Hey, it’s Conor Cunneen – IrishmanSpeaks here
Once again with some practical tips on how to add humor to your presentation—even when talking about books, sex, and marketing (Nothing offensive, I promise you)
📘 Real-Life Humor: Why Ireland Never Invaded America
One of the books I’ve written is titled “Why Ireland Never Invaded America.”
Yes, it’s a business book… but told in story form. Think “MBA with a side of Guinness and a twist of Irish blarney.” It’s packed with insights, a bit of goofball charm, and good business sense.
Unfortunately, almost out of print now, but it has provided some wonderful fodder for humor and how you can build on humor that you capture.
Better Than Sex? That’s What They Say…
Shortly after the book’s launch, I bumped into a friend in Quigley’s Irish pub in Naperville – Surprise!
He said:
“Conor, I love your book. I read one chapter of your book in bed every night. My wife does the same. It’s ruined our sex life!”
Now, as you can imagine, I started using this anecdote in my presentations. And I’d follow it up by saying that I might be able to position this book in a marketing sense as:
“This book is better than sex.”
🎤 When Humor Builds on Humor
Now, remember that I CAPTURED the line from my friend, used it and then built on it.
I used that line a few more times, until one fateful day…
At a speaking event where I was promoting the book my wife was in the audience. The emcee, a good friend, got up after my presentation and said:
“ Conor, when you said this book is better than sex… Your wife was nodding in agreement!!.”
The Rodney Dangerfield line came to mind “I can’t get no respect!”
But what did I do. I captured that comment and continue to use it.
💡 Humor Tip: Build on Real Stories
This whole bit came about from real-life observations. A friend shared a quirky line in a pub. I remembered it. I reused it. I refined it. And then… the audience helped me improve it even further.
Humor doesn’t have to be written—it can be discovered. Listen, capture, and adapt. You’ll find your own “better than sex” moments (hopefully less controversial).
🛠 Bonus Resource!
Need a few ready-to-use lines for your next talk?
🎁 Download 53 Funny Quotes and Flubs to Add to ANY Presentation
👉 Click here to get the free guide
🎤 Final Thought
A great presentation isn’t just about content. It’s about connection. And humor—relevant, respectful, and relatable—can be the fastest route to trust.
With a smile,
Conor Cunneen
IrishmanSpeaks
Humorous Business Speaker | Purveyor of Smiles | Slightly Dangerous with a Microphone
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🛠 GET 53 Humorous Quotes & Flubs you can add to any presentation
Need a few ready-to-use lines for your talk?
🎁 Download 53 Humorous Quotes and Flubs to Add to ANY Presentation
👉 Click here to get the free guide to 53 Humorous Quotes & Flubs
Includes funny quotes from Mark Twain, Mayor Richard J. Daley “”The policeman is not here to create disorder. The policeman is here to preserve disorder,” Mother Teresa (honest), George Bernard Shaw, Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama and many more.
IrishmanSpeaks – Conor Cunneen (left) is a Chicago-based motivational, humorous business speaker who delights in adding humor in his presentations and helping others to do the same.
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