From Boring to Hilarious: How to Add Laughter to Your Presentations

In this episode of the "Leads to Growth" podcast, host Chris McCoy speaks with Don Colliver, a teacher of public speaking courses and an expert in improv clown and sketch comedy. 

Don shares his experience and tips on how to add humor to presentations while maintaining professionalism and authenticity. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in connecting with an audience and suggests using personal stories and engaging in activities to build rapport and increase engagement. 

Don also shares an exercise that can help build awareness and audience engagement. Chris and Don agree that awareness is everything and encourage listeners to engage in Don's practice routine for presentations.

Time Stamp:
How Don Colliver got started [00:01:11]
Don shares his journey from being a television producer to becoming a host clown of a show for Blue Man Group and how he brings his comedic skills to Fortune 500 companies.

Using pattern interruption in comedy [00:03:18]
Don explains how pattern interruption is the foundation of comedy and how it can be used to engage and connect with an audience, especially in trade shows.

Adding humor to presentations [00:05:10]
Don advises on how to add humor to presentations without compromising professionalism and authenticity, including making fun of oneself and using the rule of three to create a pattern and break it.

Clown Presence [00:09:27]
Don Collier explains the concept of clown presence in public speaking, which involves being authentic and vulnerable while engaging with the audience.

Engaging the Audience [00:10:39]
Don shares tips on how to engage the audience during virtual presentations, including acknowledging specific individuals, telling personal stories, and using activities.

Low-Stakes Practice [00:17:46]
Don suggests low-stakes practice as a way to overcome nervousness in public speaking, such as delivering short presentations in Toastmasters or at work.

Awareness is Key [00:19:19]
Chris and Don discuss the importance of awareness in public speaking, including how to control physiology, attitude, and focus.

Feeling the Vibe of the Room [00:22:39]

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