audience. Most importantly, they can connect and see their own lives less seriously by finding parallels between the message and themselves. Humour often intercepts an analogy that is easy to hear, with what is happening in their life that may be more difficult to deal with.
No one expects to have laugh at a work function (which is a shame), but when they do it’s a welcome surprise and a memorable one.
Session 2 – Bonnie Davies (the Amazing and Famous Sharron)
Not everyone can be as famous as ‘Famous Sharron’, who is famous for absolutely nothing.
'Famous Sharron' has become a hit comedy character created by Bonnie Davies and managed by The Gelo Company.
'Famous Sharron' parodies modern celebrity and is very famous for nothing. She's been seen on every TV Channel (ABC, SBS, Channel 7, Channel 9, Network 10), in Elle Magazine, TV Week and all over the internet.
Famous Sharron was dubbed 'Queen of the Fringe' and awarded the 'Spirit of the Fringe' in 2014, while also receiving award nominations for multiple shows.
Famous Sharron won 'Best Marketing' at New Zealand Fringe Festival in 2014 and has toured extensively throughout regional WA - including Port Hedland, Karratha, Wheatstone, Beverley, and Geraldton multiple times.
Come a meet Famous Sharron, learn about what YOU can become famous for. Most important, hear the story of taking an idea to a speaking career.
Our Presenters
About Sam Longley
Sam Longley has been working as an actor, comedian, writer and director since the late nineties. He works as a Corporate Trainer in communications and a Film Maker. As a professional actor, he has performed everything from a Shakespearian drunkard to an eight-year old delinquent.
He has written plays, hosted TV shows, written and directed short films, performed on stages large and small to audiences vast and tiny. Sam has performed in the feature films Where The Wild Things Are with Spike Jonze and Jasper Jones written by Craig Silvy.
Sam has toured extensively through-out Australia and internationally and is the creator of the improv comedy show The Big Hoo-Haa, that is now in its sixteenth sellout season.
He teaches professional speakers through the six week Lazy’s School of Comedy, where many PSA members have debuted on stage with their onwn crafted Stand Up.
For more information about Sam, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-longley-71587618/.
About Bonnie Davies
Bonnie Davies is the Director of The Gelo Company that brings laughter into the world, and a multi-award winning producer and comedian.
Her business is behind many successful partnerships including Bogan Bingo, The Big HOO-HAA!, leading projects like FRINGE WORLD Venues, First Floor All Ages Program, Falls Festival, Bullshit Trivia and DIY Comedy Workshops.
She is the real name behind ‘Famous Sharron’ – learn more on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htDAd5v_skU, and featured on the ABC, SBS, Channel 7, Channel 9, Network 10, in Elle Magazine, TV Week and all over the internet.
For more information about Bonnie, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnieisbonnie/