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Public Speaking: Show 'em When You Cross Cultures
Regardless of one's nationality and culture, cartoons and comic strips are the most universally accepted format for humor in public speaking engagements. These pieces of visual humor are seen in newspapers and magazines in most areas of the world. They may be found in newsstands in large cities, or in large libraries.
It might be fun to collect cartoons and comic strips when you travel so you have a ready supply when you need one for a speaking engagement. Be careful to avoid cartoons that have political overtones. If you are speaking to a small group, you can show the periodical or pass it around. If you want to use the cartoon or comic strip in a visual, you may need permission from the artist or copyright owner. Always read the caption for a foreign audience and give them time to mentally translate what you say. It may take what seems to be forever (4-6 seconds) for the idea to sink in. Another good resource for cartoons is 'Witty World International Cartoon Magazine' by Creators Syndicate.
Other forms of visual humor that transcend most cultural barriers are juggling and magic. Good resource materials are available on both topics. 'Speaking With Magic' is a book by Michael Jeffreys that not only teaches you simple tricks, but gives you the points you can relate to the trick. Two good magic videos for speakers by master magician Tom Ogden are 'Teaching and Training with Magic' and 'The Magic of Creativity.'
In Thailand, I used props as icebreakers. I used oversize money to pass out to the crowd because I knew they were interested in 'BIG MONEY.' I also used some softballs that looked like dollar bills so they would have money to 'THROW AROUND.'
Copyright © 1998 - 2005 Advanced Public Speaking Institute Tom Antion provides entertaining speeches and educational seminars. He is the ultimate entrepreneur, having owned many businesses BEFORE graduating college. Tom is the author of the best selling presentation skills book "Wake 'em Up Business Presentations" and "Click: The Ultimate Guide to Electronic Marketing." It is important to Tom that his knowledge be not only absorbed, but enjoyed. This is why he delivers his speeches laced with great humor and hysterical jokes. Tom has addressed more than 87 different industries and is thoroughly committed to his clients' needs. http://www.antion.com Advanced Public Speaking Institute -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alba Spectrum popular articles series: FAQ, Reviews, Introductions, Product Selections, Advises, Definitions, online marketing We are serving wholesale & retail customers in Illinois, California, Texas, Wisconsin, New York, Washington, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Arizona, New Mexico, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Colorado, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Colombia. We also serve customer internationally in New Zealand, Europe: UK, France, Poland, Italy, Germany, Russia, India, Byrma, Thailand, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Indonesia, Austria, New Zealand, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Equador, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica, Canada, South Africa, Nigeria, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Asia: India, China, Philippines, South Korea, plus business metros: Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Boston, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Fargo, Seattle, Miami, Orlando, Detroit, Buffalo, Toronto, Paris, London, Montreal, Denver, Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Rome, Karachi, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, Buenos Aires, Dehli, Mumbai, Beigin, Cairo, San Francisco, Fremont, Naperville, Oakland, Melburn, Sidney, Sent Petersburg, Tampa, New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, Mexico City, Bogota, Caracas, Lima, Salvador, Recife, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Curitiba, Goiania. http://www.albaspectrum.com |