In this book, a well-known speech writer and brilliant public speaker explains how to use humor effectively in speeches for every occasion and for any type of audience. Included are more than 600 humorous stories and anecdotes from the author's own collection -- stories and anecdotes that anyone can use to enliven a speech. In Part One of Podium Humor, the author discusses from the speaker's standpoint as well as from that of the audience. With numerous examples he explains what humor is made of, what triggers laughter, how to tell a story, and how to use humor to build suspense. From the basics supplied by the author, you learn how to develop your own humorous stories to suit your individual needs. Part Two of the book features a cross-indexed collection of humor: anecdotes, stories, and one-liners on many topical subjects. The author shows you how to work these humorous pieces into your speech by suggesting "lead-in" lines for particular stories plus "bridge" lines to return to the main sppech. Whether you wish to use humor to start or end a speech, to illustrate a point, or to establish rapport with an audience, Podium Humor will give you practical, easy-to-follow advice and a wealth of humorous material for use in your next speech.

Examines the anatomy of humor and gives tips for integrating humor into speeches.

Contains a collection of humorous stories plus examines the use of humor in speeches, and includes tips, pitfalls and strategies.

"[Prochnow] . . . wrote the book on public speaking." --The Chicago Rotary Club "A wonderful collection! This is must reading for all who give speeches." --James W. Robinson, author of "Better Speeches in 10 Simple Steps "A veritable treasure chest--all in one volume." --"American Banker Add sparkle to your speeches and introductions. Enliven your conversations with humor and memorable facts so that important ideas will not be forgotten. With more than 2,000 epigrams, literary quotations, anecdotes from biographies, humorous stories, inspiring illustrations, and interesting facts, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Podium is the essential reference you need to present your ideas colorfully and effectively. Inside you'll find: - 500 humorous stories - 500 epigrams and quips - 160 unusual quotations from world leaders through the ages - 292 humorous definitions - 100 stories and comments from unusual lives - 190 statements on important subjects by great thinkers - 209 wise and witty proverbs - and so much more! A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Podium is great for any occasion and makes for enjoyable browsing too!

From bestselling author of Fermat's Last Theorem, a must-have for number lovers and Simpsons fans

The "New Yorker" cartoon editor has collected dead-on portraits and eye-opening ruminations on all things bookish, courtesy of the magazine's renowned stable of cartoonists, from Charles Barsotti to Roz Chast, Ed Koren to Frank Modell, and Jack Ziegler to Victoria Roberts.

From the author of Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, The Wordy Shipmates is New York Times bestselling author Sarah Vowell's exploration of the Puritans and their journey to America to become the people of John Winthrop's "city upon a hill," a shining example, a "city that cannot be hid." To this day, America views itself as a Puritan nation, but Vowell investigates what that means? and what it should mean. What was this great political enterprise all about? Who were these people who are considered the philosophical, spiritual, and moral ancestors of our nation? What Vowell discovers is something far different from what their uptight shoe-buckles-and- corn reputation might suggest. The people she finds are highly literate, deeply principled, and surprisingly feisty. Their story is filled with pamphlet feuds, witty courtroom dramas, and bloody vengeance. Along the way she asks: *Was Massachusetts Bay Colony governor John Winthrop a communitarian, a Christlike Christian, or conformity?s tyrannical enforcer? Answer: Yes! *Was Rhode Island?s architect, Roger Williams, America?s founding freak or the father of the First Amendment? Same difference. *What does it take to get that jezebel Anne Hutchinson to shut up? A hatchet. *What was the Puritans? pet name for the Pope? The Great Whore of Babylon. Sarah Vowell?s special brand of armchair history makes the bizarre and esoteric fascinatingly relevant and fun. She takes us from the modern-day reenactment of an Indian massacre to the Mohegan Sun casino, from old-timey Puritan poetry, where ?righteousness? is rhymed with ?wilderness,? to a Mayflower-themed waterslide. Throughout, The Wordy Shipmates is rich in historical fact, humorous insight, and social commentary by one of America?s most celebrated voices. Thou shalt enjoy it.