When using humor in a speech, which of the following should you avoid?

Avoiding jokes that could offend audience members is crucial when incorporating humor in a speech because it helps maintain a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Offensive humor can alienate parts of the audience, leading to discomfort or even backlash against the speaker. This type of humor can derail the message of your speech and detract from your credibility as a speaker. It’s essential to be mindful of the diverse perspectives and sensitivities within an audience to ensure that humor enhances your speech rather than detracts from it.

On the other hand, using self-deprecating humor can create relatability and show humility, while beginning and closing with something funny can effectively grab attention and leave a lasting impression. Each of these options can contribute positively to the speech when done carefully and thoughtfully.