In the October Issue of Toastmaster Magazing, writer Judy Carter provides a few rules to follow when adding humor to your speech:
> Never Use a Joke You Didn't Write. Be creative and original when writing in jokes. Make sure the jokes fit the rest of your sppech content and don't steal jokes from other writers.
> Don't Add Off-Topic "Funny" Stories to Your Speech. Stay on track with your speech's message. If you have a funny story to add but it does not align with the main message, don't add it in.
> Look for Landmines in ADVANCE! Be aware of who will be in your audience and don't assume that your punch lines will pack the same punch on every audience member. Consider the diverse backrounds, religious, political, ethnic and moral beliefs.
> Keep It Clean. If it's sexual, scatological, or disguesting, it would be best to leave it out.
Source: Toastmaster Magazine October 2012
