Public Speaking Course:

Humorous Signs

When taking your public speaking course you will be taught that using funny signs in your presentation adds some fun to what you are saying. I don't know about you, but I come across funny signs all the time. I try to take a mental note or better yet take an actual picture of the sign for later use.

John Jay Daly, a friend of mine who speaks professionally, does a really funny slide presentation called 'The Wacky, Wonderful World of Washington.' A lot of the slides are of signs that he has seen around Washington, D.C.

My favorite sign says, 'In case of nuclear attack, the ban on school prayer will be lifted.' Another might say "Back by popular demand and by order of higher authority, 'During tests, the ban on school prayer is suspended.'"

Another slide shows a plaque on the front of a large building that says, 'All Deliveries Go to Rear of Building.' The next slide shows the brass plaque on the back of the same building that says, 'No Deliveries.'

Your public speaking course you will teach you how to incorporate lots of fun with signs. I just showed you two ways you can use them. The first way is by telling the audience about the sign. The second way is to actually show them the sign by means of projection. A third way is to actually have the sign with you and hold them up to the audience. I just attended a Meeting Planners International function where the presenter had his own applause sign. Everyone applauded on cue and had a good laugh because of it.

Here's a photography tip:
When taking pictures or slides of funny signs, always fill the frame up completely with the sign. The impact is much greater for the audience. (Check out Visuals: 'Fill 'Em Up' for more info)

Here are some favorite signs that I show in my public speaking course.

At a hospital in Prince Georges County, Maryland:

Hospital Policy is to refuse service to hospital patients. (This was posted at the snack bar.)

Funny tombstone inscription:

As I am now, you soon shall be. Prepare for death and follow me.
Scribbled below: To follow you I'm not content. Until I know which way you went.

Another tombstone: It's so soon, I'm done for, I wonder what I was begun for!

On church marquee: Honey I Shrunk the Sermon

On door of small restaurant: Out to lunch

These English language signs were seen outside the United States:

Advertisement for a Hong Kong dentist: Teeth extracted by latest methodists.

Somewhere in an elevator: Do not enter the lift backwards, and only when lit up.

1936 French sign: Don't kill your wife with work, let electricity do it.

In a Bangkok drycleaner's window: Drop your trousers here for best results.

Please leave your values at the front desk. (France)

You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid. (Japan)

Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose. (Switzerland)

I saw this sign on a display in a shoe store:

All our spring colors are now in. (All shoes on the rack were white.)

Keep your eye out for funny signs so that you can tell your audiences about them, or even show them.

Here's my favorite sign of all time from a hotel in Acapulco, Mexico:

The manager has personally passed all water served here.

You will learn how to incorporate humor to connect with your audience, from taking my public speaking course..