Creating Connections

In the buttoned-up world of corporate presentations, laughter is often the last thing on everyone’s mind. Yet according to Greg Schwem, The Corporate Comedian, injecting well-crafted humor into business settings isn’t just permissible—it’s powerful. Schwem has built his career proving that strategic humor can transform mundane meetings into memorable experiences. In this interview with I Need A Speaker, Schwem dismantles common misconceptions about comedy in corporate environments, while revealing how laughter can serve as both the spoonful of sugar and the medicine itself for companies seeking to engage their audiences in meaningful ways.

INAS: What’s the biggest misconception people have about incorporating humor into professional presentations?

GS: That the presentation is going to be demeaning, and belittle the topic, the organization and the audience. On the contrary…humor can be incredibly memorable and useful in making a point or reinforcing a belief or a concept.

INAS: When is humor inappropriate in a professional setting, and how can speakers recognize those boundaries?

GS: I don’t believe humor is ever “inappropriate.” I always am perplexed when companies say, “Sorry Greg but it’s just not a good time for us to be laughing now.” When is it NOT a good time to be laughing? However, I don’t believe it is appropriate to try and make jokes about sensitive subjects. For example, if a company has just laid off 20 percent of its workforce, it’s probably not a good idea to bust out a bunch of unemployment jokes.

INAS: Can you share a specific example of how you’ve seen humor transform an otherwise dry presentation?

GS: I was once hired by the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists to speak following a luncheon and recognition of a few police officers who specialized in arresting DUI subjects. Many audience members had tragically been affected by DUI; some had lost loved ones. I could tell many did not feel a comedian was an appropriate choice. I began my presentation by acknowledging this and then addressing those who had lost a friend or a relative to DUI. “Do you think they would want you to stop laughing? To never experience happiness again?” I could see audience members nodding in agreement. From then on, the discomfort in the room ended and I had an amazing show.

INAS: What’s your process for tailoring your comedy style to different corporate audiences and industries?

GS: I set up a Zoom call with my clients and also send out a questionnaire prior to the presentation. I want them to feel like they are a part of my creative process. I am not asking them to write my material for me; rather I want to know what topics the audience might think are funny and, more importantly, what topics are NOT funny.

INAS: How should speakers recover when a joke falls flat during a presentation?

GS: Do not draw attention to it because it shows nervousness and lack of confidence. In other words, don’t say something like, “Hey I’m not a comedian. What did you expect?” However, a funny line after a moment of silence from an audience can right the ship immediately. My “go to” line when a joke falls flat is, “Okay, that was a new joke and I REALLY appreciate your feedback.”

INAS: What specific benefits have you seen companies gain from hiring a professional comedian for their events?

GS: Humor is memorable..plain and simple. Also, it’s unexpected. Audience members at corporate events don’t expect to laugh so when they do hear a presentation that makes them laugh, they remember it. Also, many have a new appreciation for their employer. I want people to leave my presentations thinking, “This is a cool place to work because they hired THAT guy!”

INAS: How do you balance getting laughs with delivering substantive content and messaging?

GS: I incorporate PowerPoint into my presentations. It allows me to include screenshots from a company’s website and personalizes the presentation more. I can reference a company video or a product and then add some humorous content that is built around that image or video.

INAS: How has the role of humor in business presentations evolved throughout your career, and where do you see it heading?

GS: Obviously event planners are more cautious about including humor. They worry about offending audience members or hiring somebody who they later deem “politically incorrect.” But they are also realizing that attendees want more than just sitting in a ballroom listening to speakers drone on behind a podium. They want EXPERIENCES. Humor at a corporate event is an experience.

As workplace cultures continue evolving and attention spans grow increasingly fragmented, humor remains a timeless tool for cutting through the corporate noise. Schwem states that authentic, thoughtful humor creates connections that pie charts and bullet points alone cannot. Whether you’re presenting quarterly results or leading a team training, remember that laughter isn’t just a momentary diversion—it’s a powerful catalyst for memory, engagement, and human connection.

Contact I Need A Speaker to book Greg Schwem for your next event.

Authentic connection has become more valuable than ever, and mastering the art of trust-building from stage is essential for today’s speakers. Christy Renee Stehle, a magnetic storyteller and strategist, brings her decade of experience in content marketing and public speaking expertise to I Need A Speaker. Having captivated audiences at Mindvalley and beyond with her transformative approach to vulnerability and energy management, Christy is sharing how she builds trust through strategic storytelling that leaves audiences feeling personally addressed and deeply moved.

INAS: What do you believe are the universal elements of a trust-building presentation, regardless of the audience or setting?

1. Shared understanding 
2. Strategically positioned credibility 
3. Addressing objections before they’re spoken
4. Captivating and strategic story-weaving 
5. Personal stories that end with universal truths
6. Vulnerability & humor

INAS: How do you typically research an audience before speaking to ensure your content resonates with their specific concerns or interests?

CR: Research starts in the discovery call. Rather than coming to the meeting with a speaking program to pitch, I get curious. What has worked in the past? Where are they looking to go? What problems do they want solved? That way I’m able to focus my expertise on specific problems I know the audience has. From there, I’ve shared Google Forms before corporate leadership programs and interviews, where possible, are also a great way to go deeper. 

INAS: Can you describe a moment when you felt you truly connected with an audience, and what techniques contributed to that breakthrough?

CR: “And if you knew that crazy-impossible dream was waiting for you on the other side of fear, would you have the courage to face it?” 

The year was 2019, the location: Mindvalley University Main Stage in Pula, Croatia. I was nearing the end of my keynote and had a radical plan. After their guided meditation, I’d invite them to face their fear of public speaking by joining me on stage for a moment with the mic. Several attendees knew of my plan prior and had staunchly refused. “I’m sorry, Christy, I’m not going to do that. I can’t,” they’d told me. But I knew I would lead them through that transformation anyway, despite their fear and protests. Here’s how I led 40 people to breakthrough using my language, energy, and presence:

• Vulnerability: I opened up about things I was ashamed of, things I’d rather the world never know, and they trusted me deeply for it. To use vulnerability strategically, align it with the Hero’s Journey. Ex: I was here, then came the obstacle, now I’m transformed and on the other side, and here is the lesson I’ve learned. 
• 1st Person Storytelling with Universal Truth: Connection comes from shared understanding, so I didn’t just end my vulnerable share with the lesson I’d learned. When we share our in-the-moment experience and wrap it up with a universal truth that applies to us all, you create a chemical shift in your audience and they feel something. 
• Energy Management: This was the first day I had proof of what I’d long suspected—energy is transferable. In her post-event testimonial, one of the young women who faced her fear after she told me she wouldn’t said, “For the first time in 18 years, I took to the stage and faced my fear because Christy’s vulnerability and authenticity became mine, her courage became mine, her unimaginable power and strength became mine.” I walked the audience through my own journey with courage, feeling into the emotions of fear, courage, and triumph, and the audience was with me for the ride. 

INAS: What role does vulnerability or sharing personal experiences play in your approach to building trust with an audience?

CR: The deeper and more vulnerable we are as leaders, the deeper the trust from the audience. The trick is to make sure you’re healed from whatever it is you choose to open up about. If you aren’t 100% sure of the lesson you’ve learned from this “bad thing” you’re about to talk about, things could get messy.

INAS: How do you handle difficult questions or skepticism in a way that maintains audience trust rather than diminishing it?

CR: By being transparent. I’m quick to laugh at or make fun of myself, and I think that ability comes from confidence. Anyone who knows my journey knows I battled self-esteem issues and doubt for many years. But now? I know what I know and I’m okay with what I don’t. 

If I know the answer to the difficult question, I’ll share a story (along with my internal narrative at the time of the experience) and pair it with the lesson I learned and a universal truth. In times where I haven’t known the answer, I’ve admitted it and turned to the audience to share their POV. Trust breaks when we try to be something we aren’t. 

INAS: What non-verbal communication tactics have you found most effective for establishing credibility and connection?

CR: Only 7% of communication has to do with the words we speak. 38% comes from tone of voice, and a whopping 55% is categorized as “non-verbal.” I often close my trainings with, “Your energy tells your story before you ever even speak. What is your energy saying about you?” The energy we show up in has a profound effect on our ability to connect with and move an audience. I teach practices that open our hearts, clear our minds, and connect us to the present moment.

Whenever I share this, people inevitably tell me they don’t need to do energy rituals, that they show up ready and could do it on repeat. Yes and…Are you sure you’re creating a meaningful connection with your audience, or are you leading a one-way conversation? 

INAS: How do you structure your presentations to build trust progressively throughout your time with an audience?

CR: Storytelling is a great gift and passion of mine, and because of that, I like to weave stories together intricately. I’ll tie golden threads together throughout my presentation much in the way comedians incorporate “Easter Eggs.” This style keeps them on the edge of their seats, and when an audience is captivated, they are invested; they trust. 

Outside of that, it’s always a good idea to incorporate some reasons to trust you at the beginning. Not in stodgy language like, “you should trust me because…” but by connecting to what your audience cares about and giving them reasons to care about you. Addressing their objections before they’re spoken also goes a long way in establishing trust. You know what they’re thinking and beat them to the punch. 

INAS: What differences have you noticed in building connection with in-person versus virtual audiences?

CR: I find virtual to be much harder to get that same tether of connection. Energy still transfers through the screen, it’s why we feel things watching great movies, and there are plenty of tricks to make virtual presentations more engaging. But when I’m in person, I can feel the energy of the room and meditate on the question, “What messages will be most impactful today? What do they need to hear?” I’ve changed parts of my presentations in-the-moment countless times because I feel led by the energy, facial expressions, and body language of the audience. 

That said, I’ve received powerful testimonials from virtual speaking engagements, but the tether of connection only went one way. They felt it; I didn’t. 

INAS: How do you adapt your trust-building approach when speaking to audiences from different cultural backgrounds? 

CR: I’m fortunate that my younger self was courageous enough to sell my house and everything I owed to live across 35 countries as a digital nomad. This experience gave me my biggest education relating to connection and community. 

What I learned is that there are certain human truths that connect us all. I’ve spoken in front of audiences with as many as 10+ countries represented, and the same “formula” of first-person storytelling plus a universal truth still lands. The lessons I talk about aren’t surface level, they’re deep and human. 

INAS: What common mistakes do you see speakers make that unintentionally damage audience trust, and how can they be avoided?

CR: If you find yourself leaning on facts and information more than personal experience, you’re preventing your audience from feeling a meaningful connection with you. Use statistics to support your stories. 

Opening with information will glue them to their phones while you speak instead of gluing them to you. Audiences connect through emotion, not information. Tell stories about yourself, tell stories about others, use facts to back those findings up. There is an art to strategic story weaving, and when done correctly, your audience will tell you they felt like you were speaking directly to them, that they felt like the only person in the room. 

INAS: Any other general advice for planners, speakers, or even audience members?

CR: If you’re paying attention to trends and new research, you’ll see that from the start of 2025, planners are seeking speakers who give attendees what they want: a break from cookie-cutter presentations of the past. 

As a speaker, let this be your invitation to show up more fully. How can you provide a more connected experience as you lead from stage? How can you encourage moments of connection between audience members, between the audience and yourself? Can you identify parts of your talk that are too informational or can be deepened with vulnerability? 

In this disrupted era, consumers are demanding a beautiful thing. In response to the rise of AI, studies show we all want more authentic personal connection than ever before. Let’s give it to them. 

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As we navigate an era where audiences crave authentic human connection more than ever, Christi’s approach offers a refreshing alternative to information-heavy presentations. Her formula of vulnerability, first-person storytelling, and universal truths creates experiences that resonate across diverse audiences and cultural backgrounds.

Whether you’re planning your next event, hoping to elevate your speaking career, or simply seeking to connect more deeply with others, Christy’s insights remind us that true impact comes not from what we say, but how we make people feel. To bring Christy’s magnetic energy and transformative storytelling strategies to your next event, contact I Need a Speaker today.

Gen Z sometimes gets a bad rap in the workplace—labeled as lazy or disloyal. But are these stereotypes accurate? We’re getting the inside scoop with from Luke Goetting about Gen Z in the workforce.

Luke Goetting is a leading Future of Work expert and global keynote speaker who has captivated audiences at TEDx, DisruptHR, the AI & Agile Summit, and hundreds of events worldwide. Specializing in emerging workforce dynamics and employee engagement through his firm LTG Strategy, Luke provides organizations with actionable strategies to navigate the rapidly evolving workplace landscape.

Today, we’re diving in with Luke to talk about the surprising realities of Gen Z employees, their entrepreneurial spirit, and what truly motivates them.

What assumptions do people typically make about Gen Z in the workforce?

I find it fascinating – and a bit ironic – that Gen Z is often labeled as ‘lazy and entitled’ when research shows up to 70% of them have side hustles. As I share in my keynotes, they’re actually on track to be the most entrepreneurial generation we’ve seen! I think there’s this persistent narrative that ‘Gen Z doesn’t want to work,’ but what I’ve observed is that they’re actually incredibly driven – they just approach work differently. They’re seeking purpose-driven opportunities and continuous growth rather than just climbing the traditional corporate ladder.

What’s the most surprising insight you’ve gained about Gen Z workers that contradicts popular assumptions?

The biggest eye-opener for me has been realizing that Gen Z’s job-hopping isn’t about disloyalty – it’s often completely rational economic behavior. During the Great Resignation, workers who changed jobs saw average salary increases of 20%. But here’s what’s really interesting: 3 out of 4 Gen Zers say they’d stay longer at companies that provide learning and growth opportunities. So despite being labeled as ‘digital natives’ who prefer everything virtual, they deeply value in-person mentorship and development. They want to grow, they want to learn – they just need to see that pathway clearly.

What key changes or approaches do you see as non-negotiable for companies wanting to retain young talent?

Based on my experience speaking with over 50 organizations in the past year, three elements are absolutely critical. First, leading with ‘why’ – Gen Z needs to understand how their work connects to broader purpose and impact. Second, transparent career mapping – I often share the story of my cousin who analyzes his career progress almost quarterly, which really illustrates how Gen Z approaches career development. And third, what I call the ‘career jungle gym’ approach – providing flexibility not just in where work happens, but in how employees can explore different roles and skills within the organization. Companies that nail these three elements tend to see significantly better retention rates.

How can companies maintain human connection and engagement in a digital environment?

I’ve found that engagement is all about breaking down those traditional barriers. In my own presentations, I use tools like Slido for real-time interaction and never go more than 10-15 minutes without audience participation. Companies can apply these same principles to their digital workplace. Create ‘day in the life’ video content featuring relatable employees rather than just executive messaging. Embrace what I call ‘influencer leadership’ – where leaders act more like micro-influencers, sharing regular, authentic updates about projects and company direction. It’s about making digital interactions feel more human and less corporate.

What inspired you to focus on workplace dynamics and generational differences?

After running my communications agency Puffingston Presentations for over a decade, I kept seeing this disconnect between how companies were trying to communicate and how Gen Z preferred to engage. But what really motivated me was watching history repeat itself – seeing the same criticisms being recycled about Gen Z that were once aimed at millennials. Having a Gen Z sister myself, I felt compelled to highlight their unique strengths and advocate for workplace evolution. It’s not about catering to one generation, but about creating better workplaces for everyone. I’ve now spoken at over 50 organizations in the past year, from TEDx to events in Poland and Australia, and the enthusiasm for building these bridges between generations is universal!

How can event planners create experiences that appeal to Gen Z workers?

I’ve found the key is active engagement rather than passive consumption. As I shared in my recent Meetings Today interview, the traditional event format where the most energetic thing you do is walk between meeting rooms just doesn’t cut it. Gen Z expects to be participants, not just spectators. I recommend breaking content into 15-minute segments with built-in interaction points – whether that’s audience polling, small group discussions, or collaborative problem-solving activities. Remember, we’re talking about a generation that’s used to being able to comment, share, and engage with content in real-time.

What event formats have you seen most successfully engage younger audiences?

From a keynote perspective, one of my favorite approaches is a choose-your-own-adventure style – where I let the audience vote on which content areas they want to explore next. I’ve used this successfully in my presentations worldwide, from Poland to Australia. Another effective format is incorporating what I call ‘Lightning Previews’ – quick 20-second overviews of different topics before diving deeper into what resonates most with the audience. The key is giving attendees agency in shaping their learning experience, rather than following a rigid dictation.

Beyond individual sessions, I’ve seen several event formats really resonate with younger audiences. First, what I call ‘experiential learning tracks’ – where attendees can choose between different themed journeys through the conference. Instead of just sitting through back-to-back sessions, they might participate in hands-on workshops, site visits, and collaborative problem-solving sessions all centered around a specific industry challenge or skill set.

Another format that’s proven incredibly effective is the ‘internal side hustle marketplace’ – something I often discuss in my talks. This is where you dedicate part of the event to attendees showcasing their own innovative projects or ideas. It taps into Gen Z’s entrepreneurial spirit – remember, about 70% of them have side hustles – while creating organic networking opportunities.

I’ve also seen great success with ‘reverse mentoring roundtables’ where younger professionals lead discussions with more experienced attendees about emerging trends, especially around technology and social impact. This approach validates Gen Z’s expertise while facilitating meaningful cross-generational dialogue.

And finally, incorporating what I call ‘impact accelerators’ – dedicated time blocks where attendees work in small groups to solve real-world industry challenges or contribute to social causes. This speaks directly to Gen Z’s desire for purpose-driven work and immediate impact. At a recent conference in Australia, I saw teams develop actionable solutions for sustainability challenges within their industry – the energy in the room was incredible because participants could see the direct connection between their event experience and creating positive change.

What specific elements help keep virtual Gen Z and millennial attendees actively participating?

During my presentations, I never go more than 10-15 minutes without an audience participation moment. I’m a huge advocate for tools like Slido or Mentimeter that allow attendees to participate through polls, word clouds, and Q&As. What’s particularly powerful about these tools is the anonymity factor – I’ve found many audience members are more likely to ask challenging or thoughtful questions when they can do so anonymously (especially for internal meetings). Also, don’t underestimate the power of the chat function. In my experience, a well-moderated chat can create a vibrant parallel conversation that keeps virtual attendees deeply engaged.

How can event planners reimagine networking sessions?

Based on my experience speaking at over 50 organizations in the past year, I’ve seen that Gen Z responds best to structured networking with clear purposes and outcomes. Instead of traditional ‘mix and mingle’ sessions, consider creating themed discussion groups around specific industry challenges or shared interests. One technique I’ve used successfully is gamifying the networking experience – creating specific objectives or ‘missions’ that attendees need to accomplish through their interactions. This adds purpose to the networking while maintaining that element of play that Gen Z appreciates.

What can speakers do to make their presentations age-inclusive?

First, embrace what I call ‘modular content’ – having different content pieces ready to adapt to your audience’s interests and engagement level. In my own presentations, I use audience response systems to let attendees vote on which topics they want to explore next. Second, incorporate real-time feedback mechanisms. Gen Z is used to being able to react and respond instantly, so build in opportunities for them to do so. Finally, focus on storytelling that includes diverse perspectives – not just executive success stories, but also early-career victories and challenges. As I often say in my talks, Gen Z doesn’t want to hear how the CEO climbed the corporate ladder 30 years ago – they want relatable stories from people just a few steps ahead of them on their journey.

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