Recall the last presentation you truly enjoyed. Was it infused with humor? Humor has a remarkable impact on our relationships with others. Studies reveal that people with a good sense of humor are often seen as friendly, intelligent, and emotionally stable. In business settings and presentations, humor can be a powerful tool. Research published in Harvard Business Review found that humor can reduce hostility, relieve tension, and boost morale among colleagues. Outstanding business executives, as demonstrated in another study, use humor more than twice as often as their average counterparts.

Understanding the potency of humor, it’s beneficial to incorporate it into your own presentations. There are various ways to do this effectively. One method is sharing anecdotes. You don’t need to aim for roaring laughter; a smile and a chuckle from the audience can suffice. For example, in a TED talk, Dan Pallotta, the founder of an organization supporting AIDS services and research, humorously discussed his role as an openly gay father of triplets, calling it a socially innovative endeavor.

Another approach is using analogies and metaphors. In a talk about the societal impact of economic inequality, Professor Richard Wilkinson shared an insightful analogy, stating that “Americans who want to live the American dream should go to Denmark,” despite the topic’s serious nature. Now that you’ve learned how to make your presentation stand out, the following sections will guide you on creating memorable presentations.