How to Crack a Joke in Public
- "Once you get 'em laughing and their mouths open, you can stuff
something in." ~ Frances Harvey Green
Jokes are a great way to break the ice and establish rapport; however
they can do just the opposite, can’t they? The points below could
come in handy next time you take the plunge.
Before the moment of delivery:
Know your audience very well. This will help you to determine what is
appropriate, and what to steer clear of. As they say, “Different
strokes for different folks!”
You can test-drive your anecdote privately and see if it elicits a
good laugh or not. Share it in advance with a colleague, family or
friends and gauge its impact.
Harnessing the moment:
Do not read your joke. You need to establish full eye contact with
your audience – a solid connection. In any event, you should have
internalised it well enough to deliver it ‘from the heart.’
Do not warn your audience that you are about to unleash one. It’s
funnier, if they do not see it coming.
Do not start laughing before or during its delivery
Ensure that you are clear and audible enough otherwise they miss it
altogether
If your joke is successful:
Do not laugh louder than your audience. Do not gloat and brag about
your profound ‘gift of the gab’
Do not appear unsure or surprised that you got them laughing
Do not belabour the joke. Avoid elaborating and creating
mini-versions of it.
Allow them to laugh sufficiently, then speak on
If your joke flops:
Do not attempt to explain it to them
Do not repeat it or offer to fix it with another joke
Do not get angry at your audience for not laughing
Even if you think it, do not audibly question their intelligence
Do not air your frustration “You people did not get that, serious,
nobody smart enough to get it, seriously? Maybe it will dawn on you
later”
Take it in your stride, maintain your composure and speak on
Whatever happens, do not stop cracking jokes all together. Keep
cultivating a healthy sense of humour. With practice you will sharpen
this potent skill, and use it with all its valour!
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Hi Eroo !! Whats your Views on this ?