Doc Blakely, a well known speaker, was once asked, "Is it important to put humor into your presentations?" He answered, "Only if you want to get paid."

People want to be entertained. They want to laugh. Even in serious business meetings, humor can be very persuasive.

The Secret
What's the secret to making an audience laugh? I don't think there is any big secret. Ten years ago, I wasn't very good at telling a joke. I was nervous when I did tell one and my timing was way off. When I joined Toastmasters, I forced myself to use humor on every possible occasion and gradually I became better. You don't have to be born with a special talent for humor, but you do have to be willing to work at it over an extended period of time. It's something you can learn.

Sources for humor

● Personal experience.
This is the best source. Make sure to write it down when it happens.

● Borrowing: Audio/Video Tapes, TV, Books, Quotes etc.

● The News. Jay Leno of the Tonight Show uses current events all the time.

● Ad Lib. These can work, but don't count on them.
Work on the top three first.