What criteria for supporting material does starting a speech with a humorous story potentially violate?

When starting a speech with a humorous story, the criterion of suitability is particularly significant. Suitability refers to how appropriate the supporting material is for the audience and the context of the topic being addressed. If the topic at hand is serious or sensitive, beginning with humor may not align with the audience's expectations or the tone required for effective communication.

Humorous stories can engage the audience and set a friendly atmosphere, but if they do not match the subject matter or are misaligned with the audience's values and experiences, they can undermine the speaker's efforts to establish a connection and convey the intended message. Therefore, ensuring that the material is suitable helps maintain respect for the audience and reinforces the overall effectiveness of the speech.