Presentation Training with Comedy
Just out, by Gerry Thompson
£15 plus p+p/ also available as an e-book: contact to order
Extracts from text
CONTENTS
1: Introduction
- the essence of comedy
- why comedy is such a valuable approach for learning and development
- the power of improvisation: for trainer and trainee
- how to use this book
2 My journey into comedy and improvisation
3: Guidelines for running a comedy based training session
- devising a training programme using comedy based training methods
- creating the right ambience for a session
- tailoring training activities to different groups and participants
- dealing with challenging groups or individuals: disruptive, shy, nervous, conflictive, negative etc
- adapting and inventing your own training activities
4: Getting the training session started
- things to bear in mind
- introductions, ice-breakers and warm-up activities
5: The main training activities
- how to run a wide range of training activities for developing all aspects of self-presentation and speaking
6: Comedy genres and shows for comedy training
- stand-up comedy
- double act
- comedy sketches
- other formats
- putting together a performance as part of a training programme
7: Teaching people how to be funny, part 1
- the universal building blocks of humour and comedy
8: Teaching people how to be funny, part 2
- comedians' tricks of the trade
9: Using humour appropriately
- guidelines for avoiding offence and other difficulties
Index to training activities in this book
Recommended reading and online sources of further information
A sample training activity from the book
"Oscar acceptance speech"
Aims
A short, impromptu activity which can be dropped into a training session from time to time, between other activities, to encourage speakers' spontaneity, responsiveness and humour
Size of group
- any size
Time needed
- 5 minutes
Resources required
- a statuette or figure of some sort to substitute as an Oscar statue. Tacky plastic Oscar replicas can be bought on-line and these add to the fun and sense of occasion. Even a teddy bear or doll will do.
- an envelope with a card inside – the showier the better
How to do it
1This is a short activity to follow up any other exercise in this collection, that can serve as an excuse to present an Oscar – for instance, for Gorilla with Best Breath Control, Best Interview Candidate, most original Titanic survivor, or 'Worst Opener of Someone Else's Letter'.
2 Announce that an Oscar is about to be awarded. Talk the group through the clichés of Oscar speeches, asking for their suggestions of what Hollywood stars do – like demonstrating over-the-top emotion, being totally surprised, thinking that it would never happen to them, thanking everyone from obscure team members and colleagues to their family, cleaner or therapist, and so on. This will give the nominee-to-be ideas to improvise around.
3 Then open the envelope, announce the category for the award, draw out the card, name the person and present the Oscar, lead the group in applause and enjoy the ensuing short speech by the candidate.
Follow up discussion
· Extensive discussion is probably not needed, though participants might want to mention what they enjoyed about the speech
Tips
· The first time you run the activity, choose an award recipient who will be confident and up for the challenge of being spontaneous.
· Keep it all very light and quick, so that nobody feels pressure.
· Individuals can respond in their own personal way, and this is part of the fun – and the benefit that can be gained.
Variations and extensions
· Before announcing a winner, you can mention a short list of nominations, perhaps also making up what they appeared in as if it was a movie.
· 'Oscar' presentations can also be used to close a training course or even a company conference or other event.