How to Win a Humorous Speech Contest, Part 1 – Suit Up!

First Impressions

Your appearance is very important.

We all look at people and make snap judgements based on how they look and at a contest what you wear and how look can have a direct effect on how the audience will react to your speech.

Furthermore, it will make an impression on the judges and the last thing you want is the judges making the wrong decision about you before you even begin speaking…

Planning

Before you stand on the stage, think about the type of impression you want to make:

• Do you want the audience to jump to the wrong conclusion based on your appearance?
• Will that mistake enhance the humour in your speech?
• Do you want your appearance to be something that will put a smile on the audience’s face and make them warm to you even before you start speaking?
• Do you want the audience to concentrate on your words and actions and not be distracted by your appearance?

Distractions

If you wear distracting clothes such as t-shirts with images or slogans (especially images and slogans that have nothing to do with your speech topic) then the audience may be distracted by trying read your t-shirt and thus not listen fully to you.

You want the audience to listen to every word you say.

The Rule

A very simple basic rule for contests:

If in doubt, wear a suit.

Wearing a suit gives you an automatic authority, people will sit up and listen that little bit more. It also makes you look good and you’ll get a few points on the judges ballot form for your appearance.

Creating an Impression

While you’re writing your speech, also think about how you will look while you’re on stage, will your clothes add humour or will they complement the topic of the speech?

For instance if you’re talking about science, wear a labcoat, or if you’re talking about policemen, dress like a policeman. If you’re going to be talking about rabbits then dress as a rabbit.

Perhaps you want to create asense of absurdity by giving a serious speech about nuclear physics while dressed as a chicken. Anything goes!

Be In Control

Speeches, and especially humorous speeches, are not just about words but also about the physical impression that you give to the audience.

Always make sure that you are in control of the audience’s impression of you.

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