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03 / Category · Gavelier Learning Resources
Entertain the audience with an original speech shaped by humour, timing and storytelling.
Find the funny. Share a story. Connect.
A Humorous Speech is a prepared speech with a clear theme, an opening, a body and a conclusion. Your aim is to entertain through a connected story or message—not deliver an unrelated string of jokes. The best humour feels natural, recognisable and true to your voice.
You do not need an extraordinary event. A misunderstanding, family routine, school experience or small mistake can become a memorable speech when you notice what makes it surprising.
Build around one main idea. Open with a situation that creates curiosity, develop the problem through two or three connected moments, and end with a satisfying payoff or insight.
Make the story funnier, not louder.
A setup gives listeners the information they need; the payoff changes their expectation. Keep the setup short and clear so the surprise has room to land.
Give your audience a scene they can picture. Use characters, dialogue, a challenge and an escalating sequence of events. Let the humour emerge from the situation rather than explaining why it is funny.
Toastmasters Humorous Speech rules require contestants to avoid potentially objectionable language, anecdotes and material. Choose humour that includes your audience rather than embarrassing, stereotyping or insulting others.
Write substantially your own material. Under Toastmasters contest rules, quoted, paraphrased or referenced content must be identified during the speech, and no more than 25% may come from others. Confirm the applicable OGCPS rules.
Timing, delivery and audience connection.
Use a conversational voice, purposeful facial expression and natural movement. Vary pace to build anticipation. A small pause before a payoff can be more effective than speaking faster or louder.
What seems funny on paper may not work aloud. Test the speech with a mentor or fellow Gaveliers. Ask where they smiled, where they were confused and whether the ending felt satisfying.
Stay calm, keep your expression natural and move to the next idea. Never stop to explain a joke or apologise for the audience not laughing. Your story should still make sense without every laugh.
Step up, share joy and trust your practice.
Stand comfortably, look at your audience and begin at a steady pace. Speak to people rather than performing at them. Let your personality come through and allow each funny moment to unfold.
Look for a coherent story, relevant humour, a clear message, expressive but controlled delivery, audience connection and an ending that feels complete. Judging follows the official contest criteria—not simply the number of laughs.
Thank those who supported your preparation. Note which moments connected, where your timing changed and what you would improve next time. Your progress as a speaker matters beyond the result.
Official source
Toastmasters International, Speech Contest Rulebook (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027), Item 1171: General Rules and Humorous Speech Contest Rules. Refer to the applicable OGCPS contest rulebook and briefing for event-specific requirements.
OGCPS 2027
Find the championship details, contest documents and registration information on the OGCPS 2027 page.
