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A speaker friend tells me that the toughest audience is a serous one. "If you can't get them to relax," he moans, "you can't get them to learn."

He's right, of course. But should you begin a presentation with some silly joke you just heard$%: That's risky...because what's funny to you may fall flat on the ears of a young, old, or diverse crowd.

How about a personal anecdote$%: This works for me... providing that story relates to my topic, or humorously points out a problem my presentation might solve.

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Over the years I've found several ways to work "laugh lines" into a training session or presentation. They're the result of about 20 years facing serious groups, and slowly warming them up, changing frowns to smiles. So, here are five techniques you might try:

1. Comment about the weather - Yeah, it's an overworked subject, but it's reasonably non-offensive and universally shared. Example: "Wow, it was so hot outside this morning even my coffee cup was sweating."

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2. Begin with a question - Here's one of mine: "How many of you here today have heard me speak before$%: How many of you are surprised I got invited back$%:"

3. Offer a positive comparative. Sometimes I'll make a positive reference to the location of the event. Example: "I love the high-tech equipment in this room. Last month in another location I asked the convention manager if he could play a DVD, and he said, "No, but once in high school I played Romeo."

4. Triads - Ever notice that lots of jokes begin, "There were these three guys...$%:" For some reason, folks recall references that come in sets of three. Here's an example I use: "There are three ways to help you remember the information I'll provide this morning. First, you can write it down. Second, you can record it. Or third, you can just wait a few minutes, because my wife says I repeat myself at least once an hour."

5. Make fun of yourself. Personally, I'll often call attention to my haircut. Example: "Yesterday I told my barber I'd be speaking here, and asked him how he could improve my hair. He said 'I don't sell wigs.'"

Remember, the first few moments of a presentation are for establishing contact with the audience. For me, humor helps tremendously. Laughter warms up a room, and provides a relaxed environment to present ideas.