STORM2K

I'm taking a speech class this semester and I have to give a humorous speech. Jokes, a funny story, that sort of thing. And it has to last 5-7 minutes. I'm so dreading this. I am incredibly shy (in person, not so much here), so it's hard enough for me to get up and speak to a classroom full of adults, let alone have the added pressure of having to entertain them. Any ideas on what I can talk about? If you come across any good jokes, can you post a link for me or post it here for me to review? I'd really appreciate any help or insight you have to offer. Thanks so much guys!
...Jennifer...

Jennifer... you have two of the best sources of humor for people of any age right in your home...a husband and a child.

If you think about it...stories about husbands and young children could run way past 7 minutes if you are not careful.

Throw in the fact that you have a weatherwatcher in your midst...and the possibilities grow even more.

I'd love to help you develop your topic once you select it...whether it is this one or something else. Let me know how I can help.

BTW...travel is another great source for stories...and, if you just look around the people on this board, well there are more characters here than at Disney World!!!

Have fun...and remember, let me know if you need a little help.

You're right Steve, I was going to suggest that there is enough goofy people around here to fill the whole class period and then some....lol

Good Luck Jen on this project. Humor is a great thing, you will do fine.

Hey, MrsChad, I know how you feel. I HATE speaking before a group. I'll think about this and let you know what I come up with. Steve is right, the best stories come from the heart and from your own experiences.

First question, what is the audience? Is this a regular college class, or is this a community type of class?

You could use ordinary stories and give them a twist. Sometimes the most ridiculous things come out of our experiences. And by talking from your experience, you'll create a bond with the audience. Much better than 3rd-person stories. Do you like George Carlin? If you could think of a topic from your experience and get on a roll, like he does, that could work.

Jen, I feel the same as you. Although whenever I have given a speech, the tension seemed to ease after the first few words. You'll be great!
I remember reading a thread not long ago where you and Chad were bantering back and forth. It was hysterical!!!
Some good advice already spoken here ... use personal experiences.

I really like Dave Barry. He has a toddler, and he often tells funny stories about that. But last year he wrote a story on the 10 yr anniversary of Andrew about his experience. It was a riot! I can't access it online anymore without paying $, but I have a copy and can email it if you'd like.
Here's his current stuff: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/columnists/dave_barry/
Best of luck!!!
Donna

Alright, making fun of Chad it is! LOL. Thanks for all your tips guys. I will get to work on some ideas and it you guys don't mind, I'll run some of it past you. Thanks again.

According to my wife, husband stories could take up a whole lifetime When you get up to speak, just remember the "audience" are just people. Don't make a speech per se, just talk to them Make good eye contact with people and just talk like it's a one on one conversation! That always helped me and it also makes the audience feel a part of the conversation

Hey, Jennifer! I'll just ditto what everyone else said -- write what you know. That's a recurrent piece of advice I read in screenwriting texts. If you're comfortable with it (because you're familiar with it), it will flow more naturally -- whether you're writing it or speaking it.

Keep us updated!

Are you going to run it by Chad? :o

Part of your story could be about getting your story!

Mr. & Mrs. Chad: The storm 2k answer to the Osbournes.

coriolis.

Good luck Jen. I have the same problem with standing in front of people at school. It was never a problem at musicals at K-5, but in middle school I guess it changed somehow. I could barely stand infront of 28 classmates and describe an invention without shaking. I guess I was called so many names and made fun of through those 3 years it came back to haunt me.