Jokes are small complete stories. Telling them well is an art form. We laugh each time and remember some forever, even if they’re as simple as, “Why did the chicken cross the road?”. They have a clear beginning, middle, and end, but delivering the punch line with perfect timing makes the difference between a successful storyteller or one who falls flat. Practicing telling jokes and increasing our repertoire even improves our storytelling ability.
There’s a recent rise in Dad Jokes. We love Dad so groan and laugh half-heartedly. The June 8, 2022, issue of Country Living US published the article, “145 Dad Jokes That Will Have the Whole Family Laughing”. Here are four:
“What did the ocean say to the beach?” “Nothing. It just waved.”
“I’m afraid for the calendar. Its days are numbered.”
“If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?” “Pilgrims.”
“I thought the dryer was shrinking my clothes. Turns out it was the refrigerator all along.”
The line dividing jokes from riddles can be almost invisible. I don’t know iron-clad definitions. Sometimes they cross over, and we enjoy both.
Instead of downloading a photo from the internet of someone laughing, here I’m sharing a funny story our library’s July 12th Author’s Chat. They’re booking me for two hours next time instead of one. I look forward to that.
The opening lines of jokes build our listeners’ anticipation. The middle content prepares hearers for disaster, and the well-delivered punch line wraps it up like a lovely gift and takes us home.
What about you? Do you have an all-time favorite joke? I’m not a dad, but trot out several I hope will make listeners laugh. I’m afraid this one is endless:
A Polish husband visits an attorney. “I think my wife is going to divorce me.”
“How do you know?”
“A bottle in her medicine cabinet says Polish Remover.”
“Does she have any grounds?”
“Ya. Two and a half acres.”
“I mean does she have reasons?
“Yes. Every morning with her cereal”. . .
It doesn’t stop. I know—I probably laugh harder than my audience.
It’s your turn. Share a favorite while keeping your ears tuned for more well-crafted jokes. Practice and watch your storytelling improve.
A merry heart is at least as good as medicine. I love jokes; I only wish I were better at remembering them!
Thanks for comment. I’d like to be close enough to hear you tell a joke. Maybe next summer . . .