Public Speaking Course: 

Bloopers 

Bloopers are funny mistakes that people make in public. The television show 'TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes' and many blooper books are indicators of how we enjoy watching other people's mistakes. How can these mistakes, or bloopers, be used during your presentation? When you make a mistake while speaking, instead of panicking, acknowledge it instead and make fun of yourself or the mistake you  made.

Here are two from "All Time Great Bloopers" by Blooper Snooper Kermit Schafer and one from 'More Press Boners' by Earle Tempel, and how you might use them to incorporate into what you learned from your public speaking course. 

A while back I heard about a DJ on WIOD in Miami, Florida who said, "This is Alan Courtney speaking. Don't forget, tonight at nine, our special guest . . . (pause) . . .will be . . . I forgot." "Well, I haven't forgotten why we are here today . . . " or (For an introducer) "I couldn't possibly forget who is here with us today."

From The San Leandro, CA News: I saw a notice in the newspaper the other day that said, "Industrial Boulevard is empty because it is a road to nowhere. Work is underway to extend it." If we keep developing the obsolete widget. We will be on the road to nowhere too. 

Mayor Daley of Chicago was being interviewed on TV following the riots during the Democratic convention. The mayor stated, "The police in Chicago are not here to create disorder, they are here to preserve it." I hope I don't create, or preserve, any disorder in my presentation today. Likely if the mayor had gone to my public speaking course, he would have avoided that embarrassing situation.

When you have a blooper, thinking quick on your feet can make it a positive aspect to your presentation.

Article Index
Home