AFTER TELLING A JOKE, STAY QUIET AND DON'T MOVE.
by J.A. Gamache
Third place Champion at the 2001 Toastmasters International
World Championship of Public Speaking
When I first started out I wasn't comfortable with humour. I
was afraid of not being funny, and even more afraid that it
would show. When I'd tell a joke and the audience wouldn't
react right away, I'd quickly go on with my lines so no one
would notice that my joke had backfired. If this happens to
you, here's a tip. After telling your joke, stay quiet and
don't move.
When you look at professional comics, you'll notice that
after telling a joke, they usually go silent and don't move.
What are they doing? By remaining still and quiet they're
sending a non-verbal message to the audience that might
translate as, "Pay attention! I just said something
important, and I want you to think about it."
Without even realizing it, the audience obeys that silent
command. Everyone stops and thinks.
After a silence of barely a second or two, a wave of laughter
begins, building into a crescendo as everyone gets the joke.
Why is it so important for a comic to stand still at that
point? So that nothing distracts the audience as it ponders
on the joke. If the comic moves, the public's attention
reverts to him, and the joke no longer occupies their
thoughts.
But what happens if no one reacts when you go quiet? Continue
giving your lines, that's all. In the audience's mind you
simply made a pause. You'll be the only one to know that the
audience should have laughed during that part of the act.
Whether your joke works or not, it's important to stack all
the cards in your favour.
Try it. After telling the joke, stop talking and don't move.
The outcome may surprise you!
Happy speech!
©MMX J.A. Gamache www.jagamache.com. All rights reserved.
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