What are some tips for adding humor to your technical presentation without offending anyone?

2 Use self-deprecation

One of the safest and most effective forms of humor is self-deprecation. This means making fun of yourself or your own mistakes, rather than mocking or criticizing others. Self-deprecation can show your humility, honesty, and relatability, as well as diffuse any tension or nervousness. However, you should not overdo it or make yourself look incompetent or unprofessional. You should also avoid any self-deprecation that might imply a negative stereotype or bias about your identity or group.

3 Tell stories

Stories are a great way to add humor and interest to your technical presentation. They can help you connect with your audience, illustrate your points, and create emotional impact. You can use stories from your own experience, from your research, or from other sources, as long as they are relevant, credible, and ethical. You can also use stories to set up jokes, punchlines, or surprises, as long as they are not too predictable, exaggerated, or off-topic.

4 Use analogies and metaphors

Another way to add humor and clarity to your technical presentation is to use analogies and metaphors. These are comparisons that help you explain complex or abstract concepts in simpler or more familiar terms. They can also help you create vivid images, contrasts, or associations in your audience's mind. You can use analogies and metaphors from everyday life, popular culture, or other domains, as long as they are accurate, appropriate, and respectful.

5 Be spontaneous

Sometimes, the best humor comes from the unexpected or unplanned moments in your presentation. You can use these opportunities to show your personality, creativity, and adaptability, as well as to interact with your audience. For example, you can comment on something that happened before or during your presentation, respond to a question or feedback, or improvise a joke or remark based on the situation. However, you should not rely on spontaneity alone, or lose track of your time, structure, or objectives.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?