352. Elocution Lessons with Stephen Fry: How to Use Humour

In my previous blog, I looked at how Stephen Fry uses contrast to make his speech more engaging.

Another important lesson we can learn from him is the use of humour.

Stephen Fry is a particularly interesting speaker to study because his humour is not based only on jokes. He uses language, timing, unexpected ideas, exaggeration, self-deprecation and even his pronunciation to entertain his audience.

This is an important distinction.

You do not have to be a comedian to use humour effectively.

A little humour can make a speech warmer, more memorable and more human.

1. Unexpected humour

“I am not a television critic. I am a television watcher.”

“I have no idea what I'm doing. I just hope nobody notices.”

2. Exaggeration

“The entire history of civilisation…”

“The whole of human history…”

“The most extraordinary thing imaginable.”

“An absolutely enormous number of people…”

“A quite staggering amount…”

3. Self-deprecating humour

“I have always been fascinated by my own ignorance.”

“I am very good at being wrong.”

“I know nothing about almost everything.”

4. Humorous comparisons

“It is rather like trying to teach a cat to play the piano.”

“Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in your home by people you wouldn't have in your home.”

5. Unexpected endings

“Everything was going beautifully. Then I opened my mouth.”

“It seemed like a perfectly sensible idea. Which was, of course, the problem.”

Stephen Fry's Lesson

Stephen Fry shows us that humour is not simply about telling jokes. It is about seeing the unexpected side of ordinary things, and sometimes, it is simply about being willing to laugh at yourself.

So, when you prepare your next speech, don't ask only:

“What information do I want to give my audience?”

Ask:

“Where can I make them smile?”

Because an audience that smiles is usually an audience that is listening.