Acronym: A form of abbreviation where the letters of the abbreviation form a new word as in HUD for The Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Ad-lib: Unplanned words or phrases spoken during a presentation.
Alliteration: The repetition of the same first sound or the same first letter in a group of words or line of poetry as in from stem to stern.
Anachronism: A person, place, or event that is placed in a time period in which it does not belong such as George Washington sitting in front of a computer.
Analogy: A comparison of two things that are alike in some ways and different in others. An example is your brain is similar to a computer.
Anecdote: A short interesting or amusing incident.
Aside: In the theater, something said to the audience that is not to be heard by the other actors. In television, the actor would look right at the camera and talk to the viewers. In a presentation, the speaker would make a temporary departure from the main theme or topic.
Attribution: Crediting the source of material used in a presentation.
Audience gag: A joke pulled on the audience, sometimes with some of the audience members used as shills.
Audience participation: The audience doing something other than listeningduring a public speaking engagement. Some of them could be on-stage with you, carrying on group discussions, playing games, singing, etc.
A/V: Abbreviation for audiovisual equipment, such as overhead projectors, tape recorders, slide projectors, microphones, etc.
Bits: A short section of material so related that it is easy to memorize. Also called Chunks, Series.
Black Humor: According to Webster's Dictionary, "Humor that ignores human suffering and looks for the absurdity in any experience, even the most tragic." Used as a stress reliever in many high pressure occupations (medicine, law enforcement, military, etc.). Also Sick humor, Gallows humor. (Note: Please don't use in a professional presentation)
Blocking: Positioning of you and your equipment on the stage. Also your intended movement on the stage.
Blooper: A clumsy mistake, especially one made in public; a faux pas.
Blue Humor: Risqué or dirty humor The kind of humor everyone likes, but won't admit it. (OK, I'm kidding or am I?) Also called Off-color humor.
Bomb: In the USA a GIANT failure. In Great Britain a smashing success.
Bombproofing: Term coined by your lovable author to signify the steps you take as a presenter to be sure you don't bomb.
Breakout session: Splitting the entire group into smaller groups to hear special interest public speaking topics.
Callback: Referring to a word or phrase you mentioned earlier in your presentation.
Canned act: The use of standard material regardless of the makeup of the audience (not customized). Also Planned Spontaneity.
Canned ad-lib: Pre-planned response to a presentation problem or audience member comment.
Caricature: A picture in which the subject's distinctive features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.
Cartoon: An illustrated joke. Also Comic Strip.
Cheap laugh: Simple, sometimes tasteless, laughs that anyone, regardless of skill level, could elicit from the audience during a public speaking engagement (this is my specialty Ha-ha).
Chunks: See Bits.
Classroom seating: Seating style where chairs are placed behind tables.
Cliché: A worn-out saying such as "It's better to be safe than sorry" (that's a sorry cliché).
Comeback: A humorous or clever retort to an audience comment. Also Repartee or Riposte.
Comedian: An amusing person whose primary purpose is to entertain. Also Comic.
Comedienne: Older, less politically correct, term for a female comedian.
Comic: See Comedian.
Comic relief: An amusing element introduced into a serious speech or play to temporarily relieve tension.
Comic strip: Cartoon progressing over a series of scenes.
Concurrent session: A session occurring at the same time as another (breakout) session.
Content: The usable information in a presentation.
Convulsive laughter: Violent laughter that causes a person to lunge forward, backward or both.
Cordless microphone: A microphone which works by transmitting radio signals to a receiver which is connected to the public address (PA) system. Also Wireless Microphone.
Custom humor: Humorous comments, skits, role playing, gags, or costuming devised specifically for a particular audience.
Dais: A raised platform in the front of the room where the speaker stands. Also Podium, Riser, Stage or Platform.
Deadpan expression: A serious expression contrasted with funny lines.
Demo tape: An audio or video tape used to promote speakers, bands, magicians, etc.
Downstage: The area of the stage closest to the audience.
Dynamic range: Gradation of intensity available for use by a presenter from demure whisper to boisterous screams.
Easel: A tripod or frame used to support flipchart pads or other visuals.
Emcee: Abbrev. MC, An informal term for Master of Ceremonies. Also Toastmaster, Roastmaster.
Exaggeration humor: Expanding or diminishing features or information to outrageous proportions for comic effect.
Extemporaneous: An impromptu or spontaneous presentation.
Extender line: Line added to the end of a humorous comment that evokes additional laughter.
Flipchart: Large pieces of paper either bound or loose that are supported on an easel.
Flop sweat: 1. Fear of performing 2. Perspiration while fearful of performing or while bombing.
Fluff: Normally lighthearted information in a presentation used to entertain or motivate (not hard data).
Gag: Wordplay or horseplay with the audience.
Gag order: Meeting planner tells you to shut up (I couldn't resist throwing this one in).
General session: All attendees present at the same presentation.
Gesticulate: To gesture in an animated and excited manner or simply to gesture.
Goldwynism: 1940's term for comical misuse of language. Named after movie mogul Sam Goldwyn.
Greenroom: A backstage room where speakers and performers can relax when they are not on stage. Also applies to television studios.
Handheld microphone: A corded or cordless microphone that can be held to your mouth or mounted on a lectern or microphone stand.
Handout: Any promotional or educational material given to each audience member.
Handsfree microphone: A corded or cordless microphone that attaches to the presenter's clothing. Also Lavaliere.
Head table: A table at the front of the room reserved for the leaders, special guests and speakers at an event.
Heart story: Touching story that normally brings tears to the eyes of audience members.
Heckler: Audience member who purposely annoys or bothers the presenter usually by means of verbal abuse (sometimes throws things).
Hey stupid question: Trite question posed to the audience like How many of you want to make more money?
Honorarium: Payment for speaking or other services.
House lights: Lights that illuminate the audience.
Humorist: Speaker who uses humor to make points, convey a message, and entertain.
Humorous acknowledgment: Mildly amusing admission of guilt immediately followed by a serious response.
Idiom: An expression of a given language that cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its words, as in keep tabs on.
Impostor guest speaker: Speaker with false credentials employed to pull a gag on the audience for the purposes of stress reduction, morale boost, and/or entertainment.
In fun: A climate in the presentation area such that the speaker and audience are in the mood for laughter.
Introducer: Person who presents the speaker to the audience and gives a brief account of the speaker's history.
Introduction: A normally written opening to a speech used by the introducer to present the speaker to the audience.
Jokes: Something said or done to create laughter or amusement.
Juxtaposition humor: The placing, side-by-side, of two ideas or items usually for the purpose of comic comparison or contrast.
Keynote: The main speech at a meeting delivered to all attendees in a general session. Originally the main point of a speech.
Lavaliere: A corded or cordless microphone worn around the neck or attached to a piece of clothing. See Hands free microphone.
Lectern: A stand with a sloping top from which a speaker delivers his or her program. Sometimes incorrectly called a podium.
Localization and personalization: The process of changing details of a story or joke to suit the intended audience
Malaprop: An absurd misuse of words. See Goldwynism.
Master of ceremonies: A person who acts as host of an event, making the welcoming speech and introducing other speakers or entertainers. Also Toastmaster, Roastmaster, Emcee, MC.
MC: n. Abbreviation for Master of ceremonies. v. Acting as Master of ceremonies as in Joe will MC the event.
Meeting planner: The person in charge of planning the logistical parameters of a meeting like room setup, hotel arrangements, meals, travel, and sometimes hiring of speakers. Also Coordinator, Organizer or Planner.
Metaphor: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making a comparison, as in She is an angel on the platform.
Mic: Abbreviation for microphone pronounced mike.
Moderator: Person who presides over a meeting, panel, or debate.
Multimedia: The use of several media, such as movies, slides, music, and lighting in combination normally for the purpose of education or entertainment.
Off-color humor: See Blue Humor.
Off the cuff: In an extemporaneous or informal manner. Old time speakers would make notes on their shirt cuffs instead of preparing for a talk.
One-liner: A general term for a very short piece of humor.
Overhead projector: Device used to project images from transparent film onto a screen or the wall.
Oxymoron: Two concepts {usually two words} that do not go together, but are used together like old news, extensive briefing, direct circumvention and random order.
PA: Abbreviation for public address system.
Panel: A group of presenters, normally seated, that hold a discussion on a particular subject. Audience members are invited to pose questions to individual presenters or to the group as a whole.
Parody: A humorous imitation of a serious piece of literature or song.
Planned spontaneity: See Canned ad-lib.
Plant: A person pretending to be a normal audience member, who, in fact, is there to assist the speaker in some way. Also Shill.
Platform: Raised area in front of the audience where the speaker stands. Also, Dais, Riser, Podium or Stage.
Pleonasm: The bringing together of two concepts or words that are redundant like frozen ice, sharp point, killed dead, sandy beach, young child, positive praise.
Plug: An informal advertisement made during a presentation used to promote a product or service.
Podium: See Platform. Many people call a lectern a podium. This is technically incorrect, but very common. Also Dais, Riser, or Stage.
Practical joke: A playful trick that usually puts the receiver in an embarrassing position. Also Prank.
Prank: A practical joke that could be good natured or malicious. See Practical joke.
Pratfall: In comedy, an on-purpose, exaggerated fall to the floor usually accompanied by flailing arms and legs for effect.
Pre-program questionnaire: Information gathering document used to customize a presentation.
Press kit: A package of information used to promote a speaker or performer.
Prompter: A device used to electronically display a magnified version of the script the speaker can see, but the audience can't. (Commonly called a TelePrompter, which is actually a registered trade name.)
Prop: A shortened version of the theatrical term "property" used to describe any object handled or used by an actor in a performance.
Public address system: Abbrev. PA. The equipment used to amplify sound for the audience.
Public domain: Material that anyone can use without the need to give credit.
Public seminar: An educational event which is open to the public.
Pun: The humorous use of words that sound alike or nearly alike but are different in meaning as in Isn't this a punny book?
Punch line: The climactic word or phrase of a humorous statement that provokes laughter.
Q&A: Abbreviation for the question and answer portion of a presentation.
Rapport: A relationship with the audience, especially one of mutual trust or emotional attraction.
Rehearse: To practice for a presentation until all the rough spots are smoothed.
Relevance, Theory of: Belief that the only humor used in a business presentation should be related to the subject of the presentation, the speaker, the audience, or the location.
Repartee: A conversation full of quick, witty replies. Also Comeback, Riposte.
Repeat engagement: A second presentation for the same group.
Response to Introduction: After the introduction, comments directed to the introducer or the audience about the introduction or introducer.
Riposte: Sharp, quick action or reply. Also Comeback.
Riser: See Platform. Also, Dais, Podium or Stage.
Roast: An event where the guest of honor is ridiculed and teased in a good-natured, comical manner.
Roastmaster: The Master of Ceremonies at a roast.
Role play: An audience involvement exercise where the audience members and/or the presenter interact while assuming the attitudes and actions of others.
Rule of Three: Structure of humor where two serious items set a pattern then the third unexpectedly switches the pattern which provokes laughter, or three jokes on one topic in a bit.
Running gag: A gag that repeats itself or plays off a gag that occurred earlier.
Saver line: Comment made to recover from a (supposedly) humorous comment that failed.
Sarcasm: A cutting, often ironic, form of wit intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule
Segue: To move smoothly and unhesitatingly from one section or theme of a presentation to another. Pronounced seg-way.
Self-effacing humor: A very powerful form of humor that highlights your own weaknesses.
Seminar: An educational session lasting from 30 minutes to several days.
Series: See Bits.
Shill: In comedy, a person planted in the audience to assist in a gag.
Shtick: A characteristic attribute, talent, or trait that is helpful in securing recognition or attention. In entertainment, a routine or gimmick attributed to a particular performer,i. e. smashing watermelons is part of Gallagher's (the comedian) shtick.
Sick humor: See Black humor.
Signature story: A story that is credited to a particular person. This type of story should never be used without attribution.
Simile: A comparison of two things which, however different in other respects, have some strong point or points in common. The words like and as will normally be used when making the comparison as in His brilliance is like a burned out light bulb.
Site: The location of the meeting. Also Venue.
Slapstick: Broad comedy involving boisterous action like throwing pies and fake violence ala The Three Stooges.
Slide: A 35mm transparency. Sometimes used to describe an overhead transparency.
Sound man (person): Person in charge of public address system, sound board, recording, etc. during a presentation.
Sound system: See Public Address System.
Speakers bureau: A service company that provides speakers for meeting planners.
Spokesperson: A person who speaks for or represents a company, organization or other person.
Stage: See Dais.
Stage fright: Nervousness associated with performing or speaking before an audience.
Stage left: As the performer faces the audience, the side of the stage to his/her left.
Stage lights: Lights illuminating the stage area only.
Stage right: As the performer faces the audience, the side of the stage to his/her right.
Stooge: An entertainer who feeds lines to the main performer and frequently is the butt of the joke.
Tailoring: Adjusting material to better suit a particular audience. Not quite customizing.
TelePrompter: See Prompter.
Test Humor: Humor used either in the introduction or early parts of a talk to determine the extent to which the audience is in fun.
Testimonial: A statement, usually written, in support of a another's character or worth; a personal recommendation.
Theater style seating: Seating where chairs are set in rows without tables.
Timing: Adjusting one's speaking and pausing for dramatic or comical effect.
Toastmaster: See Emcee.
Trainer: A person who conducts workshops and training sessions.
Transcribe: To make a written copy of a voice recording or presentation.
Transparency: A slide that is viewed by light shining through it from behind or by projection. Also Slide.
Two-step seminar: A free seminar where attendees are asked to buy a second seminar or purchase products.
Upstage: The area of the stage farthest from the audience. Also to steal the focus of the audience from the intended main performer.
Venue: See Site.
View-graph: Alternate name for overhead transparency.
Wings: Extreme sides of the stage normally hidden from the audience by curtains or walls.
Wireless microphone: See Cordless microphone.
Whisper: Attention-gaining device where presenter speaks with extremely low volume to one audience member.
Workshop: An educational session lasting from one hour to many days. Usually includes hands-on practice in the particular skills being taught.
Ad-lib: Unplanned words or phrases spoken during a presentation.
Alliteration: The repetition of the same first sound or the same first letter in a group of words or line of poetry as in from stem to stern.
Anachronism: A person, place, or event that is placed in a time period in which it does not belong such as George Washington sitting in front of a computer.
Analogy: A comparison of two things that are alike in some ways and different in others. An example is your brain is similar to a computer.
Anecdote: A short interesting or amusing incident.
Aside: In the theater, something said to the audience that is not to be heard by the other actors. In television, the actor would look right at the camera and talk to the viewers. In a presentation, the speaker would make a temporary departure from the main theme or topic.
Attribution: Crediting the source of material used in a presentation.
Audience gag: A joke pulled on the audience, sometimes with some of the audience members used as shills.
Audience participation: The audience doing something other than listeningduring a public speaking engagement. Some of them could be on-stage with you, carrying on group discussions, playing games, singing, etc.
A/V: Abbreviation for audiovisual equipment, such as overhead projectors, tape recorders, slide projectors, microphones, etc.
Bits: A short section of material so related that it is easy to memorize. Also called Chunks, Series.
Black Humor: According to Webster's Dictionary, "Humor that ignores human suffering and looks for the absurdity in any experience, even the most tragic." Used as a stress reliever in many high pressure occupations (medicine, law enforcement, military, etc.). Also Sick humor, Gallows humor. (Note: Please don't use in a professional presentation)
Blocking: Positioning of you and your equipment on the stage. Also your intended movement on the stage.
Blooper: A clumsy mistake, especially one made in public; a faux pas.
Blue Humor: Risqué or dirty humor The kind of humor everyone likes, but won't admit it. (OK, I'm kidding or am I?) Also called Off-color humor.
Bomb: In the USA a GIANT failure. In Great Britain a smashing success.
Bombproofing: Term coined by your lovable author to signify the steps you take as a presenter to be sure you don't bomb.
Breakout session: Splitting the entire group into smaller groups to hear special interest public speaking topics.
Callback: Referring to a word or phrase you mentioned earlier in your presentation.
Canned act: The use of standard material regardless of the makeup of the audience (not customized). Also Planned Spontaneity.
Canned ad-lib: Pre-planned response to a presentation problem or audience member comment.
Caricature: A picture in which the subject's distinctive features are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.
Cartoon: An illustrated joke. Also Comic Strip.
Cheap laugh: Simple, sometimes tasteless, laughs that anyone, regardless of skill level, could elicit from the audience during a public speaking engagement (this is my specialty Ha-ha).
Chunks: See Bits.
Classroom seating: Seating style where chairs are placed behind tables.
Cliché: A worn-out saying such as "It's better to be safe than sorry" (that's a sorry cliché).
Comeback: A humorous or clever retort to an audience comment. Also Repartee or Riposte.
Comedian: An amusing person whose primary purpose is to entertain. Also Comic.
Comedienne: Older, less politically correct, term for a female comedian.
Comic: See Comedian.
Comic relief: An amusing element introduced into a serious speech or play to temporarily relieve tension.
Comic strip: Cartoon progressing over a series of scenes.
Concurrent session: A session occurring at the same time as another (breakout) session.
Content: The usable information in a presentation.
Convulsive laughter: Violent laughter that causes a person to lunge forward, backward or both.
Cordless microphone: A microphone which works by transmitting radio signals to a receiver which is connected to the public address (PA) system. Also Wireless Microphone.
Custom humor: Humorous comments, skits, role playing, gags, or costuming devised specifically for a particular audience.
Dais: A raised platform in the front of the room where the speaker stands. Also Podium, Riser, Stage or Platform.
Deadpan expression: A serious expression contrasted with funny lines.
Demo tape: An audio or video tape used to promote speakers, bands, magicians, etc.
Downstage: The area of the stage closest to the audience.
Dynamic range: Gradation of intensity available for use by a presenter from demure whisper to boisterous screams.
Easel: A tripod or frame used to support flipchart pads or other visuals.
Emcee: Abbrev. MC, An informal term for Master of Ceremonies. Also Toastmaster, Roastmaster.
Exaggeration humor: Expanding or diminishing features or information to outrageous proportions for comic effect.
Extemporaneous: An impromptu or spontaneous presentation.
Extender line: Line added to the end of a humorous comment that evokes additional laughter.
Flipchart: Large pieces of paper either bound or loose that are supported on an easel.
Flop sweat: 1. Fear of performing 2. Perspiration while fearful of performing or while bombing.
Fluff: Normally lighthearted information in a presentation used to entertain or motivate (not hard data).
Gag: Wordplay or horseplay with the audience.
Gag order: Meeting planner tells you to shut up (I couldn't resist throwing this one in).
General session: All attendees present at the same presentation.
Gesticulate: To gesture in an animated and excited manner or simply to gesture.
Goldwynism: 1940's term for comical misuse of language. Named after movie mogul Sam Goldwyn.
Greenroom: A backstage room where speakers and performers can relax when they are not on stage. Also applies to television studios.
Handheld microphone: A corded or cordless microphone that can be held to your mouth or mounted on a lectern or microphone stand.
Handout: Any promotional or educational material given to each audience member.
Handsfree microphone: A corded or cordless microphone that attaches to the presenter's clothing. Also Lavaliere.
Head table: A table at the front of the room reserved for the leaders, special guests and speakers at an event.
Heart story: Touching story that normally brings tears to the eyes of audience members.
Heckler: Audience member who purposely annoys or bothers the presenter usually by means of verbal abuse (sometimes throws things).
Hey stupid question: Trite question posed to the audience like How many of you want to make more money?
Honorarium: Payment for speaking or other services.
House lights: Lights that illuminate the audience.
Humorist: Speaker who uses humor to make points, convey a message, and entertain.
Humorous acknowledgment: Mildly amusing admission of guilt immediately followed by a serious response.
Idiom: An expression of a given language that cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its words, as in keep tabs on.
Impostor guest speaker: Speaker with false credentials employed to pull a gag on the audience for the purposes of stress reduction, morale boost, and/or entertainment.
In fun: A climate in the presentation area such that the speaker and audience are in the mood for laughter.
Introducer: Person who presents the speaker to the audience and gives a brief account of the speaker's history.
Introduction: A normally written opening to a speech used by the introducer to present the speaker to the audience.
Jokes: Something said or done to create laughter or amusement.
Juxtaposition humor: The placing, side-by-side, of two ideas or items usually for the purpose of comic comparison or contrast.
Keynote: The main speech at a meeting delivered to all attendees in a general session. Originally the main point of a speech.
Lavaliere: A corded or cordless microphone worn around the neck or attached to a piece of clothing. See Hands free microphone.
Lectern: A stand with a sloping top from which a speaker delivers his or her program. Sometimes incorrectly called a podium.
Localization and personalization: The process of changing details of a story or joke to suit the intended audience
Malaprop: An absurd misuse of words. See Goldwynism.
Master of ceremonies: A person who acts as host of an event, making the welcoming speech and introducing other speakers or entertainers. Also Toastmaster, Roastmaster, Emcee, MC.
MC: n. Abbreviation for Master of ceremonies. v. Acting as Master of ceremonies as in Joe will MC the event.
Meeting planner: The person in charge of planning the logistical parameters of a meeting like room setup, hotel arrangements, meals, travel, and sometimes hiring of speakers. Also Coordinator, Organizer or Planner.
Metaphor: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making a comparison, as in She is an angel on the platform.
Mic: Abbreviation for microphone pronounced mike.
Moderator: Person who presides over a meeting, panel, or debate.
Multimedia: The use of several media, such as movies, slides, music, and lighting in combination normally for the purpose of education or entertainment.
Off-color humor: See Blue Humor.
Off the cuff: In an extemporaneous or informal manner. Old time speakers would make notes on their shirt cuffs instead of preparing for a talk.
One-liner: A general term for a very short piece of humor.
Overhead projector: Device used to project images from transparent film onto a screen or the wall.
Oxymoron: Two concepts {usually two words} that do not go together, but are used together like old news, extensive briefing, direct circumvention and random order.
PA: Abbreviation for public address system.
Panel: A group of presenters, normally seated, that hold a discussion on a particular subject. Audience members are invited to pose questions to individual presenters or to the group as a whole.
Parody: A humorous imitation of a serious piece of literature or song.
Planned spontaneity: See Canned ad-lib.
Plant: A person pretending to be a normal audience member, who, in fact, is there to assist the speaker in some way. Also Shill.
Platform: Raised area in front of the audience where the speaker stands. Also, Dais, Riser, Podium or Stage.
Pleonasm: The bringing together of two concepts or words that are redundant like frozen ice, sharp point, killed dead, sandy beach, young child, positive praise.
Plug: An informal advertisement made during a presentation used to promote a product or service.
Podium: See Platform. Many people call a lectern a podium. This is technically incorrect, but very common. Also Dais, Riser, or Stage.
Practical joke: A playful trick that usually puts the receiver in an embarrassing position. Also Prank.
Prank: A practical joke that could be good natured or malicious. See Practical joke.
Pratfall: In comedy, an on-purpose, exaggerated fall to the floor usually accompanied by flailing arms and legs for effect.
Pre-program questionnaire: Information gathering document used to customize a presentation.
Press kit: A package of information used to promote a speaker or performer.
Prompter: A device used to electronically display a magnified version of the script the speaker can see, but the audience can't. (Commonly called a TelePrompter, which is actually a registered trade name.)
Prop: A shortened version of the theatrical term "property" used to describe any object handled or used by an actor in a performance.
Public address system: Abbrev. PA. The equipment used to amplify sound for the audience.
Public domain: Material that anyone can use without the need to give credit.
Public seminar: An educational event which is open to the public.
Pun: The humorous use of words that sound alike or nearly alike but are different in meaning as in Isn't this a punny book?
Punch line: The climactic word or phrase of a humorous statement that provokes laughter.
Q&A: Abbreviation for the question and answer portion of a presentation.
Rapport: A relationship with the audience, especially one of mutual trust or emotional attraction.
Rehearse: To practice for a presentation until all the rough spots are smoothed.
Relevance, Theory of: Belief that the only humor used in a business presentation should be related to the subject of the presentation, the speaker, the audience, or the location.
Repartee: A conversation full of quick, witty replies. Also Comeback, Riposte.
Repeat engagement: A second presentation for the same group.
Response to Introduction: After the introduction, comments directed to the introducer or the audience about the introduction or introducer.
Riposte: Sharp, quick action or reply. Also Comeback.
Riser: See Platform. Also, Dais, Podium or Stage.
Roast: An event where the guest of honor is ridiculed and teased in a good-natured, comical manner.
Roastmaster: The Master of Ceremonies at a roast.
Role play: An audience involvement exercise where the audience members and/or the presenter interact while assuming the attitudes and actions of others.
Rule of Three: Structure of humor where two serious items set a pattern then the third unexpectedly switches the pattern which provokes laughter, or three jokes on one topic in a bit.
Running gag: A gag that repeats itself or plays off a gag that occurred earlier.
Saver line: Comment made to recover from a (supposedly) humorous comment that failed.
Sarcasm: A cutting, often ironic, form of wit intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule
Segue: To move smoothly and unhesitatingly from one section or theme of a presentation to another. Pronounced seg-way.
Self-effacing humor: A very powerful form of humor that highlights your own weaknesses.
Seminar: An educational session lasting from 30 minutes to several days.
Series: See Bits.
Shill: In comedy, a person planted in the audience to assist in a gag.
Shtick: A characteristic attribute, talent, or trait that is helpful in securing recognition or attention. In entertainment, a routine or gimmick attributed to a particular performer,i. e. smashing watermelons is part of Gallagher's (the comedian) shtick.
Sick humor: See Black humor.
Signature story: A story that is credited to a particular person. This type of story should never be used without attribution.
Simile: A comparison of two things which, however different in other respects, have some strong point or points in common. The words like and as will normally be used when making the comparison as in His brilliance is like a burned out light bulb.
Site: The location of the meeting. Also Venue.
Slapstick: Broad comedy involving boisterous action like throwing pies and fake violence ala The Three Stooges.
Slide: A 35mm transparency. Sometimes used to describe an overhead transparency.
Sound man (person): Person in charge of public address system, sound board, recording, etc. during a presentation.
Sound system: See Public Address System.
Speakers bureau: A service company that provides speakers for meeting planners.
Spokesperson: A person who speaks for or represents a company, organization or other person.
Stage: See Dais.
Stage fright: Nervousness associated with performing or speaking before an audience.
Stage left: As the performer faces the audience, the side of the stage to his/her left.
Stage lights: Lights illuminating the stage area only.
Stage right: As the performer faces the audience, the side of the stage to his/her right.
Stooge: An entertainer who feeds lines to the main performer and frequently is the butt of the joke.
Tailoring: Adjusting material to better suit a particular audience. Not quite customizing.
TelePrompter: See Prompter.
Test Humor: Humor used either in the introduction or early parts of a talk to determine the extent to which the audience is in fun.
Testimonial: A statement, usually written, in support of a another's character or worth; a personal recommendation.
Theater style seating: Seating where chairs are set in rows without tables.
Timing: Adjusting one's speaking and pausing for dramatic or comical effect.
Toastmaster: See Emcee.
Trainer: A person who conducts workshops and training sessions.
Transcribe: To make a written copy of a voice recording or presentation.
Transparency: A slide that is viewed by light shining through it from behind or by projection. Also Slide.
Two-step seminar: A free seminar where attendees are asked to buy a second seminar or purchase products.
Upstage: The area of the stage farthest from the audience. Also to steal the focus of the audience from the intended main performer.
Venue: See Site.
View-graph: Alternate name for overhead transparency.
Wings: Extreme sides of the stage normally hidden from the audience by curtains or walls.
Wireless microphone: See Cordless microphone.
Whisper: Attention-gaining device where presenter speaks with extremely low volume to one audience member.
Workshop: An educational session lasting from one hour to many days. Usually includes hands-on practice in the particular skills being taught.
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