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COMPETENCIES
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PUBLIC SPEAKING resources for you
Public Speaking: 
Show 'em When You Cross Cultures
Regardless of one's nationality and culture, cartoons and comic strips are the most universally accepted format for humor in public speaking engagements. These pieces of visual humor are seen in newspapers and magazines in most areas of the world. They may be found in newsstands in large cities, or in large libraries.
It might be
fun to collect cartoons and comic strips when you travel so you have a ready
supply when you need one for a public speaking engagement. Be careful to avoid
cartoons that have political overtones. If you are public speaking to a small
group, you can show the periodical or pass it around. If you want to use the
cartoon or comic strip in a visual, you may need permission from the artist
or copyright owner. Always read the caption for a foreign audience and give
them time to mentally translate what you say. It may take what seems to be forever
(4-6 seconds) for the idea to sink in. Another good web-based
resource for cartoons is Witty World International Cartoon Magazine by Creators Syndicate.
Other forms of visual humor that transcend most cultural barriers are juggling
and magic. Good resource materials are available on both topics for use in public
speaking. Speaking With Magic is a book by Michael Jeffreys that not
only teaches you simple tricks, but gives you the points you can relate to the
trick. Two good magic videos for speakers by master magician Tom Ogden are Teaching
and Training with Magic and The Magic of Creativity.
In Thailand, I used props as icebreakers for my public speaking engagement.
I used oversize money to pass out to the crowd because I knew they were interested
in "BIG MONEY." I also used some softballs that looked like dollar bills so
they would have money to "THROW AROUND."
