Boosting Presentation Impact: How Humor Enhances Audience Engagement
Advice from a comedian on why humor helps business presentations connect, persuade, and stick, and how to do it in a way that creates real connection.
Why humor is a presentation game changer
A presentation can be technically excellent and still fail if attention drops. Measured, relevant humor is an effective way to earn and sustain audience focus so your content lands and drives action. (Related reading: How to add humor to your presentation without adding jokes.)
“When you’re giving a presentation, humor is not about being funny. It’s about making a human connection so your audience stays with you.” – Beth Sherman
Why engagement is the currency of presentations
When people are engaged, they absorb more, remember more, and act more. That is the difference between good content and real business impact.
“If you lose people’s attention, they’re not going to retain your information or act on it. Humor is one way to make sure you keep that attention.” – Beth Sherman
How humor enhances audience connection
Breaks down barriers
A brief, relatable moment creates rapport and makes complex material more approachable.
“Humor lowers the wall between you and your audience. When you do that, people are more open to hearing what you have to say.” – Beth Sherman
Increases retention
Emotion drives memory. Thoughtful levity makes key points easier to recall.
Manages energy
Well-placed lightness resets focus during long or data-heavy segments.
“If you have a long presentation, you can’t expect people to just stay engaged on their own. You have to give them moments where they can reset, and humor is one way to do that.” – Beth Sherman
Practical ways to use humor in presentations
Open with a low-risk shared observation. Establish credibility and connection without going off brand.
Use self-aware moments strategically. Show humanity while staying aligned to message and audience.
Place light beats before complex sections. Help audiences reset attention for dense material.
For speaker readiness, see: 3 easy ways to calm presentation nerves and What is a presentation coach and how to find one who maximizes impact.
“You don’t have to be a comedian. You just have to notice the human side of your material and let your audience in on it.” – Beth Sherman
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be naturally funny to use humor effectively?
No. Authentic, context-appropriate moments are more effective than scripted jokes.
“It’s not about telling jokes, it’s about creating a connection that makes people want to listen.” – Beth Sherman
Can humor distract from my message?
It should not. Align each moment to your core point and audience insight to reinforce, not compete.
Is humor appropriate for formal corporate settings?
Yes, keep it inclusive, relevant, and brief. Prioritize clarity and outcomes.
“Even in very formal situations, you can use humor to connect as long as it’s respectful to your audience, authentic to you, and organic to the material.” – Beth Sherman
Ready to make your teams’s next pitch or presentation more engaging, memorable, and persuasive?
Book Beth as your next conference or event keynote, or for everybody’s favorite breakout session!
Beth Sherman is a comedian and 7-time Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and keynote speaker who helps leaders and teams use humor as a tool for connection, persuasion, and performance, delivering programs that are as actionable as they are engaging.
Read testimonials here.
