In Jason Reynolds' 2018 Lesley University speech, he uses humor to charm his audience. One bit of humor that helps him connect with the audience is when he talks about his mother's reaction to him being an author. He shares a story about how his mother was not initially impressed with his career choice and wanted him to pursue a more traditional profession like becoming a lawyer or a doctor. This humorous anecdote about his mother's reaction lightens the mood and makes the audience laugh, helping Reynolds establish a friendly and relatable rapport with the listeners. By incorporating personal stories and humor, Reynolds engages the audience and makes his speech more engaging and memorable.