An influential speaker has a tantalizing way of capturing the attention of his or her audience. Charisma, clarity, and confidence all play an important role with the art of captivation. But to me, a technique that isn't always included in a speech-a dry and painfully sloth-like speech to specify- is the art of comedy. It's human nature to perk up when one hears an unexpected silly word or subtle joke. In psychology today, there are many articles referencing humor and laughter's importance in society, especially in the sense that humor is inhibited by speech, and as a result, connects people in a distinct way. From my personal experiences, and outstanding number of people that give off a gloom or even harsh first impression, all of a sudden open up or soften their hard shells when I crack a joke. It is amazing to see the advantages that this character trait brings. I have literally attained best friends, opportunities, and jobs as a result of my humor. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I really do take pride in this. And although it may seem like a minor and possibly irrelevent idea, I know gift of humor is one of the most powerful ways of communication.
So in light of this, I would have to say that a speaker I truly admire would definitely have to be the comedian and writer Chelsea Handler. If you've ever seen her show "Chelsea Lately," or stand up, you may find her to be a bit raunchy, but good God that woman is talented. The reason I say this is probably because when I read many of her books, they were the literally the fasted books I have ever read. Mind you I'm not a huge reader. But for once in my life, my attention was finally captured for more then 5 minutes, and I didn't find myself needing to read the same sentences 3 times in a row. A little back round on Chelsea Handler, who came from a dysfunctional family of 8, and was running her own babysitting business and handling her older brothers financial affairs at 9. It takes a great amount of intelligence to have great humor, and as I'd like to think I'm pretty damn funny, that might be wishful thinking as Handler really takes the cake. She's not only a master of the technique pathos, in the way that she brings tears of joy and urine to her audiences and readers. (OK so I haven't personally peed my pants as a result of humor but I know many other people have!) But she is also freakishly gifted in the usage of ethos and logos as well. Her friends and family describe her insane talent of being to persuade anyone and everyone of the most outlandish lies and stories. She has literally tricked many people into believing a joke, forget about it, and have her victims still persuaded in her favor 6 months later. Time and time again, Chelsea has succeeded to convince her closest loved ones and even employees of some really dumb stuff. Just a few examples, she convinced her friends to evacuate a hotel because it was flooding, she convinced her (same)boyfriend she was pregnant 4 times, and convinced dozens of strangers that they would get to meet Carol King if they entered a lottery at her lemonade stand when she was 9.
Now, again you may find this to be a random example of one of my favorite speakers, but as I find humor to be one of the most effective tactics for communication, it would only be appropriate that I look to Chelsea Handler as one of my greatest influences.
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