43. Andrew Tarvin on Engineering Humour Into Your Presentations

Feb 18, 2020

In this episode, humor consultant Andrew Tarvin, founder of Humor That Works and a sought-after speaker, shares his insights on integrating humor into presentations. He discusses whether humor and seriousness can coexist and explains the vital difference between comedy and humor. Andrew reveals how dabbling in stand-up can enhance presentation skills and introduces his 'MAP Method' to craft humor strategically. With anecdotes from his journey, including his transformation from a computer scientist to a humor engineer, the conversation is both enlightening and entertaining.

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ADVICE

Treat Humor As A Learnable Skill

Andrew states that humor is a learnable skill and recommends structured practice.
He advises learning the science (structure, devices) and practicing the art in safe spaces to improve.

INSIGHT

Humor Is Bigger Than Jokes

Andrew differentiates humor (broad) from comedy (subset) to widen acceptable uses.
He shows humor can be small, consistent signals like quirky socks or stories, not only punchlines.

ADVICE

Be Intentional With Funny Moments

Use humor to achieve a purpose, not to appear funny; be intentional about its role.
Match tone to audience and medium to avoid seeming unprofessional.

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Hello and welcome to episode forty-three of The Presentation Boss Podcast. Way back in episode three, this guy got a mention and Kate has been following his work for years and years. Thomas too wanted Andrew Tarvin on this podcast to share his unique perspective on adding humour into any and every presentation. Kate and Thomas sat down for a fascinating chat which of course includes a lot of laughs along the way! About Our Guest Andrew Tarvin is the founder and CEO of Humor That Works, a consultancy that strategically leverages humour for better business results. He has partnered with some of the worlds leading organisations including Microsoft, United Nations and the FBI to solve human challenges with humour solutions. Andrew is a best-selling author, has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Forbes and was named a visionary under 40 by the P&G Alumni Network. His TEDx Talk on 'The Skill of Humor' has been viewed more than six million times, only half of which were his mother. He loves puns and chocolate. What You'll Learn • Whether humour and seriousness are mutually exclusive • The difference between comedy and humour • How having a go at stand-up can benefit your presentations, even if you don't want to be funny • Exactly the difference between effective and efficient, and which is better for communication • The 'MAP Method' for building humour into a presentation • Exactly where to start with adding humour into your presentations • Why you should be collecting humorous material always Mentioned In The Show • Andrew's website: Humor That Works • Phil M Jones, Exactly How To Sell • Ian Altman, Same Side Selling • Michael Port's Podcast, Steal the Show Resources and Links • Email us: podcast@presentationboss.com.au • The Presentation Boss Podcast: https://presentationboss.com.au/podcast/ • Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-norris/ • Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-krafft/ • Presentation Boss on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/presentationboss/ • Presentation Boss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/presentation-boss